Veggie stock is versatile and SO cheap. You literally use trash.

Save the waste you create from chopping veggies (like onions, celery, carrots, apples, pears, green beans, etc but NOT cruciferous veggies like broccoli and NOT peppers) in a plastic bag in the freezer. When the bag is about 1/2 to 3/4 full, put the contents into a big stock pot with water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and simmer till it smells good and has turned a deep brown color. Voila! Veggie stock for FREE! Plus, you just kept waste out of the landfill. Look at you! Saving the earth. Your mother would be proud.