WE AMERICANS spend a lot of money in the name of convenience. But when it comes to food, we often sacrifice flavor and quality in an effort to save a few minutes. Here are five food and drink staples you're better off making yourself.

Chai If you're a fan of this spiced tea, save yourself $3 at the cafe and mix up some loose-leaf black tea, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and any other spices you like.

Cocktail Sauce Ketchup and horseradish make cocktail sauce. There's no need to buy a bottle of the stuff.

Granola The store-bought stuff is never as good as you want it to be and it's too pricey. Bake up your own batch of oats, nuts, seeds, honey and dried fruit.

Margarita Mix Don't do it. Buy fresh lime and Triple Sec instead.

Salad Dressing Oil + vinegar + a few herbs = salad dressing. It's that easy.

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