**I usually have a can or two of evaporated milk on the shelf, but I NEVER use it!!! And when I get ready to make pumpkin pie, which is maybe once a year, the milk has sometimes gone bad. This article gives you some other recipes and reasons for using canned evaporated milk. 13 Best Ways To Use Canned Evaporated Milk
a) Diluting evaporated milk 50-50 with water gives you a pretty good milk substitute for recipes. It’s NOT ideal in baking, but is delicious in hot chocolate
b) making rich smoothies and rich soups
c) cheese sauces
d) creamy casseroles
e) homemade ice cream
f) whipped cream
Check out the article for additional ideas and recipes
GARDEN HAPPENINGS:
** I’ve been reading about different things people use to eliminate ants. Especially in the South, they get “biting” ants that can be a big problem. It seems like the most common remedies are: a) Instant grits – not regular grits. Must be common in the south, but I’m not sure we can get it here (although to be honest, I haven’t looked). b) orange oil, available on Amazon c) cornstarch and cinnamon d) sugar + baking soda + diatomaceous earth.
I followed my own advice and actually bought some sugar last week. Four pounds was about $2.79. Still higher than a few years ago, but cheap enough that I can sneak in a package of sugar each shopping trip and not notice it too much.
Cooking oil is another item that has nearly doubled in price. Ugh. However, store brand is cheaper, and frankly, I can’t tell the difference. Get a 48-oz bottle, write the date on it and stick it away. My daughter gets the gallon jugs and then refills her smaller size when it gets empty.
MISC. PURCHASE: toothpaste, extra toothbrushes
If you watch for them, you can find plastic packets with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss at WalMart for about $1.50. I have one of these in each of my 72 hour kits. In addition, you should have a 6 month supply of toothpaste. It stores in the garage.
When we were very poor, there were times when I brushed my teeth with straight baking soda, and sometimes salt. They both work well for cleaning your teeth. In an emergency, we’ll want to be careful with our dental hygiene because getting dental care may not be as easy as it is now.
And, as a side note: if you do not have dental insurance or find that dental care is too expensive, look online for the nearest dental school. I got this idea from my son in Texas. He was self-employed and this is what their family did. So, I looked up the one nearest me. It’s a bit of a drive, but the prices are a small fraction of what a regular dentist charges. I have been going there for years now and have had excellent care, including fillings and even a crown. If you are skeptical or wondering what the experience is like, just email me and I’d be glad to share my experiences.
Suffice it to say, I had two crowns, 2-3 fillings, and several cleanings all for about $800. Spread over 2 years, it wasn’t bad at all.
Cook 2 c. instant rice as directed on box. If using long grain rice, Cook 3/4 c. rice in 1 1/2 c. water. This will make 2 1/4 c. rice.
Saute:
3/4 c. chopped onion in
1/4 c. melted butter
Cook:
2 10-oz. packages of frozen chopped broccoli and drain. Can use fresh or freeze dried.
Mix together, broccoli
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 16-oz jar of processed cheese sauce
cooked rice,
onion and butter
salt and pepper to taste.
Place in a 9X13 baking dish
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees
Others who made this had suggestions
1) Use 1 jar Cheese Whiz and add 1 lb. cooked sausage.
2) Substitute Cream of Chicken soup for the Cream of Mushroom Soup
3) Cut the recipe in 1/2 and bake in an 8X8
4) Use fresh steamed broccoli cut into small pieces and regular steamed rice cooked in vegetable broth
Creamy Ham Fettuccine and Broccoli
This is one of my favorite recipes, but ham is a difficult thing to store long term. Wonder how it would taste with SPAM instead. LOL OR I guess you could use canned chicken instead of the ham? You could just store jars of alfredo sauce, but this is so much better.
Cook 12 oz. fettuccine noodles
Saute
3 TB finely chopped onions (I usually reconstitute dehydrated onions and use those)
3 TB butter
When onions are soft, add
2 TB and 1 tsp flour. Stir in to make a roux
3 c. heavy whipping cream (see note above for substitutions)
Heat and stir constantly until sauce is thick and bubbly.
Add 2 c. broccoli florets to the sauce and let simmer.
I usually use fresh. If using freeze dried, reconstitute for 20-30 minutes in water first, then drain. Add to sauce, and they will finish rehydrating in the sauce.
Simmer for about 10 minutes or until broccoli is one to your taste.
Stir it:
2 c. cubed ham
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Add the cooked noodles or serve the sauce over the noodles with another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
** I am a big food-rotator. I just opened a can of refried beans dated 2017 and it’s perfectly fine. My peanut butter was purchased in Aug, 2020, also fine. MOST canned goods will last for years and years. Cold cereal–not so much.
** These two bean plants were planted at the exact same time.
In the garden they are only about 3 feet apart. So why the disparity? Well… the beans on the left get a lot more sun. The beans on the right get morning sun, but the house shades this part of the garden after about 2:30. When there are morning clouds, the sunlight can be even more reduced. They’ll eventually come up, but it really DOES make a difference WHERE you plant things in your yard.
** Gardening mistakes happen to everyone:
I started these two zucchini plants indoors. They sprouted and grew so fast, that I didn’t get them out in the sun fast enough. You can see that the poor, drooping plant just was not able to develop a stem that could hold up the plant. It will not recover. I can transplant the other one as soon as I have a space in the garden for it.
THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: sugar
I had a nice stockpile of sugar. But when the price went from $1.50 for 4 pounds to over $4 for the same amount, I quit buying it. Yikes! Even at the Home Storage Center, a #10 can of sugar (5.6 pounds) is $8.33.
4 pounds for $3.96 = about $1 per pound
5.6 pounds for $8.33 is about $1.49 per pound.
I’ve decided the price is NOT coming down, and I’ve used up most of my stockpile. So, even at these higher prices, I’m going to have to start stocking up again.
Watch for bargains. Check sugar every week. Consider getting a larger bag to save money, and repackaging it in jars, or tupperware, or mylar bags, or whatever.
I figure we are going to need some comfort food to get through hard times ahead and cookies will do that!
You do NOT have to vacuum seal sugar, or use oxygen packets. If your sugar clumps, just sift it. That’s what I do.
MISC. PURCHASE:
So, after encouraging everyone to get a supply of batteries, I did NOT do it, and in the middle of the night the fire alarm started to beep. This is a beep that happens about every 25-30 seconds and will NOT STOP until you unhook the battery that is dying. Ugh. By some miracle it stopped after about 10 minutes and I was able to get some sleep.
This week: Safety Pins
I suggest a large container of every size of safety pins.
Put some in a small baggie in your 72 hour kit. Put a few in the glove compartment of each car. Throw a few into your purse. Such a great invention!
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
Cheesy Italian Shells
Make the sauce:
1/4 c. instant powdered milk
1 TB cornstarch
1 TB Italian seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Whisk together and add 3 1/3 c. hot water. Mix to dissolve milk
Add 1 1/2 c. pasta shells to the water.
Also add: 1 pint ground beef drained
1/2 c. stewed tomatoes
Heat with the lid on for 12-20 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Top with 3/4 c. cheddar cheese. If using freeze dried cheese, add while cooking. If fresh, add after.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Homemade tortillas**
Sauce:
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 c sour cream powder
1 7-oz can diced green chilies
1/2 can evaporated milk
1/2 c. cheese
Filling: canned chicken, spanish rice, refried beans, etc.
In a pan, pour a layer of sauce, add a layer or tortillas, add filling and top with sauce. Repeat 2 or 3 times.
Bake 30-40 minutes at 350˚
** There are lots of recipes for homemade tortillas. I am NOT good at this, but I have tried it a few times. Here are two different recipes:
Tortillas #1
4 c. flour
3 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
4 TB lard or shortening – cut in
2-3 c. warm water
Tortillas #2
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 TB shortening – cut in. Add 3/4 c. water. Knead.
Roll out to 7 inches diameter. Cook 2 minutes each side. Keep dough covered with towels.
Pancakes
(from the kitchen of Shemay Matson)
In a blender: add
2 c. water
2 eggs
2 TB oil
2 tsp vinegar
Blend 1 minute
Add:
2/3 c. nonfat powdered milk
Blend 1 minute
Add:
1 c. white flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
2 TB sugar
2 TB baking powder
Remember you can buy whole wheat flour and nonfat powdered milk at Winco in the bulk section so you don’t have to open an entire #10 can.
** “Many of us are still thinking ’72 hour kits’. After experiencing firsthand the aftermath and recovery process during hurricanes in Florida, I’m convinced we need to encourage people to be able to be on their own for a minimum of three to four weeks!” Ken Kraudy, Director of Emergency Services, Sandy, Utah. Note: COVID took 3-4 months!
GARDEN HAPPENINGS:
** Everything is growing nicely. I already have flowers on my tomatoes. Flower to fruit = 8 weeks.
**My backyard grass borders my garden and is separated by a decorative log. I FINALLY got the clippers out and trimmed the grass along that log. Hundreds and hundreds of pill bugs and earwigs (pincher bugs) were lurking there. I poured diatomaceous earth on thick!!! Some gardeners don’t mind them in the garden, but I am not a fan.
** I have three big pots of beans. One is in full sun most of the day. Those were the first to sprout. One planter has sun until about 2:00, and although it took a while, they are now up and growing. The other one gets sun from about 9-2 (hopefully more as the sun rotates into summer). Only 2-3 or the bean plants have even sprouted. BUT…. I had beans there the year before last and they did fine, so I’m hopeful.
** Remember the wildflowers that looked like weeds? They are beginning to get flowers, and now they look like weeds with flowers. LOL
** I love gardening, and I love looking forward to eating fresh vegetables and fruits!
THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: FRUIT
** Consider several cans of fruit, fruit roll-ups (on sale at Winco for $.38, or any time of dehydrated or freeze-dried fruit. Jam can fit in this category. When we were young (and poor and didn’t know it), we used to have jam sandwiches for lunch. Bread, butter, jam.
** Fruit will add variety to your diet. It’s just the right amount of sweetness. Because canned fruit is packed in water, it will provide that as well. 12 Ways To Use Up Leftover Juice From Canned Fruits. This can include making a fruity drink; sweetening BBQ sauce, adding it to a smoothie, jazzing up oatmeal, and making ice cubes for water. Check out other ideas with the link above.
** If you do not have a can of dehydrated apples available at the Home Storage Center, ordering a can or two can add variety to desserts, oatmeal, and snacks. I’ve included a recipe for Apple Crisp specifically for dehydrated apples.
Find a Home Storage Center. (You do NOT have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to shop at a Home Storage Center. #10 cans of dehydrated apples are only $10.83. AND now the Home Storage Center has freeze dried strawberries!!! THAT cost is only about $14, compared to $30 at beprepared.com.
MISC. PURCHASE: Batteries
It’s time to check the batteries in all the flashlights, and the smoke detectors. You should have a flashlight in your nightstand drawer, in the car, somewhere in the kitchen? maybe? and in your 72 hour kit. Just do it. The flashlights won’t be any good if they don’t work. Also remember, that the batteries will NOT last long. You’ll need a back-up like candles, or lanterns. Also, garden solar lights are a good idea. BUT they also need batteries.
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
Apple Crisp
From Preparedness Principles by Barbara Salsbury
3 c. dehydrated apple slices 4 c. water Bring apple slices to a boil in water. Remove from heat and let sit 30 min. 1 c. sugar 1 3/4 tsp cinnamon 1 1/2 tsp salt Mix and stir in apple slices. Spread mixture in an 8X8 pan. 1 c. sugar 1 c. flour 1/2 tsp salt Optional: 1/2 c. rolled oats Sift together. 1/2 c. soft butter Cut in until mixture is as fine as cornmeal. Spread as a topping over apple slices.
Bake 400˚ for 30 min. Serve warm or cold.
Apple Filled Cookies
From New Ideas for Cooking with Basic Food Storage
Filling:
Chop or break 2 c. dried apples into small pieces. DO NOT RECONSTITUTE as in previous recipes. Place in a saucepan, then add:
3/4 c. water 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. chopped nuts 1 TB flour Cook together slowly, stir constantly to prevent scorching until thick. Cool filling. Cream together: 1 c. butter for 1 3/4 c. brown sugar 2 eggs 1/2 c. water 1 tsp vanilla Mix well and add: 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking soda Blend in 3 1/2 c. flour (wheat or white)
Drop by a teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Mae a depression in the middle of each dop and place filling in the depression and then place 1/2 tsp of dough on top of filling. Bake at 350˚ for about 12 minutes.
Tamale Pie
From New Ideas for Cooking with Basic Food Storage
1 lb. hamburger 1 chopped onion 1 c. chopped green pepper 1 clove garlic, minced Brown together. Drain the fat and add: 1 16-oz can tomatoes 1 can corn, drained 1 can sliced olives – drained 1 TB sugar 1 tsp salt dash of pepper 2-3 tsp chili powder Simmer 20 minutes until thick. Add 1 1/2 c. sharp American cheese – grated Stir until melted. Pour into 3 X 13 baking dish.
Topping:
1 1/2 c. milk – heat in a double boiler 1/2 tsp salt – add Slowly add: 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal. Cook and stir util thick, about 20 min. 1 TB butter – add and spread over top of meat mixture Bake 375˚ for 40 min.
**The following is from Survival Mom by Lisa Bedford.
When the toilet won’t flush, or when flushing toilets aren’t within driving distance, having a good, sturdy shovel on hand would be a good idea.
1) Dig a hole. In fact, you can dig a trench and heap the dirt upon the side. As you do your business in one end of the trench, you cover it up with dirt.
4) Sprinkle a cup or two of kitty litter in the bottom of the bag and after each “Number 2”.
5) In addition, make a solution of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Put it in a squirt bottle. Spray on each “Number 2” to kill bacteria.
6) If your own bathroom is available, you can set up a similar system by first emptying the toilet bowl of as much water as possible. Then, line the bowl with trash bags and follow the same steps listed above. Be sure and keep the lid closed and use air freshener!
7) Each day, these emergency toilets will have to be emptied by sealing the inside bag with a plastic tie and taking it outside. So many diseases can originate in human waste. If you have to bury the bags on your property, bury it deep enough that rodents, insects or other animals can’t dig it up – 2 to 3 feet deep.
The days of tossing the chamber pots into the streets were the days of typhoid fever, cholera, and the plague.
** Quick List of Non-edibles you should think about storing
Bars of soap
Ziploc bags of all sizes
Rope for clothesline and clothespins
Tylenol, Tylenol PM
Multivitamins
Duct tape
Hydrogen peroxide
Bleach
Feminine products
Toilet paper
Start with 3 months worth. Add more to make 6 months. Add more to make 1 year.
GARDEN HAPPENINGS:
* I went out last night about 8:30 to make sure I hadn’t left the water on in the garden. I took a flashlight and EWWW, I found slugs and earwigs and roly polies EVERYWHERE! I took out a box of tissues because there’s no way I was going to touch them. EWWW. But picking them up in a tissue wasn’t much better. Craig finally came out (I think he heard me making disgusting noises) and offered to put on a glove, put them in a garbage bag, and save the remainder of the kleenex. We debugged the whole garden, and when I went back to the beginning to get the kleenex, there were MORE! Eww Eww Eww! Luckily, I have some Sluggo Plus. You can get it at Armstrong Nursery, but I’m not sure about Lowes or Home Depot. It is organic, and kills slugs, snails, earwigs, AND roly polys. You only need a little sprinkle. I put some in EVERY grow bag! According to the container, it is supposed to work even if it gets wet. (Post Script: I went out the next night and still found a few slugs and roly polys, but not NEAR as many.)
* What can you plant in April? In my area you can plant–Cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini, yellow squash and any other “warm weather” crop.
* In MY garden, the flowers on the orange tree are opening and I have bees! The beans that I planted a few weeks ago are finally popping up. I think the dirt is just now warming up for them.
I have this old wash tub that we drilled holes in. I planted beets one year and they didn’t do very well. I planted carrots last year and they grew SO Well!!! I decided to plant the whole thing in wildflowers this year. I’m excited to see them bloom.
The blueberries have baby berries. Once they begin to darken, I have to use bird netting to cover the bushes. One year, the birds stripped the entire bush in ONE day!
It’s so exciting to see the garden start to “come alive”.
THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: peanut butter
“Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.” The Healthy Perks of Peanut Butter | Denver Health Medical Plan
So, I don’t use it very often, BUT I do use it at night just before bed. Dry lips are one of those things that will keep me awake. It’s a good idea to keep some type of lip balm in the glove box of the car. AND it’s a REALLY good idea to keep something in your 72 hour kit. HOWEVER, I recommend NOT storing a tube of chapstick in the car–it will melt and make a mess. Better to get a tube of something.
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
Rice-A-Roni
My grandkids LOVE rice-a-roni meatballs.
1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
rice from the Beef rice-a-roni boxes.
Mix together and make walnut-size balls. Brown in a little oil. Drain oil. Add the water and sauce packet. Simmer for 20 minutes (whatever the directions call for).
In an emergency situation, you may not have fresh ground beef. You can still make this, but add 1 jar of ground beef.
Add corn, small pieces of diced carrots, or whatever else sounds good.
You can also make this with Chicken Rice-A-Roni and a can of chicken.
Homemade Granola Bars
2 1/2 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 c. whole almonds, coarsely chopped
Put on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 350˚. Stir and bake another 3-5 minutes until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large bowl.
In a saucepan:
1/3 c. honey
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
Heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Pour the butter mix into the bowl with the oats and almonds. Cool for 5 minutes.
1/2 dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/4 c. mini chocolate chips
(Don’t worry if the chocolate melts. It helps hold the bars together.)
Transfer to a 8 or 9 inch square pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper and sprayed lightly with oil.
Scatter another 2 TB of chocolate chips and press in with a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove the block of granola mixture and peel away the foil or parchment. Cut into 12 bars.
Easy Split Pea, Lentil, and Grain Soup
1/2 c. alphabet macaroni
1/2 c. green and yellow split peas
1/2 c. lentils or red lentils
1/2 c. pearl barley
1/2 c. rice
3-4 bouillon cubes or 3-4 tsp bouillon granules or soup base
3-4 c. water.
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring water to a boil and reduce to simmer. Cook until tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serves 6.
Optional: Add 1 can chicken, or 1 pint ground beef.
**April is a good time to check on your 72 hour kits. Eat the food you have in the kits and replace it. Change out any water bottles you have stored in the car. Have a disaster drill at home. Talk about what to do in an emergency with your kids. Make sure the adults know how to turn off the gas outside at the meter. Check flashlight batteries.
** Keep working on collecting food storage recipes. Try to come up with at least 19 recipes that ONLY use shelf-stable foods. Nothing should need to be purchased fresh, or need to be kept in the fridge.
Your ultimate goal is to have enough food to make each recipe 19 times. 19X19 = 361. For now, start with making each recipe 2 times each. That will get you one month. Continue to build up to 3 months AT LEAST! More is better.
But if you have 3 months of dinners, you will NOT need to panic if there is no food available – whether due to trucking strikes, earthquakes, or major storms.
THEN, try to make one or two of those 19 meals each week. IF you make 2 meals from your list each week, you will completely rotate your supplies in 5 years.
Personalizing your recipes allows for all types of food preferences and needs. If every Friday night is pizza night, figure out how to do this yourself, with shelf stable foods. If you need help, LMK.
It is great for skin care: diaper rash, wounds, even yeast infections. It has been used as a pain and inflammation reducer. A tea made from calendula can help reduce inflammation and have positive effects on blood sugar levels among other things. The article also explains how to make calendula tea. To make a salve with calendula, just google how to do that. It’s easy, but takes a while to infuse the oil with the flowers.
** The last of my plants that I started indoors is going out in the sun today. Finally! I planted a bunch of wildflowers. I’m not impressed. Maybe when I get them in the ground I’ll get some pretty blooms. Right now they still look like weeds.
12 bags for $20. They are 7 gallon bags. My experience was that the 5 gallon buckets from the “agri store” were smaller than the 5 gallon buckets from Home Depot. I didn’t want to spend $5 each and have a garden of orange buckets. My husband NEVER would have gone for that. When I bought 5 gallon grow bags, THEY were small also – at least in my opinion. I tried 10 gallon bags and they were huge and took a lot of soil to fill. The 7-gallon is the perfect size. Some of my grow bags are now in their 4th year of use. Some of the handles have torn off from sun damage and wear. Occasionally the plants will grow through the bottom of the bag. This just happened with the raspberry plants. I almost had to cut the bags apart to get the raspberries out and into their permanent home.
Once, I had weeds from the ground grow up through the bag and fill the bottom half with roots, so much so that it almost crowded out the vegetable that was there. Another mess. Now, I try to put the grow bags on a non-porous surface, a few layers of weed cloth, on several layers of cardboard, or on a tarp.
Other than these few learning experiences, I have found them to work really well for tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, squash, celery, cucumbers, beets, beans, butternut squash, and carrots.
**Although everything is planted outside, not everything has “taken off”. The potatoes and beets look great because they are “cold weather” vegetables. The cucumbers and squash looks a little sad yet because it’s just not warm enough. Unfortunately, here in my growing area, the ideal temperatures last about 2 weeks and we are on to hot summers. LOL
** Be vigilant about watching for bugs. I use Safer Soap for aphids and a few other critters, and BT for anything “caterpillar” like. Just check your plants every other day at the longest.
** I do not have a problem with squirrels. Here are some good ideas: How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Garden | Bonnie Plants. My good friend in Indiana actually electrified her whole garden to keep squirrels (and other varmints) out!
You can preserve fresh eggs in the refrigerator for several months. I did an experiment once and kept them for 7 months. Then I used them and they were still good! You have to coat them with vegetable oil. I think I used regular vegetable oil. I put them back into the styrofoam container and into the fridge.
If you have chickens, you can “water glass” the eggs. They will be able to sit on the shelf. This doesn’t work with eggs from the store. There are several YouTube videos to watch that will show you how to do this.
I tried making my own and used 5 dozen eggs. I blended them, then dehydrated them. It was a disaster. When I tried to reconstitute, they wouldn’t blend and just became a grainy mess. I threw them all away.
Egg powder is NOT the same as fresh eggs, but I used it once to make scrambled eggs and Craig never knew. Hahaha. Egg powder works especially well in cakes, cookies and other recipes where eggs are blended into the ingredients. Frankly, I think we are going to need cookies to get us through the tribulations ahead!
MISC PURCHASE: fire extinguisher
They are available at Home Depot or any similar store. I’m not sure of the prices there, but online, they run about $20-$25 each and are often sold in packs of 3-4. This allows you to have one upstairs, one in the kitchen, one in the garage, and one in the car.
THEN, be sure you know how to use it!!! Watch a youtube video! This one is only 1 1/2 minutes long: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
To-Die For Blueberry Muffins
Anticipating my soon-to-be fresh blueberries, here is a recipe from CopyCat Recipes magazine
Muffins:
1 1/2 c. flour 3/4 c. sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt Whisk together in a bowl. In another bowl mix: 1/3 c. vegetable oil 2 egg 1/3 c. plus 1 TB milk Add liquids to flour mix and stir until just combined. 1 c. fresh blueberries – fold in
Fill muffin paper liners with batter 2/3 full. Sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake 400˚ until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown 20-25 minutes. Remove and cool.
Topping:
1/2 c. sugar 1/3 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon – whisk 4 TB butter, cut in small chunks – Cut in with a fork until crumbly.
Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies
A few weeks ago I bought some mini peanut butter cups to make some chocolate balls with Nutter Butter cookies, cream cheese and peanut butter cups. Well, I put it off, and now Craig has eaten all the cookies and I’m left with these PB cups. Then I saw this recipe. Maybe I’ll use them after all.
1 1/2 c. rolled oats – bake on a cookie sheet until lightly toasted 350˚ for 10-12 minutes. Let cool. 1 c. creamy peanut butter 4 TB unsalted butter Combine in a large bowl and beat on medium speed 2/3 c. packed light brown sugar 1/3 c. sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda Add the sugars, salt, baking powder and baking soda and beat until smooth. 2 large eggs – beat in. 1 c. semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 c. chopped mini peanut butter cups 2/3 c. sweetened shredded coconut (I’m not a coconut fan and will probably leave this one out) Toasted oats Stir in gently with a spatula.
Drop large teaspoons full of dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment. Lightly flatten with your fingers. Bake 350˚ until the edges of the cookies are set but still soft, about 20-24 minutes. (This seems like a long time. Better check them before that.) Let cookies cool for 10 minutes.
Brother Brigham’s Honey Beans
from Cookin’ With Home Storage by Peggy Layton
1 1/2 lb. white beans, dried Soak beans overnight. Next day, drain. Add more water to cover and cook and simmer until beans are juicy (30-60 min). Reserve 1 c. water and drain the rest. 3 TB butter, 2/3 c. honey, salt to taste. Add.
Add in the reserved water until the sauce is to desired consistency.
**This is a great video about looking for and filtering water in an emergency. He compares the life straw to a Pur water bag and a Burkey filter. He cuts them apart to see what is inside them and lists pros and cons and prices. THEN he shows you how to make your own Berky filter for $60!!! AND, he shows you step by step, demonstrating each step. I can even follow these directions. Millions Will Die From This
GARDEN HAPPENINGS
Just about everything is planted in the garden. It’s still early for the tomatoes, but they are out there anyway. They won’t really grow much until the weather warms up. Same with the cucumbers. In fact, cucumbers like 80 degree weather. So, they are just hanging out. The peppers are still inside. I’m not even going to try with those.
I got 4 big pots of green beans planted. Hopefully it will stop raining soon and they can come up. I’ve found that the secret to beans is just keeping them alive while they are seedlings. Do whatever it takes to get them started! The lettuce and potatoes seem to like this weather.
THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: wheat
Reactions to storing wheat include everything from:
I don’t like whole wheat bread, and I am allergic to gluten, to why am I storing something I will never eat?
For heaven’s sake, if you are not going to eat it, don’t store it!!!
BUT, here are my reasons for storing wheat.
1) it’s food
2) it’s nutritious
3) it stores for a long time
4) I like bread. period. Oh, and cake, and cookies and brownies!
I lived in China for a month during the summer of 2004, teaching school in Shanghai. The Chinese don’t have a lot of bread – mostly rice. After a week, I REALLY missed it. THEN, we found a Subway Sandwich place and started going there several times a week for our “bread” fix.
My brother, Michael, started making bread every other Saturday. Now, he makes one loaf of bread and one pan of cinnamon rolls. It’s one of his family traditions. He often gives the bread or rolls to another family. Okay, MOST of the rolls!
I actually have 2-3 recipes for bread that I like.
YOU should know how to make bread! Even if you only do it once a year! It’s not hard, but takes a little practice. Start with 1/2 white flour and 1/2 whole wheat. Switching to whole wheat suddenly can cause some stomach issues. Ease into it gradually. One hot loaf of bread right out of the oven will disappear in a matter of minutes.
Meanwhile, buy some wheat and store it. Even if YOU are not going to eat it, you might trade it for something else, or feed someone else.
I’ve listed some ways to cook and use wheat below.
MISC. PURCHASE: yeast
Keep it in the fridge and it will last at least a year. You CAN store yeast in the freezer in an airtight container (vacuum sealed!). A lot of people do this, then keep a smaller jar in the fridge to work from.
If you get brave, you can learn to use sourdough yeast starter. It will last for many, many years, but must be used or replenished weekly to keep its effectiveness. I think my starter is about 10 years old, and I’d be happy to share.
At first, I experimented with bread until Craig would eat it, now I just use it for waffles once a week and then refill it.
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
Whole Wheat Cereal
recipe from Simple Recipes Using Food Storage from Cedar Fort, Utah
I actually made this once. It wasn’t my favorite, but if I were very hungry, I’m sure it would taste delicious!
Slow Cooker Method:
1 c. whole wheat kernels (you can get these in the bulk section at Winco so you don’t have to open one of your #10 cans)
2 1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp salt
Combine in a slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours or overnight on low. Add milk and a sweetener. Add fruit and nuts and whatever else sounds good.
Thermos Method:
( I did this, too, and it really worked!)
1 c. whole wheat kernels
2 c. boiling water
1/2 tsp salt
Combine in a quart-sized thermos, screw the top tightly and leave overnight.
Wheat Treats
Soak the wheat berries until triple in size by either
1) soak for 24 hours, changing the water once or twice
2) boil for 30 minutes, then let the wheat sit for an hour or two
Drain and rinse. Roll the wheat on a cloth or paper towel to remove any water.
In a heavy kettle, heat vegetable oil to 360˚. Put a small amount of wheat (1 1/2 c.) in a wire basket or strainer and deep fry in hot oil for 90 seconds. Drain on absorbent paper.
When all the wheat is fried, put it on a cookie sheet.
Make a honey glaze:
1 TB water
1 c. honey
Boil to a hard-crack stage (300-310˚) Pour over the wheat.
Cracked Wheat
Cracked wheat is a wheat berry that has been broken into small pieces. It has the same nutritional value as whole wheat. Most wheat mills or grinders have a setting for making cracked wheat. Only grind the wheat you will be using. Any extra cracked wheat should be placed in a sealed container and stored in the freezer. Somewhere I read that you can put the wheat in a baggie and just run over it with the car! Or pound it with a hammer or rolling pin. That might be a good way to take out some frustrations!
Cooked Cracked Wheat
Makes 2 1/2 c. cooked cracked wheat.
3 c. liquid (water, fruit juice, broth)
1 c. cracked wheat
1 tsp salt
Combine and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer 20-30 min or until tender. Use fruit juice if wheat is to be used in a fruit salad; water or broth for main dishes, bread, or cereal.
For cereal, add milk and sweetener.
Michael’s Bread
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. honey
1 1/2 TB sugar
3/4 TB salt
Add to the bowl.
In a large measuring cup
2 1/2 c. warm water
2 TB yeast
Let rest for 5 minutes
Add the yeast and water to the oil,
5 c. flour
2 TB vital wheat gluten
Add. (You can also get vital wheat gluten in the bulk section at Winco)
Slowly add an additional 1 – 1/2 c. flour (as needed) NEVER more than 7 1/4 c.
Knead 8 minutes
Let rise
Form loaves
Let rise
Bake 350˚ for 30-40 min.
If you have never made bread, just watch a video or two
** I made one of these once, when I was teaching Cub Scouts I think. Whether homemade or store-bought, you need an alternative to cooking. This one is made with #10 cans. Homemade Canned Heat Stove – Simply Prepared with CFD
** Everyone who is capable should know how to turn off the gas main in case of an earthquake. Take everyone out to look at the gas meter. Find the up and down valve. Demonstrate how they would turn the valve so that instead of up and down, it would turn sideways. Think go with the flow or stop the flow. That’s how I remember it. You should have a wrench or pliers actually attached to the meter so you won’t have to be searching for one. If your house is hit hard enough, you should do this as a precaution. Don’t use any candles, only flashlights, until you are sure your gas is not leaking. The last thing you need is to have your house blow up. That would be bad!!!
** Never feel bad if you find old food that has to be thrown away. Think of it like insurance. It brought you several years of peace of mind. Now, you have to re-up your policy. You pay for insurance every month and never have to use it….. and you are happy about not needing it and paying for it again next month. Just toss the old, and replace and don’t beat yourself up!
GARDEN HAPPENINGS:
This chart is a good guideline for container gardening. BUT, when I compared a 5 gallon grow bag, a 5 gallon pot from the agri-store, and a 5-gallon bucket, I found the 5-gallon bucket from Home Depot or Lowes to be much bigger. So I started buying the 7 gallon grow bags and found them to work much better. Some roots are shallow (like beans) and hardly go deep at all. Some are so deep (broccoli) that they will grow through the bottom of the bag if it is on dirt.
So, what’s happening in the garden??? All the tomatoes are planted! The peppers are still only about 2 inches high. Remember I had such a hard time starting them. They are up, just not growing very quickly. The cucumbers and butternut squash are hardened off. They go in the ground as soon as it stops raining. Broccoli is growing. Potatoes and carrots are growing. I had one bag of carrots spout nicely, and another not. So, I bought some carrot seed tape at the grocery store and thought I’d try it. It’s only been in about 5 days – not up yet. (I left the remaining seed tape on the counter and Craig promptly threw it away. )
I still have beans and zucchini to plant. They will go in as seeds. I just looked up today about planting zucchini in grow bags. For a vegetable that is supposed to be so easy to grow, I NEVER have good luck with it!!! It grows, and I usually get a few zucchini, but then I deal with powdery mildew and non-fertilization the rest of the hot summer! Try, try, try.
THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: Rice
There are lots of different varieties of rice: basmati, brown, jasmine, long grain, short grain, Texmati, Whani or red rice. There are actually more than 7,000 varieties of rice.
Recommended amount is 1-#10 can (about 5 pounds) per person per month. Rice will store for a long time. If you have a dog, you can use rice to replace dog food in an emergency. Occasionally, mix plain cooked rice in with their food. If the time comes when you can no longer buy dog food, begin mixing cooked rice in with their food a little at a time as you use up the last bag of dog food. You can get cans of rice at the Home Storage Center.
MISC. PURCHASE: soap
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
Today’s recipes come from Preparedness Principles by Barbara Salsbury.
Italian Tuna Soup
2 cans tuna, drained, set aside
1 onion chopped or 1/2 c. dehydrated onion
1/2 tsp dry minced onion
If using fresh onions and garlic, saute in 2 TB oil in a large saucepan.
1 can Italian-style tomatoes, undrained
1 can chicken broth
1 can cannellini beans
4 c. water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp rosemary
Simmer tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, beans, water, salt, and spices uncovered for 25 minutes.
Add tuna
1 can zucchini in Italian style tomato sauce – add and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Mexican Baked Beans
1/4 c. dehydrated onion
1 15-oz cans chili with beans
1 12-oz can whole kernel corn, drained
1 4 1/2-oz can chopped olives
1 c. shredded Velveeta*
1 15-oz package corn muffin mix
Soak onions in a small cup of very hot water for 10-15 min. Drain. In a large skillet, mix onions, chili, corn, and olives. Bring to boiling. Add cheese and stir to melt. Add cheese and stir to melt. Pour into 8 X 11 inch baking dish. Prepare muffin mix according to package directions. If your package calls for eggs and you don’t have any, try just increasing the liquid by 2 TB per egg. Spoon dough over top of casserole. Bake 400˚ for 15-20 min. Serves 8
* Processed cheese like Velveeta will keep unopened for at least 6 months in your cupboard. Once the package is opened, it must be refrigerated and used promptly.
Tuna Rice Bake
1 1/2 c. uncooked instant rice
1 1/2 c. shredded processed cheese*
2 cans tuna, drained
2 TB parsley
2 TB minced onion
2 tsp dried mustard
dash pepper
Mix together in a 2 quart casserole dish.
1 12-oz can evaporated milk
1/2 c. water
Stir in. Sprinkle 1/2 c. shredded cheese on top. Cover and bake at 350˚ for 45 min. Serves 6.
In this video, we’re going to build an EMP-proof Faraday cage using a metal trashcan and other common items you can get at your local hardware store or online. I’ll walk you through all the items you need, cover the step-by-step process to build this, test it several different ways to show whether this setup really works or not, discuss how to properly store it, look at test results simulating EMPs on an identical setup, and discuss what you should put inside of it. Definitely stick around until the end to see our test results, so let’s jump in.
So what is a Faraday cage, and what problem are we trying to solve here? Simply put, a Faraday cage is an enclosure built to protect electronic devices from electromagnetic pulses or EMPs that can overload and fry them. So, what is an EMP? An EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a brief burst of electromagnetic energy. These can be the result of a nuclear blast. Events like Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large plasma and magnetic field expulsions from the Sun’s corona. Such events have been documented and observed, such as the Carrington event of 1859. I did a video on the channel a few years ago that goes into a lot of detail if you’d like to learn more. By building one of these, we can protect important electrical devices in an affordable setup that allows you to protect electronic items that are important to you.
I will tell you upfront that I combed through many videos on this subject, various online articles, and studied videos that actually used gear that could replicate an EMP. I then pulled all that information into this video for you. Of course, I’ll give credit and provide links in the description section below to the sources I found helpful in researching this video. So, let’s start building this!
ITEMS NEEDED
Here are the items you’ll need. Each one of these items that we’ll cover can be purchased at most local hardware stores and online. Several of the items you may already have.
All metal trashcan
Big one: ($34)
Small one: ($23)
Aluminum foil ($5)
Aluminum foil tape ($6)
Cardboard box (free)
Tape measure ($9)
Duct tape ($5)
Sharpie pen ($4)
Scissors or knife ($5)
So, if you had to buy all of these, you’d be around $70. I’ll put links below to each of these items.
HOW TO BUILD IT
To be effective, a Faraday cage needs three things:
1) Have a continuous conductive metal barrier protecting against electromagnetic signals, which is why we’re using this metal trashcan and aluminum tape.
2) Adequately insulate whatever it’s protecting inside. We’ll go into detail to show how to add insulation inside.
3) Store the setup on non-conductive surfaces like wood, cardboard, or rubber mats.
So, let’s jump into building this utilizing these three principles.
Seams – Check and Seal
Any break in the continuous metal structure presents a weak point where signals can get into the can. The metal serves as a shield to keep signals out. We have to identify any places in our trashcan where there may be a compromise. So, how do we address this problem?
You have three primary vulnerable points for a metal trashcan. If you look inside the can, you can see holes where the handle attaches to the side of the can. Additionally, the seams, while sealed at the factory, may have small openings that we may not be able to observe. Under our lid presents another point of vulnerability as the lid may not sit completely on top of the trashcan to form the seal we need. We can place a lantern or bright light inside the can both before and after we seal everything up to see if we observe any light escaping. This is a trick I learned from JR of the DIY Prepper YouTube channel in his video on the same subject.
So, let’s begin by sealing holes where the handles connect. On the inside of the can, we’ll apply our aluminum tape. Adding few layers of aluminum tape may not be a bad idea as the metal holding the handles does have sharp edges. Additionally, I put a couple of layers of duct tape on top of the aluminum tape. Why? Once we add the insulation inside, it will rub on this area. Over time, it could compromise the aluminum tape’s integrity. As such, I just want to make sure we provide it with a layer of protection.
Next, let’s seal the seams on the inside of the trashcan. We have seams at the bottom of the can that go all the way around. Additionally, there’s a seam running from the bottom to the top that we need to seal.
Now, regarding the lid. I’ve found three primary approaches to seal this while researching for this video. I’ll show two approaches here that are budget-friendly and mention one more expensive approach later at the end of the video. We’ll also test these approaches of sealing the lid later in the video, along with showing tests performed by Dr. Bradley of the YouTube channel EMPDdoctor in which he simulates conditions similar to an EMP on a metal trashcan. You’ll want to stick around for that as it’s very fascinating.
OK, here are two options for sealing the lid.
The first option is to put an aluminum gasket on the top of the trashcan that our lid sits on. To do this, take a long strip of aluminum foil and fold it on itself several times. Then run it around the top of the trashcan and push the lid down on it. With this option, the advantage is that we can open the can without issue. But does it really work to protect our items inside? We’ll find out in just a moment when we perform tests.
The second option is arguably the safest bet, but it also presents a challenge. Using our aluminum tape, we can tape the lid off entirely after it is placed on top of the trashcan. But of course, that creates a problem in that each time we want to open the can, we have to either cut the tape or carefully remove it, thus damaging the integrity of the seal.
Regarding the 3rd approach, we’ll discuss that more in a moment.
Insulating The Inside
Now that we’ve sealed the seams and any vulnerable parts of our trashcan (and before we seal the lid on top of the trashcan) let’s add the insulation inside. What purpose does the insulation serve? We want to keep anything that we store inside from touching the metal trashcan, as any signal that affects the can be transmitted to the item inside touching it. We want to use an insulating material to keep the items from touching the trashcan.
There are a couple of options here. You can use something like a packing blanket and stuff it inside. Obviously, you’ll have less room inside to add items, but it’s an option nonetheless.
Next, and probably the more popular approach, is using cardboard. Here’s how. To begin with, we’ll add the insulation for the bottom of the can. To do this, set the trashcan on top of a cardboard box. Draw a circle around the bottom of the can with a sharpie, then cut it with a knife or scissor. Next, we’ll take this circular piece of cardboard and put it inside at the bottom of the trashcan. Now, we need to insulate the inside walls of the trashcan. Let’s begin by measuring the depth of our trashcan. We want a piece of cardboard that is this height. Next, mark your cardboard to the same height that we just measured on the inside of the trashcan, and finally cut the cardboard on the line that we just drew on the cardboard. Roll the cardboard you just cut to make it flexible to go inside the trashcan. If you have multiple pieces of cardboard, that’s ok as long as they’re all the same height. The cardboard does not have to be one continuous piece. If you use multiple pieces, just be sure to overlap them when placing them inside the trashcan and tape them so that they don’t move and possibly allow the contents inside to touch the side of the trashcan. Additionally, we want to put insulation on the inside the top of the lid to ensure nothing inside touches it, as it is also a conductive surface. To do this, let’s put the lid on top of the cardboard, draw a circle on the cardboard, and then cut it. Next, we’ll take some tape (you can use regular tape for this) and fold it back on itself so that the sticky side is pointing outward. We’ll create 6 to 8 pieces like this (or as many as you want) putting them on the cardboard and then finally pressing the newly taped cardboard to the inside of the trashcan lid. I also cut the edges off the cardboard as they would prevent me from being able to push the trashcan lid down tightly.
As you can see, we now have a fully insulated trashcan.
Adding Items Inside
What items do we want to put inside? Well, anything that is electronic that you would want after a disaster. That could be something like a solar generator, a solar blanket, a HAM radio, emergency radio, or flashlights. Or maybe a backup phone, USB thumb drive, or laptop filled with valuable survival PDFs stored on it. You definitely will want to check out our recent video we did on the channel discussing free survival PDFs you can download right now from our website. Additionally, if you’re interested in picking up a solar generator or not sure what they are, you’ll want to check out our 2023 solar generator comparison buyer’s guide video. I’ll post a link in the description and comment section below to both of those videos.
What electronic items would you store inside this setup to protect them from an EMP? Let us know in the comment section below.
Storage
When it comes to storing our trashcan with the items inside, we want to add the can on top of a non-conductive material. So, is concrete a non-conductive material? Well, sort of it. Depending on potential variables beyond this video’s scope, it may or may not be a good insulator should an electromagnetic pulse hit. To play it safe, you can easily place the trashcan on top of a piece of cardboard, a piece of plywood, or a rubber mat.
TESTING OUR SETUP
Let’s test our new setup with a radio and a phone. In a moment, I’ll show the results from an individual who used our same setup using equipment to simulate an EMP and we’ll see what he found. But for now, let’s run four different tests using items you probably already have. In the first test, we’ll add our device inside a regular trashcan that has not been modified in any way. In the second test, we’ll simply add the lid without any gasket or aluminum tape, In the third test we’ll run will be with only the alumnium gasket on top of the trashcan, and for the fourth test, we’ll seal the lid completely with aluminum tape.
OK, let’s start with the radio. I’ve got the volume turned up so that we can hear the music and we’ll see what happens when we add it inside the insulated trashcan.
In the first test, we’ll place the radio inside a regular trashcan that doesn’t have a seal on the lid.
As we can see, the music does not play.
Next, I’ll add the radio inside the trashcan that we added the insulation to and sealed the seams inside, but it has no seal on the lid.
As we can see, the music does not play.
Now I’ll add an aluminum foil gasket on the top of the trashcan, add the lid, and drop our radio inside the trashcan again.
As we can see, the music does not play.
Finally, we’ll test the setup with aluminum tape around the top of the lid. I’ll first drop the radio inside the trashcan while it’s on and then tape the lid shut.
As we can see, the music does not play.
So, with a radio signal, it appears the trashcan alone is good enough, but what about a cell phone?
OK, let’s repeat the same four tests but with a phone. As you can see, it’s turned on. Additionally, for each of these tests, we’ll also add a camera inside the trashcan to see if the phone does or does not receive the signal.
Next, I’ll add the phone inside the trashcan that we added the insulation to and sealed the seams inside, but it has no seal on the lid.
When calling from another phone, the phone receives the signal and rings.
Now I’ll add an aluminum foil gasket on the top of the trashcan, add the lid, and drop our phone inside the trashcan and call it. (Note to Miko: use the narration based on the result while filming.)
When calling from another phone, the phone receives the signal and rings.
Finally, I’ve added aluminum foil all the way around the lid completely sealing it off and adding our phone inside the trashcan.
When calling the phone from another phone, the phone does not receive the signal and goes to voicemail.
As I mentioned earlier in the video, Dr. Bradley of the EMPdoctor YouTube channel has the equipment necessary to simulate and test an EMP signal. He ran a test similar to what we had just performed but used his equipment, which can simulate an EMP. I’ll post a link to the video, but in the video, he found a significant drop in signal getting into the can if you sealed it all the way around with aluminum tape on the lid. When he didn’t seal the lid, a signal got in. There was a massive improvement when the lid was sealed. So what’s the takeaway here? Use aluminum tape to seal the lid…we have come to the same conclusion that he did in his trials. It’s the safest bet. It is a bit inconvenient that you have to cut it and reseal it each time, but if you want to seal the items inside, that’s your safest bet. An aluminum foil gasket didn’t really seem to make much of a difference.
Earlier, I also mentioned a 3rd option to seal the lid. In one of Dr Bradley’s other videos, he explains a product he sells that is a gasket that prevents an EMP signal from coming through. The obvious advantage of this is that you don’t have to tear the aluminum tape off the lid. I’ll post a link to that video below. While I can’t test for that scenario, he does provide some compelling data in his videos.
Also, one last thing worth noting that came up a lot in my research: Should you ground your Faraday cage? Again, Dr. Bradley addresses this question using his own equipment. His conclusion is that grounding provides very little to no value. Again, I’ll post a link to that video below if you want to check it out.
Also, be sure to check out our other video on building a Faraday cage with an ammo can, which I’ll post a link to here on the side of the screen. We provide a lot of detailed information in that video if you want to build a smaller setup as well.
“We all know the atomic bomb is very dangerous. Since it may be used against us, we must get ready for it, just as we are ready for many other dangers that are around us all the time” – Duck and Cover, 1952.
In this video, we will explore a trend that’s getting a lot of attention in the media: the rich are building extensive underground shelters to protect them from storms, angry mobs, and even nuclear war. Do they know something we don’t, or are they seeing the same fragilities and fault lines in the world that you and I do and reacting appropriately? I w/ill clue you in on a few examples of emergency retreats being built by the super-wealthy, explore a little bit of what they know that we don’t, and then tell you what you could and should do today. Should we be building our own bunkers? Is that even possible? There’s at least one country where an in-house emergency shelter is the law. Also, stick around as I reached out to Ron, Atlas Survival Shelters’s owner, to provide insight into why people are buying bunkers from him.
BUNKER ISLANDS
Several prominent billionaires, including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, and Larry Page, have invested in extensive parcels of land on islands. This trend has captured public attention. What adds to the intrigue is the revelation that many of these estates boast underground passageways leading to fortified bunkers, hinting at a fascination with security and preparedness among the elite.
The ultra-rich build and own high-tech underground shelters not necessarily because of some rumored end-of-the-world situation but simply because they can afford to do so. These facilities are designed to keep their families safe and allow them to continue to live during natural disasters, civil unrest, or war-like situations. While some theorize that billionaires know of an upcoming apocalyptic event, the reality is likely more pragmatic. Rather than some organized awareness or plan on their part, it’s more likely stemming from the uncertainty about the future that we all feel.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Ko’olau Ranch in Hawaii has a large underground space, but it’s just one part of the $400 million under-construction building. The ranch also includes farms, cattle-feeding areas, breweries, and other elements that create a private, self-sustainable ecosystem. Many expensive properties on Hawaiian islands follow a similar concept, combining underground shelters with organic food production, forests, water reservoirs, and more. The wealthy build these bunkers because they can, not necessarily because they foresee imminent disaster. Even when it’s not a bunker, billionaires seek the natural exclusion and isolation that islands can provide. Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle Corporation, purchased in 2012 nearly 98% of the island of Lana’i, which amounts to 87,000 acres out of the island’s total 90,000 acres. His reported purchase price was $300 million. Ellison has since made Lana’i his home and has been working to turn it into a wellness utopia through his company. In a situation where society is breaking down, it isn’t likely any marauding mob will traverse the 68 miles of ocean between Honolulu and Lana’i by commercial or charter flight, ferry, or an armada of boats.
Even larger islands that are more isolated from the world by their location are planned bug-out locations. New Zealand has become a sought-after destination for affluent figures from Silicon Valley and other wealthy foreigners seeking a potential safe refuge. Though rumors abound regarding the existence of secret bunkers, concrete evidence remains elusive. High-profile individuals such as billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel and former NBC News anchor Matt Lauer have notably acquired properties in the country. The appeal of New Zealand lies in its stability, breathtaking natural landscapes, and relative seclusion, making it an enticing choice for those wishing to escape the uncertainties of the global landscape.
BUNKERS & BOMB SHELTERS TODAY
The latest trends in bunker building and island retreats aren’t exclusive to the billionaire set; they are becoming a trend throughout the United States. Current trends reveal a growing interest in prepping culture, with individuals actively making preparations for potential catastrophic disasters ranging from natural calamities to continued pandemics and ever-increasing civil unrest. As hostilities escalate between nuclear powers, many are recognizing that a new cold war is afoot with the same atomic threat as a final end game. This surge in preparedness stems from rising anxiety and uncertainty fueled by global pandemics, extreme weather, political instability, and misinformation campaigns, creating anxiety and fostering distrust and conflicts worldwide.
As a result, companies specializing in bunkers and survival shelters have experienced a significant uptick in sales, with some reporting spikes of up to 1,000% in inquiries and purchases. Buyers often view these bunkers as short-term solutions against existential threats, seeking refuge in private shelters provided by companies like Rising S Company and Atlas Survival Shelters. These custom-built bunkers, crafted from thick plate steel, offer varying price ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, accommodating clients’ resources and needs.
In the global context, recent events such as Russia’s war on Ukraine, Iran’s continued refinement of uranium, North Korea’s seemingly endless missile tests, and China’s continued expansionism and record of conflict in the South China Sea have underscored the importance of personal protection during crises. Many realize how globally connected we are, how lightning-fast situations can flare up into global conflicts, and how fragile our peace and security are. While countries like Ukraine maintain thousands of publicly accessible bomb shelters, the United States has relatively few due to historical differences in defense infrastructure investment. Despite the decreasing prevalence of public shelters, private individuals continue to invest in bunkers and shelters driven by various factors, including anxiety, uncertainty, and the pursuit of personal safety during tumultuous times.
WHAT DO THEY KNOW THAT WE DON’T
The super-rich don’t necessarily have any insider information, and they’re not all pulling the strings in unison of some conspiratorial plan. These are people who want to protect their acquired wealth. These people want to leverage their resources to ensure they have what they need and want, even when conditions take a turn for the worst. Make no mistake about it, though. They do have more information than the average Joe. Their investments force them to have a more global vision of the world than someone might have in small town USA, but both people realize a few common trends and characteristics.
First, the last several years have shaken the very foundation of the world and made us all realize the base was never that stable. A global pandemic forced us into a lockdown and slammed the brakes on economies, commerce, and wealth creation for everyone, everywhere. This led some to speculate that the super-rich wanted to keep people home, docile, and enslaved. That doesn’t really make sense because a population locked in their homes doesn’t generate any wealth for them. It just creates a highly agitated population. More realistically, they, you, and I realized that what we thought was incredibly stable- our food supply, transportation, commerce, and security- was pretty fragile.
Second, we all witnessed the rise in ransomware attacks seizing vital computer systems, sometimes crippling our infrastructure. The resulting panic-buying and hoarding activities gave everyone a glimmer into the true nature of man. Third, there’s a clear conflict between the forces of Russia, China, Iran, and the aligned West. That hasn’t bubbled over entirely yet, but it’s raging enough that we now have conflict zones in Ukraine, Israel, Syria, and the South China Sea. There’s a weekly threat of the use of nuclear weapons from more than one nation. Add to this the natural disasters we see worldwide with greater frequency and intensity, and it’s clear to see how they, like us, see the world as increasingly more unstable by the day.
All that taken together, and they aren’t privy to any secret information, as much as they, like you, are astute observers of the fragility of our modern age. We are too dependent on systems prone to failure, and there are too many possible causes of failure. With each observable instance of this, we see that governments tend to be reactive rather than proactive, so there is less and less faith that they will be able to rush in and re-establish order or save the day.
SAVE YOURSELF
So the rich, semi-rich, and resourceful aren’t privy to some insider information. They realize two things. The world continues to be increasingly more and more unstable, and governments do a pretty poor job of protecting and rescuing their citizens when disasters occur or citizens and infrastructure is attacked. The exception may be the government of Singapore. In 1997, with the passage of the Civil Defense Shelter Act, all new buildings and houses there were required to be provided with emergency household or storey shelters, which were basically bomb shelters. This was done in response to the 1991 Gulf War events. This legislation was prompted by the realization of the urgent need for secure spaces during rapidly escalating attacks, as recognized by the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Inspired by the imperative to safeguard citizens during emergencies, the law aims to bolster the safety and preparedness of Singaporeans by ensuring that every new residential property includes a designated shelter. These shelters serve as crucial protective measures against various threats, including potential terrorist attacks or other emergencies, providing occupants with a secure refuge to seek safety and protection. I don’t see any other governments moving in that direction, so I wouldn’t encourage anyone to hold off while they wait for a government incentive or tax break.
Most people lack the finances, land rights, and permits to buy and install a prefabricated bomb or protective shelter. There are many considerations when building a shelter, but quite a few detailed instructions and plans are available online, some dating back to the 1950s.
In the event of a national disaster where many will have to seek protection, either a catastrophic natural disaster or manmade calamity, many will turn to caves as natural protection from the hostile environment. It’s always good to know what natural caves are in your area; however, you must realize that hundreds of people will simultaneously seek the same shelter. That could result in capacity issues or conflicts. Meeting the definition of a bunker–a reinforced underground shelter–there are a number of emergency shelters available even through everyday commercial businesses. These aren’t built to live in for a long period of time, and they don’t afford the luxuries of a wine cellar and sauna like a billionaire might have, but they will provide initial protection from extreme storms or blasts. By the nature of their dense and solid construction, they may also offer resistance from EMPs and solar flares. Even without purchasing a pre-fabricated option, the internet is filled with plans for root cellars and storm shelters, which could afford you temporary, protected emergency shelters.
I’ll add a link to Ron’s YouTube channel if you want to check it out in the description and comment section below. The rich do know something most people do not. The world is unstable because they can see it at a level that most of us can not, and they’re often privy to information that, again, we are not. They realize the future is uncertain, and they realize that. The rich are getting serious about prepping because they’re worried about the future. They’re buying up land, energy sources, and survival gear, signaling that they don’t trust things to stay stable. We should pay attention because they’re basically saying, “Get ready for anything.” Stocking up on food, water, power, and medical supplies isn’t just for them—it’s for all of us. They know being prepared is crucial, and we should, too. Like them, you should be building stability and security in your life. Whether that’s fortifying your home, prepping food and water, creating your own root cellar and storm shelter, or simply having an effective and thorough disaster plan, you should do something rather than passively blow with the winds of future instability.
Check out our video on surviving the first 90 days after a massive disaster here on the side of the screen to understand what you can do now to build a more stable future for yourself.
** I found this chart and thought it looked fun. Cross off the squares as you work on things:
** Planning on using Mylar bags? OR using jars but don’t have a vacuum sealer. This chart will help you know how many oxygen absorbers you’ll need.
** In case you’ve forgotten: On March 19, just a few days from the start of the Corona Virus Shutdown, the LDS Food Storage Center was out of food. Preparing your family is NOT the Church’s job. It’s yours. Just sayin’.
On another note, I have heard many gardeners swear by epsom salts and Tums (a good source of calcium for blossom end rot). I have about a dozen tomato plants to go in, and I think I’ll try all three.
Recommended storage is 5 lb. per person per month. Maple syrup and jam can be considered part of that storage. Syrup has a pretty long shelf life. I think I’m using syrup that is at least 5-6 years old. I bought a gallon jug, and I’m refilling my smaller bottle with it each time. Think about how often you buy jam. Just get an extra one next time you’re at the store.
MISC. PURCHASE: pain reliever medication
Next trip to the store, pick up a bottle of Tylenol, or whichever type of pain medication you use. Stick it under the sink and be prepared to rotate it when you run out.
Wanting to fight a virus??? Here are some good ideas to strengthen your immune system.
FOOD STORAGE RECIPES:
DIY Krispy Kreme Donuts
Have you bought Krispy Kreme donuts lately? They are my weakness! BUT…. they are over $2.00 per donut!
This recipe doesn’t use anything you don’t have on your pantry shelves.
1 c. milk – warm to lukewarm 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) – add and let sit 5 minutes until foamy
In a second large bowl add 2 eggs 1/3 c. sugar Mix together until well combined. Add in the milk mixture, stir until incorporated. 4 c. flour 1/2 tsp salt Add the flour and salt and mix until a dough forms. 1/3 c. soft unsalted butter – add and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two differently sized round cookie cutters. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350˚
Fry the donuts a few at a time until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing or coating with powdered sugar.
Beef Jerky
I have made beef jerky several times in my dehydrator. This recipe is made in the oven, which means anyone can do it. Beware of jerky recipes that have any kind of oil in the marinade. Oil does NOT dehydrate and you get an oily mess that will go rancid.
Even if you do not use oil, beef jerky is not a long-term storage item. The beef jerky you buy in the store has a shelf life of only about 6 months. This recipe suggests eating it within a few weeks. So, if you are planning any kind of an outdoor vacation or adventure, this would be a great thing to take along.1 3-pound eye of round roast, trimmed of fat and any silver skin. (At Winco, they have meat already sliced very thin. If you are slicing your own, put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. It will be easier to cut.
1 c. dark brown sugar 1 c. soy sauce 3 TB Worcestershire sauce 1 TB smoked paprika 1 tsp unseasoned meat tenderizer (Meat tenderizer contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down meat tissue. You can find it in the spice section of the supermarket. 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp red pepper flakes (maybe not so much for me???) 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder Whisk to combine and let the sugar dissolve. Add the meat to the marinade and toss until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap, OR put it all in a zip lock bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or overnight. Fip the bag, or toss the meat once or twice to marinate the meat evenly.
Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over each pan. Preheat the oven to 175˚ and set the oven racks in the centermost positions.
Arrange the meat on the wire racks in a single layer. Bake, rotating the pans from front to back and top to bottom until the meat is dried out, 3-4 hours. To determine if the jerky is dried out, take a piece of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. It should be dry to the touch, leather like in appearance, and chewy but stil somewhat tender. Store in an airtight plastic container, Ziploc bag, or glass jar.
Hobo Casserole
I like this recipe because I can use my canned ground beef in place of fresh, and my dehydrated potatoes in place of fresh. I can also use freeze dried cheese. That makes everything shelf stable.
2-3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. If you are using dehydrated potatoes, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to rehydrate, then drain. 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained 1/2 c. onion, diced (or use 1 large TB dehydrated onions rehydrated) 1 bell pepper diced (or 2 tsp dehydrated green peppers) 2 cloves garlic minced Add 1/4 – 1/2 c. water to the beef and veggies if they seem dry. In a small bowl, mix 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup 1 c. sour cream salt and pepper to taste In a greased 9 X 13 Layer the potatoes in two even layers on the bottom of the dish. Spoon the ground beef mix over. Pour the soup mix over the ground beef and spread out evenly. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese Cover with tin foil Bake 375˚ for 45-50 min. Remove foil and sprinkle with french fried onions if desired. Cook an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.
Marti
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