NOTES:
* If you are planning on buying and transplanting anything, here are a few tips.
LONG TERM FOCUS: Rice
Rice is a grain, so it can take the place of your wheat, or add to the variety of grains you have stored. Plus, rice is very versatile. You can use rice in main dishes, mixed with other stored foods (rice and beans), and even used in desserts (rice pudding). I remember in college, I was invited to spend the night at a friend’s house in Idaho. For breakfast, she got out leftover rice from the night before, sprinkled sugar on it, and added milk. I was skeptical, to say the least; but it was surprisingly good! Who knew?
My grandson has celiac disease, so rice and potatoes have taken the place of pasta for him.
* “Long grain rice cooks up dry and fluffy and is good in curries, pilafs, and casseroles. Short grain rice is more tender and sticky and is good for breakfast cereals, puddings, Oriental dishes, and casseroles too. Basically, all rice can be used interchangeably.” (Preparedness Principles, Barbara Salsbury, p.59)
According to “An Approach to Long-Term Food Storage“, it is recommended to have about 60 pounds per person for a year’s supply. Never fear, I did the math for you. LOL 60 lbs = 120 cups dry rice = 350 c. cooked rice. In other words, 60 lbs of rice will give you 1 cup of rice a day for nearly a year. Not bad.
I look for rice that is about $20 for 8 pounds. That’s a pretty good price.
SHORT TERM FOCUS: Canned Meat
Just about any kind of meat can be purchased in a can. DON’T BUY TUNA IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO EAT TUNA!!! Canned meat is pricey. That’s why I’m ALWAYS telling you to can your own.
In the meantime, think about what you usually make for dinner. Canned chicken is about $2 for 10 oz. Maybe pick up 10 cans and put it away. Get tuna if you think your kids will eat tuna casserole. Get salmon or even roast.
Can you survive without canned meat? Yes. But do you want to??? LOL
72-HOUR KIT FOCUS: First Aid
This week, get a quart-size baggie and stick some bandaids in it. Maybe buy a small tube of Neosporin or some other cream. We will add to this “kit” throughout the month. Each of my 72-hour kits
MISC. FOCUS: Sun Screen
It’s time for sunscreen and sunburn lotion to go on sale soon. Get some for your family FAK. If you have to evacuate, you may end up being in the sun for extended periods. Be prepared.
Sunscreen DOES expire and should not be used after 3 years. When you buy it, write the date on the container, then toss it after 3 years. Does Sunscreen Expire? Experts Share Signs of Spoiled SPF | Allure
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES
Rice Pudding
There are dozens of rice pudding recipes. This one is by Christin Mahrlig. Posted to spicysouthernkitchen.com
Makes 4 servings.
In a saucepan, combine:
5 1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in:
(heaping) 1/2 c. long grain white rice and reduce heat to low. It should be at a gentle simmer. Cook for 50-60 minutes. Mixture should thicken up to the consistency of yogurt.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in:
2 tsp vanilla extract. Let cool, then refrigerate. An additional 1/2 c. milk is stirred in just before serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Chili with Rice
From Taste of Home
(I’m wondering if you could just open a can of chili and serve it over the rice? I’ve never done this. Anyone???)
1 lb ground beef (or 1 pint “canned” ground beef)
1 medium onion chopped (or 1 TB dehydrated onion rehydrated in 1/4 c. water for 20 min.)
1/2 c. chopped green pepper (or 1 TB chopped green pepper rehydrated in the same water as onion)
1 clove garlic, minced
Brown together until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Add:
2-3 c. tomato juice (or 16 oz. tomato sauce and 2 c. water)
1/2 c. uncooked long grain rice
1 TB chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 min. or until rice is tender. Stir in:
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 c. frozen corn (or 1 can corn drained)
1 can sliced ripe olives, drained
Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese. Sprinkle and cook 5 min longer or until cheese melts.
Check out this link that shows you how to substitute tomato sauce for ketchup, chili sauce, tomato juice, and tomato soup.
Marti