Momma In The Mitten

February always feels like a quieter month — the pause after the holidays, when winter is still very much here and routines finally settle back in. Instead of jumping into big resets or drastic changes, I’m using this month to focus on something simple, practical, and foundational:

building a better-stocked pantry, one dry mix at a time.

Throughout February, I’ll be sharing homemade dry pantry mixes that replace common store-bought packets and boxes — things like seasoning blends, baking mixes, and soup bases that many of us already use on repeat. These are the kinds of mixes you reach for on busy weeknights or slow weekend mornings, and they’re often made from ingredients you already have.

The goal isn’t to overhaul everything overnight. It’s to slowly create a pantry that works with your life — where the basics are already made and waiting when you need them.

Each recipe will be published individually throughout the month, and I’ll update this post as they go live so you can easily click through, save what you want, and skip what doesn’t make sense for your household.

This is very much a start-where-you-are kind of project.

Why Start With Dry Mixes?

If you’ve ever flipped over the back of a seasoning packet or baking mix, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: most of them are made from the same core ingredients, just combined in slightly different ways.

Things like:

• Flour
• Sugar or brown sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder or soda
• Spices
• Dried herbs

Once you realize that, making your own dry mixes starts to feel a lot more doable.

Instead of buying a new packet every time you want pancakes, tacos, ranch, or cornbread, you can slowly build a pantry where those mixes are already there — homemade, customizable, and often more cost-effective in the long run.

And just as important: you’re not locked into perfection. If you still grab a store-bought mix sometimes, that’s okay. This isn’t about never using convenience foods again — it’s about having options.

Slow Swaps Over Perfection

This isn’t a “throw everything out and start from scratch” approach. It’s about choosing one or two easy swaps and letting the rest come together over time.

Maybe that’s:

• Taco seasoning you use weekly
• Pancake mix for weekend breakfasts
• A “cream of anything” base

Small changes add up, and starting with dry mixes keeps this from turning into another project that feels overwhelming before it even gets off the ground.

What I’ll Be Sharing This Month

Throughout February, I’ll be sharing simple dry pantry recipes you can make ahead and keep on hand. Many of these use overlapping ingredients, so you’re not buying something new for every single mix.

I’ll update this list with clickable links as each recipe goes live:

• Ranch Dressing
• Taco Seasoning
• Pancake Mix
• Brownie Mix
• Cornbread/muffin Mix
• “Cream of anything”
• Chicken Bouillon
• Beef Bouillon

📌 Tip: Bookmark this post and come back throughout the month — it’ll act as a running hub for the whole pantry-stocking series.

A Pantry That Works For You

Pantry stocking isn’t about doing things perfectly or following someone else’s rules. It’s about making everyday cooking feel a little easier and a little calmer.

Some days that looks like homemade mixes stored in glass jars.

Other days it looks like takeout, frozen pizza, or whatever gets everyone fed — and both can exist at the same time.

That balance is exactly what I mean when I talk about being morally grey crunchy.

If You’re New Here

If you’re new around here — or if you missed it — I recently shared a post about what I call my morally grey crunchy approach to home life. It’s less about labels and perfection, and more about finding balance that actually works: homemade when it makes sense, convenience when it doesn’t, and no guilt either way.

That mindset is really the foundation for this whole pantry-stocking month. Some of these mixes might become staples in your kitchen, and some might not — and that’s okay.

If you want to follow along as new recipes go live throughout February (plus cozy meals, pantry ideas, and everyday life in between), make sure you’re following here on the blog and on social.

February is for building foundations — slowly, realistically, and in a way that fits real life. ❤️