Marti’s Corner – 89

Hi Everyone,

NOTES:

I got to thinking about sprouting the other day.  I decided this would be a GREAT gift to someone:  sprouting seeds, a sprouting jar, and a piece of netting to cover the jar.  That’s it.  

I purchased seeds here: Organic Lentil Salad | Crunchy Lentil Fest Sprouting Lentils.  These are my favorites!!!

** This is a wonderful article on natural herbs, what to store, and how to use them.  My Go-To Herbs and Herbal Remedies That I Always Have on Hand – Survival Mom

I have “dabbled” in making potions.  I LOVE when they work!!!  

**  In cleaning out my fridge, I saw my poor crusted-over bottle of sourdough starter.  I poured out the gray hooch on top.  If you want super sour bread, then stir it in.  I poured out 1/2 of the starter in the jar, added fresh water and flour, and set it on the counter.  This morning, it was bubbling like crazy.  I poured out 1/2 of the starter and added water and flour, and put it back in the fridge.  

What I NEED to do is use it more often!!!

**  I had to look up dry beans to cooked beans ratio…. AGAIN.  Found this lovely chart on this very informative website:  Using Dried Beans: Conversions and Measurements.  

I’m making chili for our church Halloween party and thought, “Why should I spend nearly $5 on 4 cans of beans when I can get dried beans for much less money?”  With the price of food… we need to cut corners where we can.  So, Friday night, I was soaking beans!!! 

THIS WEEK’S PURCHASE: OTHER beans

I had beans on the “to buy” list for June, but now is the time to buy some other types of beans for variety.  In my storage, I have and use pinto beans, small red beans, small white beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans (probably some kidney beans in there too).  I would probably store more types of beans if I had recipes for them.  PS (No lima beans at our house).  

If you have #10 cans of beans that have been in your basement for 20 years, it’s probably a good idea to get more.  Old beans can be difficult to soften.  

One cup of old beans, wash and sort.  Boil 3 c. water for 1 c. beans.  Boil for 1-2 minutes.  Take off heat.  Add 3/8 tsp baking soda.  Cover and let soak for 1 hour.  Rinse and add water again 3 c. water to 1 c. beans.  Boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours. 

I found a good article:  How to soften beans

The author gives you 10 ways to tenderize old beans, and he explains EVERY one:

1. Cook in a pressure cooker
2. Increase the soak time
3. Short boil method
4. Baking soda method
5. Add salt
6. Use distilled water
7. Add sodium bicarbonate
8. Increase cooking time
9. Avoid adding high-acid ingredients
10. Bean flour  (whatever this is???)

MISC ACTIVITY: Write down 7 recipes

Yes, write them down.  Seven things your family loves to eat.  Other than fresh food, what staples can you buy now and keep on hand?  How can you make these recipes shelf stable?  Can you buy some freeze-dried vegetables?  Or meat?  Start buying ingredients so that you have 4 of each ingredient.  One month of planned meals. 

FOOD STORAGE RECIPES

White Bean Soup Mix In a Jar
1/3 c. dried yellow split peas
1/3 c. dried green split peas
1/3 c. dried pinto beans
1/3 c. dried kidney beans
1/3 c. dried great northern beans

In a small zip lock baggie:
1/4 c. instant minced onion
2 tsp chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin

Directions:
The night before, soak beans.
The next day, drain the water and add
8 c. clean water.
Add spice packet to beans and water.  Boil 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.
Add 2 medium carrots chopped
2 medium stalks celery, chopped
2 pounds ham shanks or meaty ham bone
Heat to boiling, reduce heat.  Cover and simmer about 2 hours or until beans are tender.  Remove ham shank and remove ham from bone.  Cut in 1/2 inch pieces and stir back into the soup.

Dreaming of a White Christmas Soup Mix In a Jar
1 package regular or non-fat country gravy mix
2 TB chicken bouillon
2 TB dried minced onion
2 TB dried celery flakes
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
2 1/2 – 3 c. uncooked wide egg noodles or other pasta
Empty jar into a 4 quart saucepan or dutch oven
Add 8 c. water.  Heat to boiling.
Reduce heat.
Add 1 10-oz can chopped chicken
Cover and simmer 5-6 minutes.

Applesauce Cookies in a Jar
1 c. brown sugar
2 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 c. raisins
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Directions:
Whip 3/4 c. butter or shortening until light and fluffy

Add 1 egg and 1/2 c. applesauce and beat until mixed.  Gradually stir in mix.  Drop teaspoons of dough on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake 8-12 min at 350˚

Three Bean Chili In a Jar
1 c. kidney beans
1 c. pinto beans
1 c. black beans

In a zip lock baggie:
2 TB onion flakes
2 tsp garlic powder
2 TB dried cumin
2 TB chili powder
1/8 tsp cayenne optional
2 TB parsley
1 TB dried oregano
2 TB dried cumin

To make:
Soak beans 10-12 hours.  Drain and rinse.
2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey browned and drained
3 quarts water or beef stock
2 28-oz cans diced tomatoes
1 6-oz can tomato paste​
salt and pepper to taste

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.  Serve with chopped onion, shredded cheese, corn chips, sour cream, avocado, or your favorite toppings.

—

Marti