Prepare Today Homemade: Chia Millet Granola

I am always on the lookout for a great granola recipe and I have found a new favorite!  Breakfast foods have sounded so blah to me lately and nothing has sounded good to eat.  Well, I have a new favorite breakfast and have been eating this deliciousness everyday for the last 2 weeks.

It's chock full of seeds, oats and flax.  One of my favorite parts of this granola is that is has chia and millet in it.  Yes, millet is in bird food, but it really is produced for people too!  Both are gluten-free as well.  Millet is easy to digest, has a high fiber content, b-vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, and more!  Chia is a seed that has a really high omega-3 content, lots of protein, and is rich in calcium.  This is great nutritional information for vegetarians, like myself.  Chia also absorbs more than 7 times it's weight in water and can be used as an egg substitute.  
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Chia Eggs:
2 t. ground chia seeds
1/4 C. water
Mix together and let stand for 5 minutes.  This will equal 1 egg. 
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Both of these "grains" are packed full of nutrition, but they taste great too.  You almost can't even tell they are in the granola.  

Chia Millet Granola
4 C. quick oats
1 C. uncooked millet
1/4 C. ground flax seed
2 T. chia seed
1/2 C. brown sugar
1 t salt
1 t cinnamon

Mix ingredients above in a large bowl. Stir to combine.

In a microwaveable bowl, combine:
heaping 1/4 C applesauce
1/2 C. brown rice syrup
6 T. peanut butter

Microwave for 1 minute and stir well.  

Add in: 
2 t vanilla

Add the wet ingredients into the oat mixture.  Stir until combined.  It may take a minute to get all the mixture moistened, but it will get there.  Place on a greased jelly roll pan and pat down slightly.

Heat the oven to 325° and bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.  Stir the granola after cooking so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.  Let cool in the pan for a few minutes.  Once cool, store in an airtight container.  Makes about 10 cups.

Add in any dried fruit, nuts, seeds, etc.  I really like to add freeze dried fruit to mine.  It's also really good mixed in with the cereal I posted about last week.

It is crunchy, sweet, and delicious!  AND it uses many ingredients from my food storage.  Chia has a shelf life of at least 5 years!  I love that!  And I have been noticing it in more and more stores lately.  The brown rice syrup in the recipe is also found right in your grocery store. A few years ago I couldn't find that stuff anywhere local!

This is an example of  how yummy food storage is, and that it doesn't need to contain wheat and powdered milk to be considered food storage ;)  

Eat what you store......store what you eat!!!

Prepare Today Homemade: Homemade Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal

As pay day comes closer, out pantry gets smaller.  And my children claim that there isn't anything to eat in the whole house.  Translated...they don't want to make anything in the house.  One of the items that are dwindling in our pantry is cold cereal.  It's not the healthiest, but it's quick and my kids like it.  For a June day, it was only 40° outside, so I decided it was a good day to heat up the kitchen with some baking.  

Clear back when I started this blog, I remembered a recipe for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal that I posted.  Could I find it anywhere on this blog?!?!  I figured it I couldn't find it then you probably couldn't either.  I went through almost every post I wrote during my first year of publishing this blog, and I found it!  It turned out to be one of the easiest recipes I've made in awhile and tasted good too!

 

Boil the sugars and mix in with the oat/cereal mixture.

Homemade Honey Bunches of Oats

10 C. quick oats

1 18oz. box of corn flakes cereal 

1 C. of honey or corn syrup (I used honey)

1 C. brown sugar

1/4 C. water

1. Preheat oven to 300°.  Stir together the quick oats and the cereal in a large bowl.

2. In a small saucepan combine the honey, brown sugar, and water.  Bring to a boil and stir until sugars are dissolved.  

3. Pour sugar mixture over the oats and stir until combined.  Spread onto a greased cookie sheet.  Keeping the thickness to about 1/2".

4. Bake at 300° for 30 minutes.  (I felt it needed a minute or two longer so I stirred it before cooking 5 minutes longer)

5. Let sit until cooled and store in an airtight container. Will last 2-3 months if tightly sealed. 

 

It tasted just sweet enough and had a good crunch to it.  My kids are so excited to try it for breakfast tomorrow.  

Update:  This batch lasted only a few days. It was really good!  Every single one of my kids ate it!  All 5 of them!  This is definitely a keeper!!

Prepare Today Homemade- No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

Why is it so easy to whip up a dessert?  And why do I like making dessert so much more than dinner?  (maybe because I am a sugar addict, but that's another post)  This is  a recipe that I make sometimes for my children to eat after school.  It's kind of healthy with the oats in it, right?  They are yummy and simple to make so they get made a lot at my house.

No Bake Chocolate Cookies 
In a saucepan bring to a rapid boil:
1/2 C butter
1/4 C cocoa powder
2 C white sugar
1/2 C milk
Boil for 1 minute, stirring the entire time.

Remove pan from heat and add in:
1/8 t salt
3 C quick oats
1/2 C peanut butter
1 t vanilla

Drop by rounded teaspoon (or cookie scoop) onto waxed paper.  Let dry.  Store in covered container (if there are any left to store)

These aren't the healthiest snack but they are quick and taste so good.  





 

Homemade Granola Bars & More

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to eliminate processed food from my family's diet.  I started out thinking we would be so healthy and eat wonderful food.  What I didn't realize is that I would have to learn how to make quite a few foods from scratch that I use to just buy at the store.  During my learning curve (my poor family) I made graham crackers, yogurt, grape nuts cereal, bread, crackers, pretzels, pasta (which really is easier to just buy), and many dinners.  What I learned is that this all ties into food storage.  How many of you have buckets of wheat, flour, sugar, oats, etc in your basement and have them for a "just in case" type incident?  I know I did, but now I have learned how to make really fun things with my food storage.

This month we are storing baking goods.  This includes yeast, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oil, chocolate chips, etc.  Along with baking items I feel that we may all need a lesson in baking from scratch.  I know I have said it before, but we all need to know how to make food with our stored items before an emergency and we have to cook everything from scratch.  It took me MANY attempts to get my bread right and with 5 hungry children the bread needs to come out edible.  

Now I know we are all busy and we all can't spend hours every day (which is what pioneer women did) making all our family's meals from scratch, but I want everyone to make a goal to try one new food item a month and practice making it from scratch.  During my "from scratch" months I made marshmallows and graham crackers for our vacation.  Those were yummy s'mores!  If you couldn't run to the store what would you need to know how to make? (oh, and P.S.-I do buy some boxed items at the store now.  I couldn't keep up with the demand. :)

If you would like to try graham crackers click HERE to view my favorite recipe.  

This post has my favorite granola recipe. Click HERE to read. 

**A great way to learn anything is to google it.  This is how I got many recipes and learned how to make many items that I didn't know the first thing about. ** 

Every week I make bread, and I also make granola bars for my kid's lunches.  It is simple and quick and you don't even have to turn on your oven!

Easy Granola Bars

In a large bowl mix 2 C oats & 2 1/2 C crispy rice cereal and set aside.
In a small saucepan melt:
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
Let it come to a boil, stirring constantly, and remove from heat. Add:
1/2 C peanut butter (crunchy is a must!)
1 t vanilla 
Stir until the peanut butter melts.  Pour over the oat mixture and stir quickly because the sugar mixture will harden.  Pour into a 13x9 greased pan and press with your palm until flat and even.  I like to press on it until it is quite compact so it doesn't fall apart when you cut it.
Melt 1/2-1 C chocolate chips in the microwave and smooth over the top of the granola bars.  Once the chocolate has cooled cut into bars.

November Goals:

1. Cooking essentials-yeast, baking powder, baking soda, spices, oils, flour, sugar,salt, etc. 
2.  Personal Hygiene supplies.  Watch for sales and buy enough to last for 3 months.  This includes all feminine hygiene items, diapers/wipes, soaps, shampoo's, deodorants, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, hand sanitizer,etc.  And if you don't have a portable potty, this is the month to finally get one put together.  Click HERE to view a previous post on luggable loo's.  

ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

ENJOY THE BLESSINGS!

FEEL THE PEACE! 

What I Am Buying

I had a friend this week ask me where I buy some of my food storage. I realized that I haven't done a post of what I buy and where I buy it from. Most items can be purchased at the grocery store, but to get the best price when you are buying in bulk there are better deals out there. I will go through the items that I use for my family so this is not a comprehensive list by all means. It just helps to know what my bottom line price is and what I will and won't pay for certain items. Buying items at their cheapest price point allows you to save a LOT of $$$.

If you would like to read a wonderful price comparison list click HERE . The list was put together in April during the case lot sales, and compares the case lot prices to Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, & the LDS Cannery by preparedldsfamily.com. I actually printed it out and keep it in my purse so I am prepared at the store if I find an item on clearance and I know whether or not it is a stock up price. FYI: case lot sales are in April and September for Smiths and Macey's grocery stores.

Here's What I Am Buying: Prices are from May 2011 (add about 10% for 2013 prices)

Frozen Items

• I buy frozen veggies at the grocery store and I wait until they are .88 or less for 16oz.
• I buy Kroger frozen chicken in bags and I wait for it to go on sale for $6.96 or less.

Meat- I have to add a disclaimer here. I don't eat meat and my family really only eats chicken. I buy ground beef TVP, aka "fake" meat at Honeyville grain in 25lb bags.

• Tuna- .50 or less at the grocery store during case lot sales. Fresh Market & Macey's is where I purchase it.
• Canned chicken is the best price at Costco. You get 6 12.5oz cans for $9.99 (bottle your own chicken and buy chicken in bulk on sale to save the most money)
• The best way to get meat for cheap is to wait for a sale and buy enough for 3 months and freeze it well.

Beans

• Canned beans are cheapest at Smiths during the case lot sales. .50 a can
• Dry beans are cheapest at the cannery. Black beans 25lbs $14.50, white navy beans 25lb bag $14.10, pinto beans #10 can $4.65
• Pinto beans are cheapest at Costco 25lb bag $13.99

Pasta

• I always get pasta during the case lot sales 8 48oz bags for $14.55
• I also found great sales at Smiths this year and got 1lb bags for .29-.49 and with coupons I got 25 boxes of spaghetti for free (it is really worth it to coupon)
• Mac'n Cheese is also cheapest at the case lot sales. WF mac'n cheese. 24 boxes for $6.00 at Macey's, If you have to have the Kraft brand it is cheapest at Walmart.

Soups

• Ramen noodles I buy at the Smiths case lot sale. 12ct for $3.00
• Kroger broth at the case lot sale. 24ct for $11.99.
• Chicken Noodle soup, WF at Maceys 24ct for $11.28
• Kroger Tomato soup at Smiths case lot sale 24ct for $10.68
• Creamed soups I bought at Macey's. 24ct for $11.76
• Progresso soups I buy in the winter during sales at Smiths and Walgreens

Vegetables

• Canned tomatoes from Smiths case lot sale. 24ct for $11.99
• Kroger tomato sauce 8oz cans from case lot sale. 24ct for $5.99
• Kroger tomato paste from case lot sale. 24ct for $7.99
• Hunt's pasta sauce from case lot sales and other sales during the year. I don't pay more than .75 a can.
• Canned veggies from Macey's case lot sale. 24ct for $10.56
• Dehydrated carrots from LDS cannery. #10 can for $7.10
• Canned mushrooms from Winco .45 ea and Walmart for .46
• WF diced green chilies from Macey's case lot sale. 24 for $12.00 (these go on sale all year for .50, don't pay more than that)
• Dehydrated onions from LDS cannery. #10 can $6.00 (I rarely buy real onions, I use these in all my cooking)
• Potato flakes from LDS cannery. #10 can $2.85 (shelf life of 30+ years)

Fruits

• Raisins are cheapest at Macey's during the case lot sale and at Sam's Club for 32oz for $3.49ea. Costco's bag is only one penny more at $3.50 for 32oz.
• Dehydrated apple slices from LDS cannery. #10 can for $4.90
• Applesauce from Costco in #10 cans are $3.xx. I can't remember the actually price, but it is natural applesauce with no sugar and it is great for substituting for oil in baking.
• Kroger mandarin oranges from case lot sale. 24ct for $7.99
• WF canned pineapple is cheapest during the Macey's case lot sale, but I have found Dole pineapple for under .70 with coupons during the year.
• I buy canned pears from the case lot sales and it is always a little different between Smiths and Macey's, but I don't pay more than .68 a can.

Sugars

• Sugar is cheapest during Nov. and Dec. I stock up when there are sales. I don't like to spend more than $12 on a 25lb bag.
• Powdered sugar and brown sugar are cheapest during the holiday's as well. Don't pay more than a $1.00 for a 2lb bag.
• Honey can be found at Costco all the time for 6lbs for $11.99. Macey's also has really great prices during the case lot sales. 6 5lb containers for $59.88

Grains

• I buy rice from Costco in 50lb bags for around $15.00. The price goes up and down all the time. You just have to watch it. Sams Club has 50lbs for about the same price. The cannery has 25lb boxes for $8.45 and are really easy to store.
• Oats I buy at the cannery. 25lbs for $7.60. Winco also has oats in their bulk area for .58lb!
• Flour is cheapest during the holiday's but there are also great sales during the year. I like to wait until I can get 5lb for $1.50 with coupons.
• Hard White Wheat is a great deal at Macey's case lot sale. 45lb bucket with lid sealed for $11.99. LDS cannery 25lb bag for $5.80.

Milk/Dairy

• Powdered milk from the cannery. #10 cans for $7.05. I bake with it a lot and make yogurt from it. Mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can also be made from powdered milk. You will need it whether you like to drink it or not. It also has a shelf life of 25-30 years.
• Morning Moos dried milk alternative. I bought a 50lb bucket a Costco last year for around $60.00, now the best price is a 37lb bucket at Costco for $39.97. #10 cans for $10.99 can be found at Macey's during the case lot sale.
• Evaporated milk at Smiths case lot sale. 24ct for $15.60
• Cheese- don't pay more than $1.50 for a pound of cheese. It goes on sale ALL the time and is good for a LONG time. Look at the expiration dates on it when you buy it. Tillamook goes on sale at Winco for $3.98 for 2lbs all the time, and it lasts for months.
• Dried eggs-I cook with these now instead of real eggs. I only use real eggs for boiled eggs. Canned eggs are best at the Macey's case lot sale, #10 can for $14.00. I found some at Honeville Grain for $12.00 last month, so keep a look out for sales. Don't pay more than .99 for a dozen of eggs. Costco has great deals and so do the grocery stores.

Baking Items

• Salt is cheapest at Walmart. 26oz for .38
• Yeast- I use instant yeast and wait until it is $2.99lb. Emergency Essentials had it in May on sale. I stocked up. Yeast keeps indefinitely in the freezer. Costco and Sam's Club have great prices on yeast.
• Lemon juice, vanilla I get at Maceys during the case lot sales.
• Cake mixes and brownie mixes from case lot sales at Macey's and also during the holidays. .78 is an awesome price for mixes. With coupons I have gotten them for .50 and less.
• Baking cocoa is the best at Costco. 23oz for $5.59. It also has an indefinite shelf life.
• Spices are cheapest at Winco in their bulk area. You can fill a whole spice container for mere pennies. I filled my chive container for .11, it really is an awesome store!!

Oils and Fats

• Kroger oil was $2.00 for 48oz at the last case lot sale, but they had a sale in April and I got them for $1.48 so watch. (This is why it is great to have the price list printed out and with you)
• Cooking spray-Pam goes on sale, but Walmart has it all the time for $1.58 for 8oz.
• Peanut butter is cheapest at Smiths during the case lot sales. 18oz for $1.00 and it is the Kroger brand or Skippy.
• Olives are cheapest during Thanksgiving time for .88. Case lots and random sales during the year also have that price. I found some at Reams today (5/29) for .88.
• Ketchup is cheapest during Memorial day and Fourth of July sales. Try not to spend more than .80 for 24oz. Case lot sales have them as well.
• Mustard is cheapest during summer holiday's as well. Under $1.00 for 32oz is a great price.
• Salad dressing goes on sale all the time. It doesn't have a long shelf life so watch the dates if you are stocking up. With coupons you can get it free a lot of the times too.

Water

• 24 packs of water for $2.50 or less is a great deal. It goes on sale all year long, just watch for the price.Costco has a 35ct of water for $3.45 if you don't want to wait for a sale.

Misc.

• 5 gallon buckets with lids- $3.99 at Macey's during the case lot sales
• 5 gallon Gamma lids (these are amazing) Don't pay more than $5.99 for these. Macey's and Honeyville have these on sale during the case lot seasons.
• 55 water drum- don't pay more than $39.99 for these. During conference these go on sale at Emergency Essentials and Macey's has them at the case lot sales.
• Paper towel and toilet paper I buy at Macey's during the case lot sales. It was $3.98 for 12 double rolls of TP and 8 big rolls of paper towel. I buy enough for 6 months which is the time until the next case lot sale.
• Laundry det. goes on sale all the time. I wait for sales with coupons so your best bet would be to watch for sales and learn what the bottom line price is for the brand you use.
• Dishwasher detergent I also get for free with coupons but watch for sales for what brand you like to use.

Ideas to get the best price:

1. You can't be brand specific, a lot of store brands are made in the same facilities as name brand.
2. Know what you use. Buying 50 cans of stew because it is cheap and finding out no one likes it, saves you no money.
3. Know what price you are willing to wait for and pay for.
4. Be patient and know that food goes on sale about every 3 months. You will catch the good deal the next time around.
5. Watch the blog on Wednesday's for the weekly grocery sales. Knowing what is a good price will help in saving you a lot of money.

MAY GOALS

1. PURCHASE VEGETABLES THAT FIT INTO YOUR 3-MONTH MENU. THINK OF CANNED, DEHYDRATED, FREEZE DRIED, AND FRESH. (185lbs per family is a year supply)
2. PLASTIC BAGS OF ALL SIZES, ALUMINUM FOIL, AND PLASTIC WRAP.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

First Aid Kits

 Another earthquake has happened, and devastation, along with tsunami warnings, have hit again. Please have your water stored and have your 72-hour kits in an accessible spot in your home. As Haiti and now Chile have been hit by natural disasters I have been thinking of all the things that we can learn from these events. For one, I have 

 learned that help may not be available for 1-2 weeks after a disaster. If family members or neighbors are injured we may be the ones taking care of them until help arrives. I have thought a lot about my first aid kit and realized that I need to stock it with more supplies than I have now. I urge you to evaluate your first aid kit and add any necessary supplies that you are lacking.

A COMPREHENSIVE FIRST AID KIT (COURTESY OF TERI EBERT)

EQUIPMENT:

• CONSECRATED OIL
• LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
• INSTRUCTION BOOK (FIRST AID INFO)
• SURGICAL MASK, CPR MASK
• GLOVES
• SOAP AND SCRUB BRUSH
• ANTIBACTERIAL HAND WASH (SANITIZER)
• ANTISEPTIC TOWELETTES
• DISINFECTANT SPRAY
• THERMOMETER
• STETHOSCOPE, BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF
• MEDICINE DROPPER, TEASPOON
• INSTANT COLD PACK, ICE PACK
• INSTANT HOT PACK, HOT WATER BOTTLE
• TWEEZERS, KNIFE, RAZOR BLADES
• SCISSORS, OR EMT SHEERS
• SAFETY PINS, NEEDLES
• TONGUE DEPRESSOR
• COTTON BALLS, COTTON SWABS
• MATCHES
• FLASHLIGHT
• HAND TOWEL
• SHEETS, BLANKET
• PAPER BAG
• TOURNIQUET
• SNAKE BIT KIT
• GOGGLES

MEDICINE-TOPICAL:

• ALCOHOL PREPS, RUBBING ALCOHOL
• HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
• ANTIBIOTIC CREAM, IODINE
• BURN CREAM
• HYDROCORTISONE CREAM
• CALAMINE LOTION, CALADRYL
• INSECT REPELLANT, SUN BLOCK
• EYE WASH OR DROPS

BANDAGES:

• ASSORTED ADHESIVE BANDAGES (INCLUDING KNUCKLE, FINGERTIP, AND X-LARGE)
• BUTTERFLY BANDAGES
• TRIANGLE BANDAGES
• GAUZE PADS, ASSORTED SIZES
• GAUZE ROLLS, ASSORTED SIZED
• ELASTIC BANDAGES, ASSORTD SIZES
• TAPE
• EYE PATCHES
• MOLESKIN
• MENSTRUAL PADS
• FINGER SPLINTS (POPSICLE STICKS)
• SPLINTS (PAINT STIRRERS)
• SLING

MEDICINE-PAIN:

• ACETAMINOPHEN (TYLENOL)
• IBUPROFEN
• ASPIRIN

MEDICINE-INTERNAL:

• PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
• GLUCOSE
• ANTIHISTAMINE (BENADRYL)
• ASTHMA INHALER
• ANIT-DIARRHEA
• LAXATIVE
• ANTI-NAUSEA
• SYRUP OF IPECAC, ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
• ANTACIDS, BICARBONATE OF SODA
• COLD AND FLU REMEDIES, COUGH DROPS
• PEDIALYTE, SALT
• THYROBLOK (FOR NUCLEAR RADIATION)

Having faith, sustaining the priesthood, and keeping our covenants will help protect us, but even the faithful will experience injury and illness. We can prepare for medical emergencies by learning first aid skills and storing medical supplies.

1. Learn how to call 911 (for children)
2. Post emergency first aid instructions inside a kitchen cabinet door.
3. make an emergency and extended family phone list. Make sure to have an out of state contact person. Add emails to the list and place in your 72-hour kits.
4. Learn about CPR
5. Assemble a first aid kit. Place first aid supplies in your 72-hour kits. Store essential medicines, if possible.
6. Have consecrated oil available for priesthood blessings.

Having a family home evening on first aid would be a great way to get the entire family involved with learning first aid.

 As February comes to a close I hope you were all able gather your 20lbs of oats per person. If you didn't get enough for everyone, don't worry, you can add slowly to your storage. I have another recipe using oats to help you with rotating. I know in my house we love "Honey Bunches of Oats" cereal and it is quite expensive and it actually doesn't go on sale very often. So I found the next best thing, homemade Honey Bunches of Oats. Try it out!

HOMEMADE HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS

10 C quick oats (rolled oats are ok, just cruchier) *A full #10 can of oats is about 13 C, so just take out 3 cups and you'll be set for the recipe*
1 18oz. box Corn Flakes
1 C honey, corn syrup, or pancake syrup
1 C brown sugar
1/4 C water

In a large bowl stir together the oats and cereal. Boil the sugars and water until dissolved. Pour over the oat mixture. Spread about 1/2" deep onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 300 for 30 minutes. When cool you can stir in an kind of dried fruit that you enjoy. Store in the #10 can from the oats and it will store for several months in a cool, dark area. It won't "spoil" unless it gets wet. Enjoy!

 

FEBRUARY STORAGE GOALS:

Food Storage Goal: OATS-20lbs per person.

Non-Food Goal: Lighting is our goal this month. Gather matches, candles, flashlights (crank or battery operated), emergency candles, light sticks, solar powered flashlights or lanterns, etc. Find what works for your family and have these in your 72-hour kits and in your car kits and have a source of light by every bed in your home. The glow light sticks that activate by bending are great to hang as night lights and can easily fit in 72-hour kits.**This month add a manual can opener to your supplies. It is great if you have pop top cans but your storage of cans is useless unless you can open them.**

If you need a FamilyHome Evening lesson on getting your 72-hour kits together, then click HERE to see a fun way of gathering all the items you'll need.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace

Oats and More!

We are still stocking up on oats and I would challenge you to make a recipe this week using oats. Move beyond oatmeal and make a favorite oatmeal cookie recipe or try one of these. Remember you need 20lbs per person.

Delicious Oatmeal Pancakes

Makes 8-10 pancakes

1/2 C whole wheat flour

2 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

2 T sugar

1/3 C powdered milk

2 eggs separated

1 C water

3 T oil

1 C rolled oats

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and powdered milk. Stir until well blended. In small bowl beat egg whites until stiff, set aside. In large bowl combine egg yokes, water, oil, and oats. Beat slightly and allow to stand 5 minutes, then beat until blended. Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in beaten egg whites. For small pancakes drop 2 T batter onto griddle, or pour 1/4 C for larger pancakes. Bake until full of bubbles on top and then turn.

Apple Crisp

6 peeled apples

1/2 C sugar

2 T water

4 T butter 1 t grated lemon peel

1/2 C brown sugar

1 C rolled oats

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 C chopped nuts (optional)

Slice the apples and spread in greased 8x8 pan. Sprinkle the water and 1/2 C white sugar. Mix the remaining ingredients and spread over apples. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until tender.

I have had several people ask me this week where I store my water and I reply saying that I store it in more than one spot. This made me think of the earthquake in Haiti and where we should store our supplies. If our houses fell down how would we get our 72-hour kits or water out. I know of one family that keeps a clean garbage can with cold weather items in it and they leave it in their shed. They figure they could move the shed walls easier than their house walls to get to it. I guess my thought is to store your food and supplies in more than one location. Don't put all your water under the stairs and not be able to reach it in an emergency. I have water in the garage, under the stairs, in our storage room, in the kitchen pantry and in the car. (click HERE to view the post on water.) 72-hour kits need to be accessible so if you were to leave your home in a hurry you could grab them and run.

If you have 55 gallon water drums, I found a great way to store them on their sides for easier usage. Click HERE to view the plans on how to build them. 

FEBRUARY STORAGE GOALS:

Food Storage Goal: OATS-20lbs per person.

Non-Food Goal: Lighting is our goal this month. Gather matches, candles, flashlights (crank or battery operated), emergency candles, light sticks, solar powered flashlights or lanterns, etc. Find what works for your family and have these in your 72-hour kits and in your car kits and have a source of light by every bed in your home. The glow light sticks that activate by bending are great to hang as night lights and can easily fit in 72-hour kits.

**This month add a manual can opener to your supplies. It is great if you have pop top cans but your storage of cans is useless unless you can open them.**

If you need a FamilyHome Evening lesson on getting your 72-hour kits together, then click HERE to see a fun way of gathering all the items you'll need.

Enjoy the journey!
Enjoy the blessings!
Feel the peace!

Oats

During the month of February we are going to stock up on oats. If you purchase your oats from the cannery in #10 cans they will last 30+ years. I like to store some oats in #10 cans and then keep the oats I use daily in a 5 gallon bucket with a gamma lid. Oats are very versatile and also very healthy for you. You will need to store 20lbs of oats per person and remember that number is a suggestion and you need to calculate the amount of what your family uses.

Oats can be added to breads, granola, meatloaf (meat extender), muffins, meatballs, cookies, etc. Try a new recipe this week that includes oats or maybe just add oatmeal to your breakfast. Making granola is always a great way to use your oats. We love granola in our yogurt and with the great yogurt recipe from last month (see it here) you could have a very healthy and inexpensive snack or breakfast. Here is a recipe to get you started:

Scotch Oat Bars (from The Essential Food Storage Cookbook)

1 C butter (you could use 1 C pureed white beans or 1 C applesauce to substitute)

4 C quick oats

1 C brown sugar

1/2 C white sugar (you could substitute powdered milk for the white sugar)

2 t baking powder

1 t vanilla

1/2 t salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Add oats,sugars, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Pat into a greased 9x13 dish and bake 25-28 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.

Variation: Drizzle cooled bars with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Cool. Cut into bars.

• I am allergic to nuts and most granolas have nuts in them so I was excited when I found this recipe because it is a basic recipe and you can add any extras in after it is baked. This is my favorite granola recipe:

Easy Granola

5 C oats

1 C powdered milk

1 T cinnamon

1 can frozen apple juice concentrate (thawed but not reconstituted)

2 t vanilla

1/4 C oil (could try applesauce)

Preheat oven to 300. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Spread onto large rimmed cookies sheets. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn over mixture in sections. Bake 15 more minutes. Break up the mixture and turn over. Bake 15 minutes more and break into pieces again and let cool. Granola will get harder as it cools to don't overbake or it will be hard as a rock.

Eat with yogurt or like cereal with milk and raisins or nuts. 

Click HERE to see some other great oat recipes. I love "My Food Storage Deals" website for great food storage information. 

FEBRUARY STORAGE GOALS:

Food Storage Goal: OATS-20lbs per person.
  Non-Food Goal: Lighting is our goal this month. Gather matches, candles, flashlights (crank or battery operated), emergency candles, light sticks, solar powered flashlights or lanterns, etc. Find what works for your family and have these in your 72-hour kits and in your car kits and have a source of light by every bed in your home. The glow light sticks that activate by bending are great to hang as night lights and can easily fit in 72-hour kits.

If you need a FamilyHome Evening lesson on getting your 72-hour kits together, then click HERE to see a fun way of gathering all the items you'll need.

CONTINUE TO STORE WATER!

Enjoy the journey!

Enjoy the blessings!

Feel the peace!

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!!