Let's Talk Potatoes!

In this house potatoes rule!  Yes, we eat rice and pasta but potatoes are king around here!  I have always been a snob about "fake" potatoes.  I would never have dreamed of serving them to my family.  I have faded memories of the few times my mother served them and they were a disgusting pasty memory.

That is until last summer when I discovered through Costco a brand of dehydrated potatoes called Harvest Earth Creamy Mash potatoes that sells for the new 2011 price of $10.50 versus the $9 price I paid summer 2010. Costco had them to sample and I was blown away by the fact that they tasted like potatoes!  The ingredient list is small, potatoes, sea salt and dried milk, so they actually are potatoes!

Each box has 18 packets that in a pinch will serve 6 but with my large family I usually make two packets.  We always have left overs and I will use the leftovers to make potato bread.  If your Irish, you know what I'm talking about!  I also sprinkle in some garlic powder but that is a preference of mine, but just as delicious without.

So, on my last trek to Costco I bought another box and food sealed two packages together to extend the shelf life.  Give them a try, it is a good value and perfect for food storage, camping and when your rushed for time during supper hour.

Canadian Site

It's a rainy, gloomy day though cosy inside our home.  My youngest is home sick with a cold so I'm hanging out with her today.  I stumbled upon a new site today through the survival podcast which is also another good site.  However, what makes this one more interesting to me is that it is Canadian and they are located in the Maritimes!!!  So, if you get a chance, check out Canada Prepared and see for yourself how good it is.  They have a forum which I haven't had a chance to check out yet to see if it is active or not.  It is encouraging knowing there is other like minded Canadians out there! 

Water!

My water storage isn't fancy.  When I started out prepping, I did buy water and ultimately poured it down the drain (or in my garden) when it had expired.  I have delicious well water and I realized that buying water isn't in my budget and goes against my more frugal side.  So, for our drinking water storage, I wash out 2 litre pop bottles or the heavy duty juice bottles and fill them with tap water and add a scant 1/8 teaspoon of bleach.  I date the cap and store the water in my basement but never on the concrete floor as it can leach into the plastic bottles.
The drinking water is good for a year and I simply repeat the process with my bottles each year and continually add to my supply with any pop that comes into the house on weekends.  Though, I have to confess, I am behind in my rotation.  Worst case, I would boil it on the woodstove before drinking.  I recently discovered some water dated from 2007, so I need to be more diligent!

I also make a point to keep my water storing supplies together.  I store my bleach in a reused ketchup bottle so that controlling the measurement is easier.  I use the same measuring spoon stored with the bleach and I throw my pop lids into the dishwasher and then they are also stored with my supplies till I'm ready.  I also make sure I rinse out the pop bottles immediately and store them upside down in a closet till I need them.  I ususally do six bottles at once...dunno why, maybe because I can carry them all together to the basement at once!  But, figuring out a system made a difference in fighting the lazy factor of saying to yourself you'll do it later.

I also keep in my bob bags for the vehicles water purifying tablets along with bottled water which is store bought.  Usually Shoppers Drug Mart puts a case of water on for $1.49 plus deposit every so often.  It is easy to keep it in the van. 

For every bottle of laundry soap or bleach that I empty, I fill it with water and this will be used for dishes or flushing toilets should their be no power.  We are on a well, so this is very important!  I would love to rig out our well with a hand pump but that is beyond my abilities and budget and I haven't convinced my husband on the importance of this...in time I hope!

I hope to buy a water barrel this year for our drain pipes.  We live in an older home and hope to do repairs which also includes the rain gutters.  Ours are pretty nasty, leak all over and desperately need replacing.  So, with new rain gutters I hope to also have a nice rain barrel to catch the water for our garden!

Prices Rising

I realize that this isn't news to those preparing, however just in case someone new stumbles in they may find this newsworthy.  The LDS Cannery is where you can purchase food storage items at cost!  I'm not LDS but they offer a wealth of information and I have ordered from them.  So, seeing their substantial increases really brings it home if your hesitating in buying food before the prices climb any higher.  I got this off a list I am on and wanted to share.

Cannery Price increase effective now!

http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,8133-1-4352-1,00.html

Big price increases at the cannery.

Wheat is now $11.45 (up from $7.65)

The price went up in the 20 most bought foods 19.1% in 22 months or about 1% a month.

Biggest increase in:

Sugar 26%
Regular Oats 29.6%
White Wheat 31.9%
Macaroni 36.4%
Potato Flakes 39.2%

Rice and beans increased very little during the same period.  Anything that is corn related, like meat, is going up very rapidly.

Build a Self Watering Container

Rice

So, I finally bought myself some mylar bags and oxygen absorbers for my longterm food storage.  So, into my bins I went to take out my rice to store properly in these bags.  I really try to be diligent about rotating.  Especially because I have a family of six and up until recently couldn't afford or justify the expense of getting mylar.  So, I was very disappointed to discover two large bags of parboiled rice that I have had for at least three years now.  I know because I called Superstore customer service and they verified the date via the upc code. 

The smell isn't to bad, but it definitely smells different from the bag that my husband bought recently.  I have since learned that parboiled rice does go rancid, so I figure I may have to compost it which kills me!  But at the same time, I have no desire to make anyone in the house sick!  I'm hoping to find out that it is actually still good...Help!

I bought my mylar bags from Basic Life Eessentials a local company that I really want to support!  Excellent service and bags are beautiful and strong!



These are my oxygen absorbers that I ordered through LDS in the USA.  They ship for free to CANADA!!!!  WOW!

This is a jar that I foodsaved and another bag of basmati rice done in my foodsaver bags.  I love the mason jar method, but it can be hit and miss for the seal to hold.  Doesn't fill me with confidence, but I do like it!

Preparing your family...

Over the weekend I had my brother and sister in-law visit.  I adore my sil and I have talked to her before about having a pantry.  She did try to start one, but didn't really take it seriously.  She put in some effort during the H1N1 pandemic but when that fizzled out so did her efforts.

Like everyone else, they see what is going on around the world!  They can see prices going up and packages shrinking in size.  From our discussion I decided to show her my pantry.  At best, I have three months set aside for eight people, though if need be I could definitely stretch it out longer...I hope!  She thought I had a year!  She was shocked at what I am storing and I think it took her back a bit.  She immediately said I have to do this!  She had tons of questions and hopefully this is the beginning.

However, what surprised me most was my brother's reaction.  He was angry!  He felt that there was no way they could prepare and why bother because you waste it, they can't afford it, or you can't plan for everything so why bother.  His reaction surprised me because my brother is in the military!  Go figure!  They also just came home from a nice vacation, which they deserved...but honestly, if I could choose between an expensive vacation or buying enough food for a year...I would choose food!  My husband wouldn't agree...but I have a feeling in the short term he will change his mind as prices rise and things around the world get crazier!

Farrakhan Warns, Advises Obama on Libya (March 11, 2011)

The unrest overseas will hit our shores.  Get ready!

To Buy Organic...

Buying organic is something I wish I could do more often, but in reality, buying organic is often something that isn't in my budget because we are one income and have a larger family with teenage boys!  However, when the price difference is affordable I will choose organic.  But this list here makes the decision making easier.  I want my kids eating healthy fruit & veggies and I want to store as many healthy foods as possible.  I think I found the list on a local facebook page called Buy Local NB.  To Buy Organic (the numbers to the side show the percentage of washed fruit that still contains pesticides):

1. Nectarines – 97.3%
2. Celery – 94.5%
3. Pears – 94.4%
4. Peaches – 93.7%
5. Apples – 91%
6. Cherries – 91%
7. Strawberries – 90%
8. Imported Grapes – 86%
9. Spinach – 83.4%
10. Potatoes – 79.3%

Probably Okay to Buy Conventional:

1. Asparagus
2. Avocados
3. Bananas
4. Broccoli
5. Cauliflower
6. Kiwi
7. Mangoes
8. Onions
9. Papaya
10. Sweet Peas

Notice that most of the ones that are not so scary to eat conventional are those with tough skins. So, that's probably a good rule of thumb, if it's protected by inedible skin, save the money and buy conventional. Then spend your savings on good organic raspberries!

Egg Replacements

I recently ordered a can of whole dried eggs which will be put away into my food storage and only used as it gets close to the expiration date.  However, because this is an expensive item to add to food storage which in reality, may or may not be needed as my goal is to have food storage for a year or more, and I am building that based more on economic conditions and food shortages and I remain hopeful that I could get my hands on eggs and my hope is to someday have chickens & hens in my backyard!

So, with that long winded sentence made, I am including some recipes for substitutes to have on hand because they are cheaper and easier to attain, especially for those starting out and on super tight budgets! 

2 tbsp cornstarch = 1 egg

2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg

2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg

1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg

1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg.

1 banana = 1 egg in cakes.

1 tbsp milled flax seed and 3 tbsp water = 1 egg. Light, fluffy cakes!

Flax Seed:

How can flax substitute for oils and eggs in cooking?
 Flaxseed can easily replace oil or shortening in a recipe because of it's high oil content. Just replace 1/3 c. of oil with 1 c. of milled flaxseed for a 3:1 substitution ratio. Similarly, a flaxseed mixture can be used as an egg substitute in selected recipes like pancakes, muffins and cookies. For every egg, replace with 1 tsp. of milled flax amd 3 tbsp. of water. Mix milled flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes. The result will be a slightly gummier and chewier baked good, with a slight decrease in volume.

Flax seeds are easy to grind, and you likely have the right tool in your kitchen. Grind flax seeds at home using a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. Like coffee beans, you can grind flax seeds coarsely or finely, but generally, recipes call for finely ground flax seed.

Costco Shopping

Through my bank...(I hate banks!!!) I started a savings account that is funded through your debit purchases.  If I buy anything using my regular chequing/debit acount  then 25 cents is deposited into my savings account.  I have used this money for Christmas and just the other day for prepping!

I decided to take $40...yep, not much I know and go to Costco and see if they had anything on clearance that I could grab suitable for food storage.  Well, my prayers were answered!  I bought a 20lb bag of flour for $15, a box of instant mashed potatoes for $10.50 (I plan to write about them soon as they are excellent) and the best purchase.... four 2lb bags of whole bean coffee for $4.97 each!!!!  Regular price was $12.99! 

Costco will clear out items at wonderful prices, they usually end in .97.  I had already bought this particular brand of coffee two weeks before on sale at this price,  I did not expect to find any left!  Maybe people are suspicious of cheap coffee!  This time, they weren't showing the regular price just this clearance price, so maybe they presume it isn't good coffee...but it is and nice and strong!

I went over by $5 but no big deal!  The rest of my savings is going towards an order with www.basiclifeessentials.com  where I ordered a can of dried whole eggs...hard to find lately, and two different sizes of mylar bags! 

Things are heating up in the middle east...I'm feeling the worry of inflation and seeing prices rise!  I need to know we have what we need to be prepared for whatever may come our way.

Discouraged

I receive email updates from some blogs in regards to prepping, homesteading, etc.  This morning I open one from Rudy Kearney asking for readers to check out his new food calculator.  What makes this one different is that you just put in how many members you have in your family and it will give you exact numbers of what you need in each category.

It is very similar to the LDS calculator but this one was more clear cut and when I looked at the numbers.  I realized how woefully unprepared I am.  I am trying to prep on such a limited budget.  My husband is on board but only to a point.  If he knew that a hand grinder was on my wish list he'd say no!  He thinks buying wheat berries is crazy when flour is good enough. 

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should be focusing more on the here and now.   For whatever reason, flour is cheaper than wheat berries.  Maybe a goal of flour for six months would be a more attainable goal than wheat berries for six months.  Obviously, my goal is a year and longer.  But as of late, I feel like time is running out and I'll be lucky to have 3 months set aside! 

Suddenly I feel woefully inadequate at trying to set aside for inflation and food shortages.  I feel burdened knowing that my parents who live nearby refuse to store anything and will become my responsibility.  My siblings mock my efforts and my Christian friends will say they have their trust in God!  However, I know they would come calling if things get tough.  Obviously, I would share what I have but I would feel resentful!

Maybe my strategy is wrong.  I buy items on sale but not as many as I should be. Our finances are so tight and the reality is I need to get a job.  I am a stay at home mamma, but my kids are older now and I need to get another part-time job.  When I have worked part-time, I noticed that my baking tapered off, we ate out more and overall the house was not cared for.  However, I could prep more and I think that is the priority for right now.  I worry for my youngest who is only 8 years old who won't get my time and attention...but by writing my thoughts out I realize it is the only way to adequately get ahead of the pending inflation.

Maybe I should be focusing on one thing at a time when it is on sale and buying all that I can afford for that pay week.  I really need to figure this out!  Just wish I had someone to lament my worries and concerns with!

Clarifying Butter (i.e. Ghee) - Perfect for Food Storage!

I got this from another site and I am including a link to another site which has photos of a step by step process for making ghee. The second link does not water bath can the ghee which means the shelf life is shorter....(I assume).

HOW TO PRESERVE BUTTER (GHEE) also know as Clarified Butter

1 lb. butter

Ghee is an Indian and Eastern cooking ingredient which has its closest Western counterpart in clarified butter. Ghee has better storage properties than whole butter and will not burn as easily at high temperatures.
This recipe may be multiplied for as many as you would like in a batch. Each pound of butter makes about 1 pint, so adjust accordingly. The recipe given is specific for 1 portion. Use either salted or unsalted butter.


Canning Preparation:

In a boiling water bath canner, fill water sufficiently to cover canning jar 2 inches and allowing for several inches of boiling space above water. Place rack in canner and bring water to a full boil.
Sterilize 1 glass jar canning jar for 10 minutes in canner (about 1 pint jar for each pound butter used). Bring canning lid to a boil in a saucepan, then turn off heat and let sit. Remove canning jar and place in warm oven and allow to air dry until ready to use.

Choose a heavy bottomed saucepan, (such as enamel-lined cast iron) so that butter will not scorch on the bottom of the pan. Use only fresh butter.


Butter Preparation:

Melt butter slowly in saucepan over medium heat. Steadily increase heat as butter melts until butter begins to boil and foam.
When butter is covered with foam, reduce heat and stir the bottom contents of the the pot with a spatula, or simply swirl the butter around and around in a circle, by gently rotating the pan. Reduce heat to lowest setting and continue to cook for 40-50 minutes, or until a sediment forms on the bottom of the pan and the top portion of butter is translucent and clear.

Strain butter through a colander or sieve in which several layers of cheesecloth have been placed, allowing butter to pass through slowly. Ghee (clarified butter) may need to be strained again, until it is clear of sediment. (Tip: leave the bottom few tablespoons behind when gently pouring out contents of pot). All solids should be removed. Save the butter solids for flavoring vegetables or add to baking.

Pour hot butter into the hot, dry, canning jar leaving 1 inch head space.

IMPORTANT: Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp, hot, paper towel (dip it into boiling water or a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar) to clean the rim of the jar. If any trace of butter is on the rim of the jar, the seal may fail.

Place lid and ring on jar and tighten until resistance is felt.

Process in boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool in a place free from draft. After 24 hours, gently remove ring from jar and store for up to 6 months.

Submitted by: CM

Here is the link to a more visual how to that is very helpful and this link is amazing and she mentions that if kept in the fridge or cold that it is good indefinitely!

Long Term Food Storage Shelf Life Listing

Here is a great Article about long term storage expiration dates on Daily Survival Blogspot.  It also includes some great links! 

Trying out a local On-line Prepping Store

I am really bad for taking my time window shopping before making a purchase.  I think I enjoy the hunt as much as the actual purchase. 

One of my goals is to create a list of local and for me that means within Canada, online prepping retailers.  I found one recently that is located within 45 minutes from me.  Their site isn't bad.  They don't yet have a working shopping cart, but I can pay by Paypal so that gives me a feeling of security and they go to a local Farmers Market in my area.

The name of the store is http://www.basiclifeessentials.com/misc.htm#clmill and they have a nice variety of products including mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, gamma lids, water purifiers and even manual grain mills.  So, I placed my first order today and hopefully shipping won't be to bad and it all will arrive within a reasonable time. 

I will keep you posted!

Homemade Baking Powder

What you may not realize is that baking powder loses its fizzle pretty quickly.  I discovered this after buying a bunch at the local Walmart at a great price, but didn't use them up quick enough!  Now I store my ingredients seperately and make up a batch as I go.  Here is the recipe using only two ingredients that make it last indefinitely when stored separately.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon corn starch (optional if storing!)

Preparation:

Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together until well combined. Use immediately.
Yield: One tablespoon of baking powder.
 
To store baking powder: Add a teaspoon of corn starch to the mixture, and stir. This will absorb any moisture from the air, and prevent the baking powder from reacting before you need it. Store in an air-tight container.

Did You Know? Most commerically-produced baking powder contains aluminum--sodium aluminum sulfate to be exact. Make your own baking powder, and keep your baked goods aluminum-free.
Make some up to last a month at a time and your ingredients will keep for a long time!

A Money Saving Tip Using Rain Cheques

I follow sales at the grocery stores.  I will go on payday and buy as much as my budget allows.  However, often the sale is so good that I wish I could buy more.  So, I will share with you a trick I use to extend the sale price for upto one month if it all goes well.

If you shop at the grocery store on the last day, preferrably the last evening of the sale, they have usually run out of the really good items that were the lowest priced.  Both my husband and I will ask for rain cheques for all items that are sold out and suitable for our pantry.  We also do this anytime we are in the store and the item isn't available.  This allows us to gather rain cheques and get the sale price spread throughout the month.

First Post

Wow, I finally did it!  I have started a blog about my journey in preparing for the future which scarily seems closer day by day.  I am located in Atlantic Canada and my struggle to buy items at a cost effective price such as mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, buckets, etc., hasn't been easy.

I have also struggled with a husband who doesn't always agree with what I am doing, yet often goes along with it because I think in his heart he knows it's a good thing. 

This blog will be a place to vent a bit because I'm weary from trying to gently lead my loved ones to thinking more long term.  I'm tired of feeling crazy, I need this blog so that I can document my progress!

Welcome!