Marti’s Corner – 16

Hi Everyone,

NOTES:

NOTES: * The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been encouraging its members to be prepared for over 70 years. Did you know that no matter what the church does or says, only about 15% of the members are prepared? That said, it is probably higher than the general population. I hope now that we’ve lived through a sample of what could happen, and with the increased emphasis on preparedness, more families will get serious about it. * Here is a good link for growing peppers. Pepper Growing Tips – Complete Gardening Guide on How to Grow Peppers // Grow More Peppers per Plant is one to help you avoid mistakes. Pepper Growing Mistakes – How to Avoid or Fix Them…How to Grow Peppers.   I like this gardener because he’s in California. I’m not sure where, but there are palm trees in his yard. * We’ve talked some about toiletries this month. Here is what one author has to say: “If during an evacuation, you are exposed to mud, sewage, or other forms of pollution, it is a necessity to be able to get clean as soon as possible. Of course, you can survive without a daily bath, but sores and irritation form rapidly without proper hygiene. Being able to brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair, and even wash your body with a wet washcloth will prevent the spread of disease and irritation.” (Salsbury, Barbara, It’s Time To Plan Not Panic, 75-76) * Have you ever brushed your teeth with baking soda? I have. It works well to clean teeth. Rinse the brush with hydrogen peroxide. This prevents plaque and gum disease.

LONG TERM FOCUS: Eggs & Butter

There are ways to store eggs, including refrigerating long-term and freezing. If you buy eggs from the store, they have been washed, and you will need to apply a coat of mineral oil (I think I used olive oil). These eggs can be kept in a cool place for several months. I kept mine in the fridge for about 9 months, and they were perfectly good.

You can also freeze eggs. When used in baking, you can’t tell the difference. Some people don’t like the taste of thawed frozen eggs. Others don’t mind. I’ve not tried it, but this article will give you lots of information. 30+ Ways to Preserve Eggs

Did you know that you can get dehydrated butter?  Augason Farms Butter Powder 2 lbs 4 oz No. 10 Can. You can also “can” butter. People have been doing it for years, but it is NOT approved. I have some butter that I canned, and it is sitting on my shelf as we speak. There are also substitutes for butter. Need a Substitute for Butter? Try These 8 Options.  Basically, these options are Coconut oil, vegetable shortening (especially butter flavored), Vegan butter (made from coconut oil and cashews), olive oil (can be used in a 1:1 ratio for melted butter in a pinch), Greek Yogurt, applesauce, avocado, pumpkin puree. Of all these choices, the powdered butter will store the longest – shortening next.

SHORT TERM FOCUS: Cinnamon What do peanut butter, jam, and honey have in common? Toast, of course. And who doesn’t like cinnamon sugar sprinkled on toast? So, this week, pick up an extra-large jar of cinnamon. Or, if you shop at Winco, they have baggies of spices back in the bulk section. You can store it in a glass jar.

72-HOUR KIT FOCUS: Baggies

Place a few baggies in your kits.  They will come in handy for everything!

MISCELLANEOUS FOCUS: Babies

We’ve spent the month talking about shampoo, bars of soap, hair ties, combs, NIX. Let’s just take a minute to think about how we could prepare for babies’ needs. You should consider getting cloth diapers and plastic pants. In addition, you might want to get an extra tube of Desitin or a similar product. In the OLD days, there was no such thing as “baby wipes.” We just used washrags. When they were soiled, we put them (and the diapers) into a diaper pail (just a large plastic container) with a little bleach water in it. When it was time to wash the diapers, we drained off the water and put everything in the washing machine. This would also work if you needed an emergency substitute for toilet paper. Realistically, storing a year’s supply of diapers is not practical.

FOOD STORAGE RECIPES

All today’s recipes are from Cooking With Home Storage by Peggy Layton

Using unflavored gelatin as a substitute for eggs. Before starting to mix cookies, cake, or something else, place 3 TB cold water in a mixing bowl and sprinkle 2 tsp gelatin in. Mix thoroughly. Add 1/2 c. boiling water and stir to dissolve. While preparing the batter for the cookies, cake, etc., place the eggs in the freezer to cool the water. When the recipe calls for an egg, take it from the freezer and beat it until frothy. Then add to the batter.

Fudge Cake

2 c. flour 6 TB cocoa powder 1/4 c. dehydrated eggs 1 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp baking soda dash salt Sift together dry ingredients, including the egg powder. 1 1/3 c. water 3/4 c. vegetable oil Add the water and oil. Mix well. Bake in a greased cake pan for 40 min at 350 degrees.

Fudge Frosting

1 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. cocoa powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 c. cornstarch 2 TB butter powder 2 c. milk Add all ingredients to a saucepan. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Cool slightly and add: 1 tsp vanilla

Zucchini Creole

1 lb zucchini squash, peeled and sliced in 1/2 inch rounds. 1 can diced tomatoes – Add to zucchini 3 slices bacon, browned and crumbled – add 1 diced onion salt and pepper Add to a greased baking dish and bake for 45 minutes at 350.

Remember to get your “Five Storage Items” when you go to the store this week.

Marti