Thursday, September 26, 2013

Canning away

Been trying to get the canning finished.  Still have beans to can and whatever tomatoes are left over.

 I did tomato sauce again this week and need to get the broccoli out of the dehydrator and get other things in it.

We still haven't had a frost yeaaaaa.  But I know that will be here anytime.  We woke up to 36 degrees yesterday morning and it was 38 this morning. 

It was time to get wood in.




We had some illness we were passing around but I think we are all on the mend.  At least that is my hopes.
 ***
If you are thinking of having some food put by and don't know where to start here is a list for beginners.

 Remember this does not have to be bought all at once.


1. 20 pounds of Rice.  Rice is usually one of the main food storage items.  It is filling and with the use of different spices and condiments and be different tastes White rice has a longer shelf (years) life. Brown rice is more nutritional but lasts only 6 months to a year.

2. 20 pounds of Pinto Beans.   Like rice, beans are the backbone to every food storage plan.  You may substitute white, kidney or other types of dried bans. Pintos are one of the least expensive dried beans.

3. 24 cans of Vegetables.  Green beans, peas, corn and canned tomatoes are good choices.  

4. 24 cans of Fruit.  Applesauce, berries, peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail or other your choice. 

5. 24 cans of Meat.  Turkey, chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, Vienna sausages, beef stew, roast beef and yes Spam or other meat you enjoy.  

6. 4-10 pounds Rolled Oats.  A bowl of oatmeal topped with honey, jam, sugar or canned fruit can be enjoyed for any meal.

7. 2 large jars of Peanut Butter.  Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, with calories for energy.  

8. 2 large containers of Tang or other powdered drink mix.  Make sure it is fortified with Vitamin c.

9. 5 pounds of Powdered Milk.  Milk is a good source of protein. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 teaspoons of sugar (or other)when you mix it up.

10. 12 cans canned milk

11. 5 pounds of Salt.  Salt is an essential for survival plus it has lots of other uses other adding to your food to help taste. Our bodies need salt to survive.  

12. Pepper and other spices

13. 10-15 pounds of Pancake Mix.  An all in one pancake mix (like Krusteaz) you only have to add water to make up a batch.  Plus you can these for any meal. It can also be used to bread meats or vegetables. 

14. 3 large jars of Honey and 2 large jars of Jam.  You can choose honey and jam over sugar or can make or simply mix and match according to taste.

15. 10-15 pounds of Pasta.  Assortment: Pasta is easy to fix it and most like it along with it being filling. 

16.  12 cans or jars of Spaghetti Sauce.  Inexpensive and satisfying, canned pasta sauce on pasta makes a satisfying meal that can be put together in minutes.

17. 20 cans of Soup or Broth. Soups are an all-in-one meal solution. All you need is a can opener and a spoon and you have a meal ready to go. This can be poured over your rice.

18.  20 pounds of flour. Wheat or white or a combo.

19. 10 pounds of Sugar

20.  Can and large box of baking soda and baking powder.

21.  Water, anyway you want to store it. You can use empty large pop bottles, 5 gallon containers for water (camping area in a store sells these).  Or and buy bottled. This is a must have.
 



Monday, September 9, 2013

Indian Summer

We are nto the second week of September and going to be in 80's all week per the weather people.  Getting to 88 on Wednesday.  Normally by now we have the heat going at least in the mornings.

I can say this will give our garden more time to finish its growing season.

The beets are all pulled and canned one of the harder things.  We did the boiling outside in the driveway in the big metal tub.  Took 2-1/2 days to get them all finished.  212 pounds worth.

On Labor day my niece Kimberly and her hubby Rob were in town to visit her grandmother.  So they came up with my mom and her boyfriend Chuck to visit and picnic. Wish more could have come but some were working and other live to far away.

A few of us girls in the family.  Four generations here even with a sons wife on the right. :)

A few of the scattered men.


Kim and Rob




All in all it was a good visit.

Recipe:




Homemade Vanilla Wafers
1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl.  Add the egg and vanilla and stir well. Stir together the flour and b.powder and then mix into the creamed mixture.  Using ½ teaspoon; spoon dough onto cookie sheet.  You should get about 20-24 cookies on one cookie sheet.  Bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until done.  Let their color be your guide to their doneness.  You want brown edges for crispy cookies.