Mormon Life - Preparedness

Mixing It Marvelous

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Turn those gallons of stored water in to a variety of delicious beverages! With these options, your family won’t be wanting for variety. If you are like me, you have gallons of water stored for your family. But, if your family is like mine, you'll realize quickly that they won't want to drink just plain water all the time. Well, they won't have to, because there are so many different powdered drink mixes available to help transform your water storage into a myriad of beverage possibilities!

We've already discussed powdered milk, since milk is such an important part of our diet and is also essential for many recipes. Milk is a wonderful nutrient-rich beverage and a mainstay of many family's diets. But milk-like drinks are available for lactose intolerant families, too, such as Creamy Select Drink Mixes. Creamy Select comes in three delicious flavors: vanilla, strawberry, and banana. All are dairy based, yet lactose free!

If you are interested in more than milk, you'll find that there are several delicious, fortified drink mixes available. Each serving packs a full day's worth of vitamin C! Imagine mixing up a pitcher of crisp flavored apple drink. Or maybe you're envisioning a morning with a tall class of orange drink mix? There's also sweet and smooth peach drink mix to tickle those taste buds!

With the cold weather just around the corner, you might be looking forward to a warm mug of hot chocolate. Provident Pantry's Gourmet Creamy Hot Chocolate mix is smooth, delicious and made with real cocoa. There is even Gourmet Mint Truffle Hot Chocolate available, which can add a holiday twist to a winter favorite. Aren't you ready for a mug right now?

These mixes are wonderful at any time, but there are a few reasons why they are particularly great for food storage. First, they add variety storage. Like I mentioned before, my family would get pretty sick of drinking just plain water every day! Also, if you need to use your emergency-stored water, you might find it to taste a little flat or stale. Grab a mixer pitcher, mix up your water and one of these delicious powders, and your family will is likely to be more than content with the results!

Purification tablets, needed to ensure water purity in an emergency, might also add an odd flavor. This may require some extra flavor to mask the aftertaste.

Last of all, these mixes also add extra calories and nutrients to your family's diet. So don't hesitate to add a few of these items to your food storage pantry. Enjoy mixing it marvelous!

Just Beat It

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The fragile egg doesn’t need to be left off your preparedness list! If you choose to store dehydrated or freeze dried egg products, then you can still beat it! If you haven't learned about dehydrated or freeze dried eggs, then you are in for a surprise. As far as ease and versatility, they can't be beat! But, first of all, you must familiarize yourself with the different types of canned egg products.

Whole Eggs are just that - 100 percent whole eggs solids. These are perfect for baking and can be used in any recipe requiring eggs. You can still whip up your famous pancake mix, cake mix, or cookie dough recipe using whole dehydrated eggs. It's as simple as adding 2 tablespoons of dried eggs to equal 1 fresh egg. Then, when you add the wet ingredients, just add the equal amounts water to reconstitute. It's that easy!

Scrambled Egg Mix is a combination of three dehydrated ingredients: eggs, non-fat milk, and vegetable oil. You simply add water and scramble. Imagine adding some freeze-dried mushrooms, onions, and peppers to create a tasty and nutritious omelet. Bet you didn't imagine eating that in an emergency.

You can also purchase Dehydrated Egg Whites, which can be used just like regular egg whites once reconstituted. And yes, your favorite lemon meringue pie can be accomplished with dried egg products! I've got your wheels turning now, don't I?

Freeze-Dried Eggs have already been cooked, so they are simple as can be; you just add hot water, and voila! Could it get any easier than that? Don't hesitate to use these for family camping trips and maybe even those hectic weekday mornings.

You can keep making all those wonderful recipes that call for fresh eggs by simply substituting dried eggs products. With the array of products available, you are sure to find just the right eggs for your family's needs. So, consider opening up a can of freeze dried or dehydrated eggs - you'll find they are easy, versatile, tasty, and just plain hard to beat. (Or should I say, easy to beat?)

Just Beat It

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

I Think I Can

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want to enjoy that summer bounty long after the season ends? You can! Last week we discussed using a food dehydrator to help you store some of the bounty of harvest time. This week, our preparedness journey will take us to the Land of Canning. I know, many of you are going to stop reading right here. Perhaps you believe that canning is only for your mother's generation, or that it is way too hard to accomplish. Well, if you have the right tools, canning can be fun and provide you with some delicious food storage from your own kitchen!

There are a few guidelines you need to know. There are different types of home canning. These include hot water bath, steam canning, and pressure canning. Hot water bath and steam canning are wonderful methods for foods that are high in acid, mainly fruit. Both hot water bath and steam canning are not recommended for vegetables or meat. Pressure canning, which is the safest method, is to be used for vegetables and meats, as they require a much higher temperature to be safely preserved.

If you have your own trees, or if you have access to a source of low-priced fruits, then home canning can be a cost effective form of preserving with a few hints and recommendations. The initial investment in cans and a canner may seem prohibitive, but you will be able to reuse the canner, cans, and rims for years to come if properly sanitized. The lids must be purchased new with each round of canning as the seal will be bad once the lid is opened.

You have a few different choices when it comes to preparing your produce. You can slice, dice, or puree your fruit. If you'd like to puree your fruit, you might want to consider a food strainer or a food processor to help make your job a little easier. You can choose whether to seal the food in water or in sugar syrup. You can even choose whether to pack in light, medium, or heavy syrup. Each fruit requires different times. Your canner will come with a list of preparation instructions and boil times for the produce you are using. Be sure you follow the instructions included with your canner to insure you get the proper seal for your produce.

With the right tools, a little time and effort, you can reap the huge benefits of canning and feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment as you gaze at a shelf full of produce you prepared. Not to mention that fact that you no longer will be saying "I think I can" for you can replace that with a new mantra: "I know I can!"

Dry DIY

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Did you know that you can dehydrate some of your own foods at home? Get ready for this Dry DIY (do-it-yourself)! Our preparedness journey has helped us discover many different food storage options. With harvest season on the horizon, it's time to think about preserving some of your own foods. Today we'll help you find the right tools to dry some of your bounty; be it home grown, a gift from the neighbors, or even purchased from the farmer's market!

Drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. In short, it is simply removing moisture from foods while exposing it to heat and moving air. There are three primary ways to dry food. Sun drying, oven-drying, and using a food dehydrator.

Sun drying is ideal for fruits such as apricots, peaches, grapes, and figs. It requires several dry hot days in a row (85 degrees or higher). Simply spread thin pieces of fruit in shallow pan and cover with cheesecloth to keep the bugs out.

Oven drying food is similar to sun drying; it just uses the oven instead of the sun. Set the temperature between 130-150 degrees depending on your oven. The drying time will vary based on the size and specific food being dried. There are a few precautions for sun and oven food dehydration. You must keep an eye on the food. If the temperature is too low or the humidity too high, your food could dry too slowly or even spoil. If it is too hot, you could cook the fruit on the outside while the inside remains moist and vulnerable to mold or microorganisms.

Commercial food dehydrators offer a controlled drying environment. They provide a constant, ideal temperature along with heated air that is circulated throughout the dryer. Many food dehydrators offer tray liners so you can dry small sticky foods or even make fruit leathers which are a tasty, inexpensive, and healthy alternative to store purchased fruit snacks. You can also make your own beef jerky in a dehydrator!

Along with the various foods you can dry, think of being able to dry while you're away at work, doing other chores, or even asleep! There is minimal worry or fuss involved when you use a food dehydrator, especially when paired with a great and informative instruction booklet with recipes and how-to's that will help you create a bountiful harvest of dried foods in your own kitchen.

After drying your food, be sure to cool it to room temperature and follow the packaging how-to's we discussed last week, using plastic bags, Snapware, or other airtight containers. Enjoy back packing and camping with your own dried fruits and meats or simply store it away for later months when the sweet taste of summer's harvest will brighten a cold day!

Drying your own foods can be simple and fun by following this simple Dry DIY!

Serve and Preserve

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want to serve some of those great food storage recipes we’ve discussed, but worried about how to keep that food fresh longer? It’s time to discuss some great storage options! I know there are many of you out there who are hesitant about using your food storage. You've read the previous articles about trying out some new recipes, or learning to make bread, but that's where you lose the nerve. You can't seem to get the gumption to open that can of milk, or pry the lid off that bucket. You're afraid that there will be no going back - that within a short time you will have lost the shelf life of your product, and as we can all agree, shelf life is a big deal in the world of food storage. If this sounds familiar, then this article is for you!

Shelf life is dependent on a few variables - most especially heat, oxygen, light, and moisture. The less heat, oxygen, light, and moisture your product is exposed to, the longer it will last.

Recent studies show that fluctuation in temperature is the biggest culprit when it comes to decreased shelf life. So, if you can keep your food at a stable temperature, in an airtight container, away from moisture and light, you will have the most success in preserving your food. Studies also show that most dehydrated foods can last up to a year after opening, if stored well. Here are a few ideas on how to store that opened can or bucket:

Put the product in a zip top plastic bag squeezing all the air out or use a commercial sealer and store the food back in the can with the lid on.
Pour the product into Snapware containers, which create an airtight environment and are attractive and easy to use on a regular basis. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, easily able to accommodate almost any food storage item you wish!
Metalized plastic bags can be purchased to put food in, and you can even seal them yourself with an iron at home! These bags can be put inside buckets for extra protection. They are a solid barrier to odors, which makes the bucket/bag combination nearly impervious to rodents. They are also wonderful at keeping out moisture and light.
Gamma Seals are lids made especially for buckets that enable you to open the bucket with a simple twist of the seal. It allows you to get into the bucket, without having to pry off the lid. I use a Gamma Seal on my bucket of wheat, so I can get to it easily, yet keep the lid on therefore protecting it from any pests.

As you can see, you have several options when it comes to helping preserve those precious food storage items once you have opened them. Hopefully you can banish your fears and feel more confident that you too can serve and preserve your food storage items!

The Joy of Soy

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Would you be interested in a meat substitute that not only was cost effective, but also healthy and tastes great? The answer is a product made from soybeans called Textured Vegetable Protein! Obviously, the long name may sound intimidating, but Textured Vegetable Protein is simply a meat substitute made from the soybean. You've likely noticed how many health foods are beginning to incorporate it into their products. But, you might not know that for many years this healthy bean has been used to make amazing meat substitutes. The soybean is first ground into flour which is then formed into any texture or size needed and flavored to make imitation ground beef, ham, and even sausage and chicken!

Sound too good to be true? Well, chances are you have already tried Textured Vegetable Protein at one time or another. Most bacon bits used on salads and potatoes are made of this meat substitute and many convenience and fast foods use it as a meat extender. It is more economical than meat; in fact, even the cheapest cuts of meat may be more expensive than the average serving of Textured Vegetable Protein. It is significantly lower in fat than red meat and contains healthier fat, since it is vegetable based. It is also lower in cholesterol, has fewer calories, and provides your family with protein, fiber, vitamins, and calcium!

Now that you know a little more about this fascinating product it's time to know why Textured Vegetable Protein is suited for food storage. First of all, Textured Vegetable Protein has a long shelf life. It is canned with an oxygen absorber and when properly stored can last over five years and after opening, if kept covered and cool, will remain on your shelf for up to six months. It only needs refrigeration after it is rehydrated, which makes it incredibly convenient for even everyday meals!

Don't want the mess and bother that comes with cooking real meat? Textured Vegetable Protein is easy to prepare. Simply simmer the dehydrated product in water for ten minutes and it is ready to go! There is no need to worry that your food storage budget will prevent you from making your family members their favorite meat dishes. Not only can you use Textured Vegetable Protein as a meat substitute, it can also be used as a meat extender. Do you have only two pounds of ground beef and need three? Supplement with Textured Vegetable Protein! You don’t have to sacrifice taste for budget when you incorporate it into your food storage pantry.

If you aren't exactly sure how you would use this meat substitute, consider these ideas. Sausage and Ham Textured Vegetable Protein is delicious in quiche and casseroles. Add it to gravy over biscuits, use it as a topping on pizza, or add it to your scrambled eggs. Taco Textured Vegetable Protein can be used for all your Mexican meals like burritos, tacos, and Nachos. Lasagna, Chili, and Spaghetti will be simple to make with the Beef Textured Vegetable Protein. Use the Chicken Textured Vegetable Protein to make all your delicious casseroles, sandwiches and soups.

Don't waste another minute worrying about how to incorporate meat into your food storage menu. The answer is simple, Textured Vegetable Protein is economical, healthy and simple to prepare. It is a meat substitute that will help you see that there's joy to be had when using soy!

Rolling in the Dough

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Do you think that homemade whole wheat bread is out of your reach? Think again! With a few simple tips and this straightforward recipe, your home will soon be filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. If you are like me, homemade bread is one of the most intimidating things about food storage. For those if you who grew up making bread, this may seem a little ridiculous, but there was a time when I was terrified of yeast. It's true! Any recipe that called for yeast and kneading, and heaven forbid "rising," was seemingly out of my reach and usually sent me out to buy the store-made equivalent. Then, one day I decided it had been long enough, and I began to "rise" to the occasion!

A few internet searches and several botched loaves later, I found a recipe that works for me every time. It's simple, requires only a handful of ingredients, and makes a whopping six loaves. (After all, who wants to put all that effort into making bread if you can't send a loaf over to your neighbors and then bask in their praise?)

I wish I could credit the brilliant chef who developed this recipe, because they deserve the glory, but I simply wrote the recipe on a grocery list scrap paper many years ago and it has been in my recipe index ever since:

6 cups hot tap water
3 tablespoons yeast
2/3 cup oil
2/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons Dough Enhancer
16-20 cups Whole Wheat Flour

I use my Bosch Universal Mixer for this recipe, but it can be done by hand. Obviously, you'll be doing a lot of kneading if you do it by hand and it will take more time, but the results will be worth the effort! Begin by combining the 6 cups of hot tap water with 3 tablespoons of yeast and only 2 cups of the whole wheat flour. Mix and allow to "sponge" for 15 minutes. If your yeast is good, the mixture should be foamy and smelling yeasty. At this point, go ahead and add all the additional ingredients except the remainder of the flour. I always add my oil first, so the honey will not stick to the measuring cup. I use Dough Enhancer to help make the loaves lighter and fluffier.

Once all the ingredients are in the mixer, you can begin adding the flour, 1 cup at a time. One of the biggest mistakes first time bakers make is adding too much flour. The dough should not stick to your finger if you poke it, but it should not be dry either. The fresher the flour, the less time spent kneading the dough. It usually takes 15 minutes or so in the Bosch at speed 1. You know the dough is ready when you can stretch the dough between your hands and it doesn't break immediately. You should almost be able to create a "window" in your dough. This is very easy to recognize with white flour, but it is a little harder to see with wheat. Just make sure your dough allows you to stretch it a few inches without breaking and you should be fine.

Once you've finished the kneading process, divide the dough into 6 sections. Take each section and shape into an oval mound. I like to pull the dough from the top and gather it at the bottom so the top is smooth and finished.

Finally, lay your loaves in your greased bread pans and allow it to rise. I accomplish this by turning my oven on to warm. Then I turn the oven off and put the loaves in. I let them rise until double in size - about 30 minutes. Once they are finished rising, I simply turn the oven to 350° F and allow them to bake about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread and enjoy the delicious aroma that will be wafting into the kitchen. The bread should be lightly browned and when thumped they should produce a hollow sound.

Allow your bread to cool on racks for several minutes, and then slice and serve! I'm sure you can imagine the aroma and almost taste that tender bread. Go on, it won't be as hard as you think. Just follow these simple instructions and before you know it, you'll be rolling in the dough!

The Daily Grind

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Ready to use all those bread recipes you’ve found? Then, you’ve gotta get grinding! Last week we discussed incorporating food storage recipes into your family's menu. You will find that many recipes call for grains that have been ground into flour. Whether you plan on using a hand grain mill or wish to invest in an electric mill, we can all agree that in order to take that wheat from whole kernel to melt-in-your-mouth bread . . . you may need to submit yourself to the daily grind!

For preparedness purposes, many choose to purchase a hand grain mill. It is a simple machine that uses your own elbow grease to make wholesome flour and even cracked cereals. It does not require electricity, which makes it a smart choice for your food storage pantry. As you shop for your mill, be certain you are purchasing an easy-to-use, quality machine. An emergency is no time to be wishing you had a mill that worked better or was easier to you! Once you have your mill, don't leave it sitting in the box - get crankin'! See how much flour you can produce in a minute; make sure you are comfortable with how the grinder works; be certain it produces a flour fine enough for bread dough. And most of all, make sure it is easy for you to use.

As we have previously discussed, many of us will use our food storage during times other than emergencies. Illness, unemployment, and other financial distress can be the reason why many will turn to their food storage for help with the budget. Or, if you are like me, you're interested in making homemade bread, fresh and healthy for your family. If you want to grind your own grains more regularly, you may want an electric mill.

As you consider the options for electric mills, take the time to research a few things. First of all, find out how many cups of grain the "hopper" (the top of the mill, which contains the whole kernels before they are ground) can hold. You don't want to be constantly feeding the hopper if it's unnecessary! Find out how many cups of flour the mill can grind per minute. Electric grain mills tend to be quite loud, so be sure to use this as a factor in determining which mill you purchase. Be sure the mill you purchase allows you to vary the flour's consistency. Lastly, consider how the mill is cleaned and whether the milling process will leave a big mess. Some mills are messier than others. (Just like some people!)

You will want to try your grinder before purchasing it. Emergency Essentials store locations have grinders "on hand" for this purpose. Try before you buy!

Acquiring your own grain mill is a big step towards preparing your food storage grains for use, and if you choose wisely, your mill will prove a blessing for years to come. After all, having a mill that does most of the hard work for you will certainly help you cope with the daily grind!

Recipe for Success

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want a recipe for food storage success? Make sure your family gets to sample your food storage menu! Last week we discussed taking the time to research and gather important information for your food storage. I suggested you find food storage recipes, maybe even purchase some books on cooking with food storage. Now, I'm asking you to try a few of those recipes out!

Think of it this way, if you were planning on trying out some new foods on your family, what would you do? You'd find the best recipes you could, and then you’d give them a try. Why should food storage be any different? Do you have buckets of beans and wheat, yet your family has never even eaten a meal with those items incorporated? Well, now is the time to put on your chef's hat and get to work!

Here are few simple suggestions on how you can begin to cook with your food storage:

Choose one night a week that you will incorporate a food storage item. Begin with something simple like soaking beans instead of using a canned chili bean.
Choose one family night a month where you will cook an entire meal from food storage! Get the whole family involved.
Go to your local library and check out recipe books, or go online for new recipes or even video's on how to use your food storage.
If your family enjoys camping, use that as an opportunity to try out a few of those MREs you purchased, or a freeze-dried meal.
If you have never learned to make bread, schedule time with someone who can show you hands-on how to achieve a wonderful loaf of bread.
Get together with friends who are interested in food storage and plan a food storage potluck! That way, you get to try several different food storage dishes all at once without having to do it all yourself. Make sure you swap those recipes afterward!

Now is the time to incorporate more food storage recipes into your family's daily life. Who knows, perhaps you'll find that making your own bread is a wonderful family activity, or that you make a mean three-bean soup!

Whatever your situation, or wherever you are in your food storage process, you can put some of your recipes into action. You will have peace of mind knowing that you can make a wonderful meal should hard times arise, and your family will appreciate the familiarity of recipes tried and true. So, get that apron on and try your hand at some new family recipes!

Hit the Books

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: There is a test that you might need to take any day now, have you taken the time to gather the information you need to ace the big exam? My husband is currently in college, and I watch him pore over his books in preparation for a test. He tries to commit to memory everything he reads. He spends countless hours reviewing, and hopes in the end that everything he has studied will sink in and he will be able to recall it when test time comes.

Now, getting back to emergency preparedness, we've spent many weeks discussing food storage and sufficient preparation for emergencies. But, if an emergency situation occurred tomorrow, would you be ready for the "test"? Don't panic; here's the good news: This test can be open book. Yes - you can use any and all the information you've collected to help you. You just have to have it on hand!

Want to know how to prepare those dehydrated foods you've stored? Make sure you've collected in hard copy form some of the recipes you love. Consider purchasing some of the amazing food storage cookbooks available. Peruse the Internet, print off the articles you find helpful, and keep them in a binder. Consider sources like FEMA, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, and companies like Emergency Essentials for extra information you might need. Most likely, our good friend Google won't be available should an emergency take place, so get it down on paper now!

Does your emergency kit contain information on how each item is used? What about the tools you have stored? Do you know how to use the bung wrench and siphon pump or hose you have stored with your water barrel? If you do, that's wonderful, but make sure to also have a short explanation on hand for others in your family. My husband and I own a portable propane stove for an emergency, but I realized just recently during a camping trip that he is the only one who knows how to use it. What if he is injured or is needed to help elsewhere and I am left to cook for the family? I need to learn how to use it, and even make sure the owner's manual or an explanation of how to use it is easily accessible to me.

Consider putting together your own personal library of resources. A binder with the printed information you've found, a collection of owner's manuals for the tools you have on hand, information on how to shut off gas lines and other home safety guidelines, a first aid manual, and cookbooks are just a few of the items your library should contain.

Now, imagine that the time has come for your preparedness "test." Not only do you get the open book version, but you've got an entire library for you to glean from! Imagine this scenario, and you'll be glad you've taken the time to study up.

Spice Makes Everything Nice

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Don't forget those special seasonings to make your food storage sing! You're preparing your family's favorite spaghetti sauce. You've added most of the glorious ingredients. But, you fail to add the delicious Italian seasonings. No big deal right? Wrong! What would your special sauce be without the seasonings? What would apple pie be without the cinnamon? How would your chili taste without the chili powder? You've got it now - you need some spice in your life!

As you gather your various preparedness foods, take stock on which spices and seasoning would help make your food storage items the best they can be. For example, a wonderful can of tomato powder won't quite make that special pizza sauce without some garlic, oregano, and other Italian spices. Think about making a soup from all those freeze dried meats and vegetables you ordered. Don't you think you should have some stock on hand to add flavor to the broth?

If you answered yes to the questions above, then it's time to learn more about all the wonderful seasonings and spices available for food storage. Think about all the possibilities of ground beef if you have the proper seasonings. You can add taco seasoning for a Mexican flair. Add a pinch or two of sloppy joe seasoning for that beefy sandwich your family loves!

Meat isn't the only food that benefits from seasonings. Cinnamon sugar is a staple at our home to top toast or fruit. Onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken stock added to rice make a wonderful side dish. During the holiday season, I like to add cinnamon and allspice to some simmering sliced apples and oranges for the most wonderful potpourri. The possibilities are endless! The great thing about many of these seasonings, is that not only are they wonderful for food storage, but they are helpful for your everyday meal planning, too.

So take a close look at those cans you have stored away. Could some of your foods benefit from a spicy kick? How many different meals can you prepare from one item, with just a quick switch of seasoning? You'll be surprised how much flair and flavor you can add with a dash here or there. As they say, variety is the spice of life, so make sure to store all your favorite spices and a few new ones as well!

Soul-soothing Sweets

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want to keep your family calm and happy during times of distress? Store some soul soothing sweets! On our journey to preparedness, we've discussed several different types of foods to store. We've learned about dehydrated, freeze-dried, and Meals Ready to Eat. All of these are wonderful options, and a good combination of all of them is ideal. But each of these foods also shares something that I'm sure will tickle your fancy. Within each of these foods storage categories there are some items I would like you to consider . . . desserts!

If you are like me, it won't take much to convince you that having a few "comfort foods" stored is a good idea. But, if you aren't sure that having cake or pudding for your family in an emergency is really necessary, think about these few facts: Did you know studies show that foods high in sugar, or food associated with pleasant memories, can cause the release of certain chemicals that affect how we feel? In short, desserts can act as a natural mood enhancer. During hard times, such as the aftermath of a natural disaster, extended unemployment, or food shortages, having desserts on hand for your family will help to comfort them. It can be a reminder, especially to children, that everything is all right and good times are ahead.

Now that we've established having food storage desserts on-hand is a good idea (twist my arm!), let's talk about the different varieties you can choose from. As I mentioned before, each of the types of food storage has delicious options available. MREs have a wonderful assortment of ready to eat cakes and cookies. Can't imagine something in a brown military pouch can taste good? Think again!

Want to make your own delicious desserts? You can purchase just add water dehydrated muffin and brownie mixes in #10 cans, along with puddings and even make your own homemade favorite peanut butter cookies or oatmeal cookies using dehydrated items such as peanut butter powder and oats. With the amazing technology of freeze dried foods, even ice cream is possible!

Whatever your sweet tooth craving, or whatever your family's comfort foods are, you're sure to find something delicious to fit the bill. So consider spending a few of your food storage dollars giving your family some soul-soothing sweets!

Ice Age

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: What does new age technology have to do with ice? Freeze-dried foods are the latest development in dehydration, and the result is more than just "cool." Last week, our journey was spent learning about dehydrated foods. These are foods that are dehydrated in the standard way, through heat. This week, we will discuss a useful process for drying food that uses just the opposite method. Sound crazy? It's a wonderful technology that begins when food that is fresh or cooked is flash frozen. After this first step, moisture is then removed in a vacuum chamber where a low level of heat is used to evaporate the ice crystals without returning it to a liquid form. Because the food remains frozen during this process, the food's cell structures do not change. Therefore, much of the nutrition (including the vitamins), color, aroma, and freshness are retained.

Advantages of Freeze-dried Food First of all, after rehydration, freeze-dried foods look and taste much like the frozen foods you find in the grocery store. Freeze-dried foods retain much of their original shape, texture, and appearance. Freeze-dried foods rehydrate quickly, and most are reconstituted simply by adding warm water, waiting a few minutes, and draining the excess water out. After that, you simply use them just as you would any fresh food!

Freeze-dried foods are also 75 to 90 percent less heavy than the original food, which makes freeze-dried foods are a smart choice for situations where you need to store several days worth of food in a very small pack, such as in emergency kits, camping, and backpacking supplies.

Another benefit of freeze-dried foods is that you can purchase not just single foods, but entire meals already freeze-dried. They are cooked and then flash frozen and dehydrated, so you just add warm water and you've got a tasty meal read to go. These meals are popular with backpackers and campers, but are an excellent choice for preparedness too.

As if all the reasons listed above weren't enough, freeze-dried foods offer a whole new dimension of variety to your standard dehydrated foods. With the help of freeze-dried meats, cheese, fruits, and vegetables, you can use your dehydrated basics to create family favorites like pizza, tacos, breakfast casseroles, and desserts!

How good can it be? I know that is what you're thinking—because the skeptic in me thought the exact same thing. I can tell you from personal experience how many freeze-dried products are. I've used them successfully in my home. As a matter of fact, just this week I used freeze-dried sausage crumbles to make omelets for my family. I simply added some warm water to the crumbles, and after a few minutes drained off the excess. I was shocked by what I found. They looked, smelled, and most importantly tasted exactly like crumbled, cooked sausage . . . because that's what they are! My children LOVED them, and I can't wait to try more freeze-dried meats for my food storage pantry.

Now it's your turn to try out some freeze-dried foods. You will be pleasantly surprised by what technology delivers in this modern version of the Ice Age.

Why Buy Dry?

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want affordable food storage that is easy to use? Try dehydrated foods! When food is dehydrated, the water is slowly cooked out of the food without actually cooking it. You can dry food at home by yourself with a food dehydrator, or choose from of myriad of dried foods available on the market. The most popular forms are packaged for long term storage in #10 cans with an oxygen absorber.

Dehydrated foods are a wonderful storage option for multiple reasons. Dehydrated foods are lightweight and compact. They are an affordable form of food storage, and are easy to reconstitute and use.

If you're nervous about dehydrated foods, ask yourself the following questions: Have I ever used a cake mix? Or pancake mix? Or made a box of macaroni and cheese? If you have, then you've used dehydrated foods! Many of the convenience foods we use on a regular basis have dehydrated foods in them.

What types of foods are dehydrated? Many of the common dairy products are available in dehydrated form. You will find butter powder, dried milk, and even eggs. These foods are great for creating mixes for baking. And if you don't want to make your own mixes, never fear! There are many mixes already prepared for you. Pancake mixes, muffin mixes, and many others are available to make your preparedness pantry as simple as possible. Most of these foods only need to have water added to them before being cooked and eaten. There are also some fruits and vegetables available using this common method of dehydration.

One popular dehydrated breakfast item is Creamy Wheat Cereal. Did you know one #10 can of Creamy Wheat Cereal makes 48 one-cup servings? That's less than a quarter per breakfast. What a great economical and nutritional value!

Don't underestimate the value of dehydrated foods. Some feel that all of their food needs to be freeze-dried to ensure best quality, taste and long-term storage, but many items including drink mixes, baking mixes, and cooking essentials are not available freeze-dried. For this reason, it is recommended to have both dehydrated and freeze-dried foods in your home storage. Not sure what the difference is between freeze-dried and dehydrated foods? Watch for next week's article in which we'll discuss freeze-dried foods in greater detail.

Hopefully you now know more about why to buy dry. As you sort through all the types of food storage available, don't hesitate to try dehydrated foods.

M-R-Easy

Mon, 31 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Don’t pass up storing some of the tastiest, easiest food storage meals available! Our preparedness journey has recently focused on the lightweight and compact food bars. Well, there's another easy preparedness food that you're sure to enjoy: MREs, or "Meals Ready to Eat." Originally created for the U.S. government in the 1970's for the Space Program, Military, Forest Service, and FEMA, these meals have come a long way since they first debuted. They are ready to eat, delicious, and, if stored in a cool spot, can sport up to a 10-year shelf life from manufacture date. (I know a group of people who ate a 23-year old Beef Stew MRE and it still tasted good!) The meals are packed in triple layer plastic/aluminum pouches that can be opened without any tools. The food is precooked, and sealed to neutralize bacteria so the food is shelf stable even at room temperature.

So, what does this mean to you? It means you've just been introduced to the "fast food" of the preparedness world. When you first pick up a MRE, you will find it is packed in a small box, which protects the meal and makes it easier to stack. Inside the box there is a dark pouch. Rip open the pouch and you'll one of your choices of amazing entrees! There is Chicken Pesto, Beef Enchilada, and Cheese Tortellini, to name a few. Your entree can be warmed by using an MRE heater, dropping the pouch in hot water, or even leaving the pouch on a hot rock. Don't want to wait for it to heat up? Many are tasty even at room temperature!

With MREs you don't have to worry about a mess kit, the water for reconstitution, or a recipe book. The meals can be eaten straight from the pouch, and you can even choose sides and desserts to go with your delicious main meals. Sides like Garlic Mashed Potatoes and desserts like Lemon Poppyseed Cake are comfort food favorites completely prepared and ready for your family to enjoy. They even have pouches of peanut butter and jelly for that picky toddler!

So, don't hesitate to try out the amazing MRE. These meals are perfect for "beefing up" your emergency kit food, and your food storage shelves will also benefit from these fast foods because they are an ideal one week, one month emergency food supply. Oh, and did you know that you can even purchase an Emergency Backup Meal that will include an entire MRE meal along with the MRE heater? Now, what could be M-R-Easier?

You Can Eat Them Here or There, You Can Eat Them Anywhere!

Mon, 24 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Want to store something that can be eaten in a boat, on a train, in the heat or pouring rain? No, not green eggs and ham! We’re talking calorie food bars! We've spent a lot of time discussing food storage basics, but I wanted to take the time to let you know about a very simple food storage item that may come in handy in many situations, and especially as you prepare your cars and recreational vehicles for your summertime excursions. (Don't forget about preparedness on the road!) They are commonly called calorie food bars, and they are designed to offer quick energy and vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent addition to your car, boat, travel trailer, RV or emergency kit. Just open and eat!

You might be thinking, "Why not just store a few granola bars in my car?" First of all, these food bars are higher in calories. Now, that doesn't sound great for those of us wishing to lose a few inches, but in an emergency, calories are a critical unit of energy and finding a quick source of them is essential. Also, some calorie food bars are designed to be non-thirst evoking. So, if you are trying to conserve that stored water, these bars won't leave your mouth needlessly parched. In addition, calorie food bars store well in a wide range of temperatures. They meet the standards of the U.S. Coast Guard, which basically means they can be left in your boat or car without spoiling in inclement and fluctuating weather. They are compact, vacuum sealed, and their thick foil packaging make them a smart choice for areas where storage is at a premium, or where lightweight options are preferred - places such as school lockers, sports bags, or anywhere you want an extra level of preparedness for your family.

Manufacturers suggest you store a minimum of 3600 calories per person, giving you 1200 calories each day. It is best to divide the 1200 calories into three 400-calorie meals. The food bars come divided into different caloric amounts and you can even get different flavors! Calorie food bars are designed for short term emergencies, and should be rotated approximately every five years.

As you can see, this compact, reliable, and resilient food source is something you can definitely trust to help your family become more prepared away from home. So you can eat them in a boat, or on a train, despite the heat or pouring rain! You'll like these calorie bars, you will see . . . they're quick food storage - just trust me!

Sugar, Spice, and Some Fat Would Be Nice!

Mon, 17 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Your food storage pantry isn't complete without sugar, salt, and fats. We have already learned about grains, legumes, garden seeds, and milk on our journey through the basics of food storage. The last three of the seven basics are sugar, salt, and fat. Without these three vital ingredients, many of our food storage recipes would suffer from a serious lack of flavor and texture!

Salt Salt is a staple in every kitchen. Salt is in virtually every recipe because it influences the flavor of food. It enhances the natural flavors of grains, vegetables, and even fruits! It can deepen the flavor of desserts, and give extra oomph to a bland starch. If you have ever tasted a loaf of bread or other baked item where the salt was omitted, I'm sure you'll agree it that the finished product left much to be desired. Salt has also been used for centuries as a preservative.

In addition to being an integral part of most recipes, it is also a household staple in other ways. Salt can be used as a cleaning abrasive, and when mixed with water, it makes a brine which can be used to clean out foul smelling food containers and help make that greasy and stinky garbage disposal fresh again. Salt mixed into a paste can be used as toothpaste and as a scrub for the skin. When mixed with water as a mild solution, it can be a mouth gargle and eye wash. Salt is helpful in the laundry too, as it can freshen clothing and remove perspiration stains. I recently read in a magazine that sprinkling salt will keep ants out of the kitchen!

Who knew that salt was such a versatile item? Make sure some of the salt you store is iodized because it provides iodine, a much needed micronutrient. Salt is a mineral, so if properly stored it should last indefinitely.

Sugar and Honey Storing sugar and honey will provide you with another recipe staple. Like salt, sugar enhances and develops the flavor of many of the basic foods you'll be storing. One of my favorite breakfast cereals is six grain rolled cereal, but without a pinch of salt and a healthy tablespoon of sugar, it wouldn't appeal to me very much!

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate and provides energy for the body. Honey is a wonderful storage item because it is a concentrated sugar, so you can use less than a refined sugar. Be aware that honey is not recommended for children under age one by most pediatricians. Honey is a great addition to cereals, breads, and a drizzle. Don't forget that along with white sugar and honey, you can also store brown sugar. Like salt, sugar if properly stored should last indefinitely.

Fats Living in a world where fats are considered the bad guys, it seems that storing oil or other fats isn't very important. However, in the context of food storage, fats are very important! Did you know that Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble, which means that they need fat to be digested, absorbed and used within the body? Fats are sources of essential fatty acids, another important dietary requirement. Though low fat diets are preferred, eliminating fat completely from the diet would be harmful to your body.

In regards to food storage, fat is equally important. It helps add flavor to foods, aids in the cooking process, and is an effective energy source. You can choose to store fats in oil form, though shortening is also a good food storage item. Butter, margarine, and shortening powders are also available. Be mindful that liquid fats purchased at your local grocery store will need to be rotated every few years. Dehydrated products can be stored longer, especially if they are kept cool and dry. Though many of may be diet conscious these days, please don't neglect this important food storage item!

As you can see, our basic pantry would simply be incomplete, and quite frankly, lose much of its palatability without these three essentials. So add them to your list - sugar, salt, and fats will go a long way in making everything nice!

A Milk Moustache, No Matter the Moment

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Storing instant nonfat dried milk will allow you to not only enjoy one of your favorite beverages, but will allow to you make a multitude of other delicious foods! Our journey continues through the basics of food storage, and our next item is a must have at our home. With three young children, and most particularly a picky four year old as the caboose, we go through a lot of milk! Often when she will eat nothing else, she will happily enjoy a sippy cup of milk. Luckily, milk provides many vitamins and minerals, and when nonfat milk is served, it can also be a great source of protein without the fat.

But are you skeptical about dried milk? Do you worry about the flavor, the storage, and quite frankly, how to use the stuff? Well, I'm here to calm your fears. Don't be intimidated by instant milk any longer, grab a can and let's get the most from milk!

Did you know that Instant Nonfat Dried Milk can be stored for over twenty years? A recent study by Brigham Young University cited that even the "worst" sample of milk, stored for twenty-nine years in a relatively high oxygen environment, was given a 63 percent acceptance rate for drinking in an emergency and a 75 percent acceptance rate for use in recipes. Obviously, you can feel confident that any nitrogen-packed milk you are storing in a cool, dry place will serve you well for many years.

But don't wait that long to try out your milk! First of all, you are going to be pleasantly surprised by the taste of powdered milk. If mixed well in the blender or mixer pitcher, and then chilled - you will find that the taste is very close to the nonfat milk you purchase at your local grocery store.

Besides being great for drinking, dried milk can be used to make other milk products. Did you know you can make buttermilk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and even whipped topping with your dried milk? It's true - armed with some know-how and a few extra ingredients, all of these are possible with your food storage milk!

Now, take a moment and think of all the recipes that you add milk to. Just this weekend I made pancakes for my children, not realizing that my just-add-water pancake mix probably had dried milk in it! If you have a recipe that calls for milk, just add the powdered milk to the recipe, and then add the amount of water needed to reconstitute the milk. Imagine the possibilities! You can create pudding mixes, cake mixes, cream soups, cheese sauces, gravies, and chowders with your food storage milk. After reading all the recipes I could that involved powdered milk, I realized this basic food storage item would be instrumental in adding flavor and variety to my arsenal of food storage options.

So, don't be intimidated by the powdered version of one of your favorite ingredients. You will enjoy the nutrition, flavor, storability, and most of all-versatility, of your dried milk now and in the future. Take advantage of the Food Storage Analyzer at www.beprepared.com/analyzer to help you decide how much you should store for your family, and rest assured that you can wear a milk mustache no matter the moment!

Great Grains

Mon, 03 May 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Angie Sullivan
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: We’ve taken some time to discuss wheat and beans, but we certainly couldn’t continue our preparedness journey without discussing some other great grains for our food storage pantry. Did you know that cereal grains provide more food energy worldwide than any other type of crop? They can add texture and variety and in their whole form, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Rice Rice is often considered the most widely consumed grain on the planet. Did you know that two thirds of the world's population eats rice as their staple food? It is also the third largest food crop!

There are literally thousands of varieties of rice. The most common categories are long grain, medium grain, and short grain. Short grain sticks together when cooked, while long grain stays separate. Medium grain rice isn't as common in the U.S and tends to have a stronger flavor, similar to short grain with the texture of long grain. Most of the rice you find on the grocery store shelves is long grain. The less-processed brown rice is more nutritious than white rice with a pleasant nutty flavor, but the higher fat content makes it harder to store long term.

Rice is often used as a side dish but can also be used in casseroles, salads, as well as in soups and stews. Come to think of it, most recipes could benefit from a little rice on the side!

Corn Corn or "maize" is the most widely cultivated crop in the U.S. Dried corn in food storage can be ground into a meal, which can be used in polenta or grits. If ground fine, it can be used to make corn bread or masa for tortillas and tamales. Popcorn can be popped for a snack, or ground into cornmeal.

Rolled Oats Rolled oats are often called "old fashioned" oats and are familiar to most as the tried and true oatmeal breakfast cereal of youth. (Pass the brown sugar please!)

Quick oats have been rolled thinner so they will cook faster. You may also be familiar with the oatmeal packets that require just a little water and less than a minute in the microwave. Though they are not recommended for long term storage, they can be a smart addition to your 1-3 month food supply!

Though oats are most commonly used as a porridge or cereal, don't hesitate to add them to bread and cookies; many of us may even use oats to extend our meat in meatloaf and meatballs.

Barley Barley, or "pearled barley" in its most common form, is often used in soups and stews. It is nutty in flavor and can be used along with other grains for cereals and bread flours, though it isn't often used alone as it's low gluten content doesn't create a good raised loaf. It can also be used in making a mild healthy drink.

Once you store your supply of these great grains, don't forget to add these grains into the food storage analyzer (foodstorageanalyzer.com) and watch the nutrient levels for carbohydrates, protein, Iron, fiber and calcium begin to soar!

As you stock your shelves for the future, don't hesitate to purchase and experiment with some of these great grains. You may surprised by the variety, flavor, and texture they can add to your recipes!