Hey Lykkers! Time for some kitchen real talk: ever notice how some grocery store staples are ridiculously overpriced for what’s basically sugar and a few questionable ingredients? Case in point: strawberry jam and peanut butter.

You’re paying extra for stuff you can totally make yourself—fresh, homemade, and with zero junk! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up both these essentials with no preservatives or weird additives. Ready to ditch the store-bought versions? Let’s dive in!

1. Strawberry Chia Jam (Tastes like summer, made in minutes)

We love store-bought jam for its convenience, but here’s what it doesn’t have: fresh, real berry flavor. Most commercial jams are packed with sugar and cooked until all the good stuff is gone.

This version? No refined sugar, no canning, and thanks to chia seeds—it thickens naturally. It’s fresh, fast, and completely fridge-friendly.

What You’ll Need:

- 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)

- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

- 2 tbsp chia seeds

- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional but awesome)

How to Make It:

1. Add your strawberries to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until they start to break down and release their juices.

2. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the softened berries—keep it chunky for texture or mash it smooth if you prefer a silky jam.

3. Stir in the chia seeds and sweetener. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes.

4. Turn off the heat, add vanilla if using, and let it cool. It’ll thicken beautifully as it rests.

5. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Use It On: Toast, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, pancakes, or just straight from the spoon. We won’t judge.

2. Homemade Peanut Butter (So creamy, it might ruin store-bought for you)

Here’s where things get even easier. Want smooth, spreadable peanut butter with no sugar, no palm oil, and no mystery ingredients? Grab a bag of roasted peanuts and your food processor. That’s it.

What You’ll Need:

- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)

- Optional: a pinch of salt, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a splash of oil for extra creaminess

How to Make It:

1. Add peanuts to your food processor. Hit blend.

2. Let it run for 5–7 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides if needed. First, it’ll turn into crumbs, then a paste, and finally silky peanut butter magic.

3. Taste and add salt or sweetness if you want. Blend again to mix it in.

4. Scoop into a jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Use It For: Sandwiches, smoothies, sauces, baking, or honestly—on a spoon at midnight.

Why This Matters

Homemade doesn’t have to mean hard. In just a few minutes, you’ve made two clean, crave-worthy pantry staples for a fraction of the price. You control the ingredients, the flavor, and the vibe.

So next time you’re tempted to toss the jar of peanut butter in your cart—pause. You’ve got this, Lykkers.

Need ideas on how to use your homemade goods or want more DIY kitchen wins? You know where to find me.

Let’s keep things simple and delicious.