January Goals~ Powdered Milk

We are starting a new year and a whole year of food storage fun! Month by month we are going gather our storage and become self-reliant. This is the year that we are all going to commit to have on hand the items that our families needs to survive. We are not going to count on our neighbors to be ready and prepared. No more excuses of it costing too much or that the food expires before it gets used. (The Church has done studies to show that #10 cans of oats, pasta, rice, wheat, & cornmeal in the proper environment lasts 30+ years- powdered milk lasts 20+ years) With all this in mind we are starting January off with powdered milk. I know what you are thinking, yuck, but stay with me and follow along.

* There are many things that can be done with powdered milk other than just drinking it straight.

Foods made with powdered milk will have fewer calories and less cholesterol that those made from whole milk. Adding additional milk to the recipe will enhance the nutritive value of the recipe. In any recipe calling for milk, simply add the dry milk to the other dry ingredients. Sift to blend, then add the water to the wet ingredients. 

*There are 2 kinds of powdered milk, instant, and non-instant. The cannery sells NON-Instant milk and that is the kind I use. You find instant milk at the grocery store and it may seem cheaper than non-instant but in the long run the cannery is a better deal. Instant powdered milk is lighter and fluffier because it has been puffed with air. That is what makes it easier to mix. When cooking you need to use twice as much instant milk to equal non-instant. In all the recipes I am using the amount of milk is for non-instant milk. You will need 16lbs per person per year (this quantity allows you one 8oz glass per day for a year), but as always only store what your family uses. If you have small children you may need more and remember there are so many things to make from powdered milk so at least keep 6 #10 cans on hand. 

You can make all of these from powdered milk:

Whole milk

1 C water 1/3 C powdered milk

Evaporated Milk

1 C water 2/3 C powdered milk

Whipped Evaporated Milk

Makes 3 cups

1 c evaporated milk (above) 2 T lemon juice

Thoroughly chill evaporated milk. Add lemon juice and whip until stiff. Sweeten and flavor as desired.

Condensed Milk

1/2 C hot water 1 C sugar 1 C powdered milk

Blend thoroughly in blender. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

"Eagle Brand" sweetened condensed milk

1 C hot water 2 C sugar

4 C powdered milk 1/4 C butter

Blend in blender very well. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

Buttermilk or Sour Milk

1 C water 1/3 C powdered milk 1 T vinegar or lemon juice

Let sit couple minutes to "sour" before using in recipes.

Drinkable Powdered Milk

To improve the flavor of powdered milk, mix it half and half with store milk (I did this and my kids had no idea-they noticed when it was all powdered milk). Another suggestion would be to add a little sugar (1 t at a time) or vanilla to enhance the flavor. Let it chill a couple of hours or overnight before drinking.

Now that you know how to mix it lets get to the fun recipes.

Peanut Butter Chews

1 C powdered sugar 1 C non instant powdered milk (2 c instant)

1 C peanut butter 1 C corn syrup or honey

Mix powdered sugar and powdered milk thoroughly. Add peanut butter and syrup mixture. You may need to knead it with your hands. Press into cake pan or roll into walnut size balls. (Optional: add nuts or rice krispies & dip in chocolate).

Cocoa Mix

7 1/2 C non-instant powdered milk 1 1/2 C sugar

1 C cocoa powder 1 1/2 t salt

Mix well. To use: Mix 1/2 C mix with 1 C hot water.

Fruit Smoothies

2 C bottled fruit with juices

4 T powdered milk to 3/4 C water

1 T lemon juice

Put in blender and blend until smooth. Add 1/2 tray ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Instant Oatmeal Packets-makes 6 packets

3/4 C rolled oats

1 1/2 C quick oats

1/2 C powdered milk

1/2 C sugar (white or brown)

scant teaspoon salt

1/2 t cinnamon

Blend dry rolled oats in blender, pulsing until oats are powdery (not flour). In a mixing bowl, combine powdery oats and the remaining ingredients.

Put 1/2 C of mix into baggies.

To use: combine 1/2 c oat mix and 2/3 C water in bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.

You can add dried fruit to baggies for different flavors.

Creamy Maple Syrup (from The Essential Food Storage Cookbook)

1 C sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 C water

1/3 C powdered milk

1 t maple flavoring

1/2 t vanilla

2 T butter

Bring sugar, brown sugar, water, and powdered milk to a boil stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add maple flavoring, vanilla, and butter stirring to combine and to melt butter.

As you can see there are many ways to use your powdered milk. So even if you aren't going to store powdered milk to drink you will need it to make any of the recipes above. I know a lot of bread recipes call for powdered milk as well. 

January Self-Reliant Goals:

Storage Goal: Powdered Milk 16lbs PP

Non-Food Storage Goal: Bleach 1 gallon per person. This will be used for cleaning and water purification. Write the date of purchase on the container before putting it on your shelf.  It expires in about a year.

72-Hour Kit Goal:

Gather a change of clothes including underwear and shoes for every family member. Include warm coats and boots or have them immediately accessible. Also put $20 in cash in small bills in your kits. 

Enjoy the journey!

Enjoy the blessings!

Feel the peace!!