Food Storage Tip: Buying in Bulk to Ease the Budget

Sometimes it is hard to know how to incorporate bulk foods from your food storage into your diet if you are not use to cooking them. I remember years ago reading cookbooks and health related books and filling my head with great ideas on how to save money and cook better food for my family.  I found a store way on the other end of town that sold bulk foods in barrels that you scooped out, bagged and labeled yourself.  So I brought home my treasures and then thought.. now what do I do with it. I tried some recipes and a few turned out and some did not but in the end most days I went back to what I knew how to cook and the bulk items sat on my shelf. However, slowly I began to learn more, cook more and figured out how to incorporate these cost saving, nutritious foods into my diet. That began my journey into not only saving money (I admit this was my biggest desire when I started) but also I began to see and understand the health benefits for my family.

Types of Bulk Food?
What type of bulk food am I referring to? They would be mostly grains and beans and a few other miscellaneous types of foods. Here is a list of what I buy in bulk:

Beans:
Red beans
White beans
Pinto beans
Black beans
Split peas
Lentils

Grains:
Oats
Wheat
Brown rice
Corn
Pop corn
Miscellaneous Foods
Seasonings
Powdered milk
Honey
Whole wheat pasta
Cane juice crystals
Sucanat
Baking items such as:
Salt
Baking soda
Baking powder
Nuts
Coconut

It is amazing with the above list and a few items from your freezer and refrigerator what you can create to feed your family.

Article from: tipsonfoodstorage.com

Food Storage Tip: Re-Hydrating Vegetables

One of my must have Food Storage item is dehydrated vegetables.  Most vegetables need to be reconstituted and cooked prior to eating.  There are a few exceptions like potatoes and zucchini.  The best way to reconstitute most vegetables is to do it in two steps.  The first is to place the vegetables in a container and pour in an equal amount of water or other liquid.  Hot or boiling liquid will shorten the time, but it will begin to cook the food.  Cold liquid works fine but takes longer. The soak time depends on the size and thickness of the pieces.  It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours.  Do not soak vegetables for longer than 2 hours or this can result in the growth of bacteria.

The second step is the cooking process.  While it is possible to do this in one-step, your vegetables will be more flavorful and tender if you do it in two steps.  The exceptions are leafy vegetables like cabbage, lettuce and spinach. These should be cooked and rehydrated in one-step.

The finished rehydrated vegetables should be near their fresh size.

Fruits & Vegetables

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Article from: preparednessadvice.com

Pantry Makeover

I know organizing your pantry might seem overwhelming, but you are really just 30 minutes away from a clean and organized pantry (depending on how big your pantry is of course).  Getting your pantry organized is going to make your life a lot easier.  Here’s how you can start:

1.)    Remove everything you have from your pantry so you can see how much space you have and how much stuff you have to fill it.

2.)    Look at the expiration date and get rid of anything past its date.  Also, see if you have multiples of everything and consolidate them into one container.

3.)    Now arrange your shelves like they do in the grocery store.  Put all the spices, cans, grains and condiments on separate areas.   The items you use the most like cereals should be place at an eye level.  Everything that comes in space hogging boxes should be place in a plastic Tupperware container.  They help food stay fresh and safe from insects, plus they stack up well so you can have more space in your pantry.

4.)    Store the heavier items on lower shelves so you can grab them without straining your back.  Also, store anything you don’t want your children to lay their hands on, on the top shelf where they can’t be reached.

The few minutes you take each time to clean up will really pay off and hopefully, you won’t have to do this again for a long time.  Stay organized my friends.

Article from: Tipsonfoodstorage.com

Food items that I like to have on my storage...

This is my top ten list of items that I would like to have on my storage in case I have to stay home or get stuck somewhere during a natural disaster or an emergency.

1. Gourmet food buckets. The gourmet food buckets are similar to the military's MRE meals. Just add water then voilà, you have a great  tasting meal. It comes with delicious assorted meals like, beef stroganoff, teriyaki chicken, soups and lasagna. I am confident that once you try one that you will be a believer as well.
2. Whole wheat. Besides the fact that you can use whole wheat for making bread, pasta, bagels, crackers, cakes, and muffins, they also have a lot of health benefits. They help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, lessens chronic inflammation and reduces the risk of childhood asthma just to name a few benefits.
3. Beans and legumes. They are great source of protein and you can sprout some of them and eat the sprout as a salad.
4. Nuts. They are great for snacks. Rich in energy, protein, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and much discussed omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Dried fruits.
6. Honey. Not only a sweetener but also offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for our body and health.
7. Water.
8. Olive or vegetable oil.
9. Rice.
10. Chocolate. It is very nutritious and I found that it is a great stress reliever.

Article from: Tipsonfoodstorage.com

Preparing for Hurricane Season

The key to surviving a hurricane or other disaster is preparation.  Stock up on enough food and supplies to last your family for about a week.  Routinely check expiration dates on food, water and batteries and rotate your stock.  Be sure window screens are in place and in good condition in the event the power is off for several days.  If a hurricane/typhoon is on the way, fill your vehicle with gas and start preparing your home.  Wash all laundry and dishes, secure outdoor items that may come in contact with power lines, such as trash cans, barbecues, etc., and prepare for your pet’s needs in case you have to evacuate.  Check lanterns and flashlights and move your toolbox indoors in case it is needed for repairs.  Clean out the refrigerator and discard any items that could spoil.  As the danger gets closer, turn your refrigerator to its highest setting to help preserve foods if there is a power outage.  Secure all windows and shutters. Remove furniture and carpets from areas where water may seep in.  Fill washing machines and trash cans with water for washing. For drinking water, sterilize your bathtub and any other containers before filling them with water.  Place rags or towels around the bottom of doors or other places where water could seep in, and sandbag around exterior doors.  Have a mop and pail handy to clean up water. If you have to evacuate, turn off the main power switch.  Take clothing, water and food to last for three to five days.  When the typhoon hits, stay indoors and away from windows.  After the danger has passed, remain indoors and be alert to hazardous conditions until an all clear has been declared.

Emergency Food Supply

  

Article from: tipsonfoodstorage.com

Delicious Mac & Cheese Recipe!!!

This is hands down my favorite mac n cheese!! Its rich and creamy and all grown up:) The extra sharp cheddar mixed with the other cheeses really makes it special. I always add freshly chopped parsley to mine right on top of the toasted bread crumbs mixed with olive oil…YUM.

One month supply of emergency food storage

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil
• 1 pound elbow macaroni 
• 1 quart milk
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
• 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

From tipsonfoodstorage.com

Homemade Deodorant

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut oil (solid state)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum-free)
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• essential oils (optional)

Instructions

Mix the baking soda and arrowroot powder in a glass bowl.
Add the coconut oil (do not warm or melt it) and use a fork or pastry blender to thoroughly blend it into the dry ingredients.
Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils and blend completely. (this step is optional, but lovely – my personal favorite combo is clove with a little sweet orange and cinnamon!)
Add more coconut oil or arrowroot powder/baking soda if needed until the texture is about the same consistency as commercial deodorant.
Scoop the mixture into a small jar or container and store at room temperature. (Refrigeration may be required during summer months and warmer weather because the coconut oil will melt at 76 degrees.)
To apply, use your fingers to scoop out a pea-size amount of the deodorant and massage it into your armpits daily or as needed. Allow a minute or two for the deodorant to set before getting dressed.
*Remember, this is deodorant, not antiperspirant. It will not stop you from sweating, but you won’t smell bad!


Article from http://tipsonfoodstorage.com/

Instructions from squidoo.com

Recyled Garden Heaters

Get Wine bottles from recycling bins, bars or lushy friends and dig a hole and cover.

The sunlight warms the bottle and then the soil.

From tipsonfoodstorage.com