Sunday, September 23, 2012

Faith in Action - Emergency Preparedness

If you have a minute this week or while your doing dishes or folding laundry, turn this on.  You won't be disappointed.

Barbara Salsbury - Emergency Preparedness - Episode 5
Program by: Mormon Channel
Barbara Salsbury talks about her vast experience with emergency preparedness. Barbara explains the difference between provident living and disaster preparedness. She also gives advice on how we all can be prepared for emergencies and how we can store food even in the smallest of accommodations.

For more information concerning emergency preparedness, go to the Church's Provident Living web site.

Wheat - Including Recipes & Pictures

Do you really know what whole grains are –or why they're so beneficial?

A grain is considered whole when all three parts – bran, germ and endosperm – are present. Most people know that fruits and vegetables contain beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants, but many do not realize that whole grains are often an even better source of these key nutrients. In fact, whole grains are a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E,magnesium, iron and fiber, as well as other valuable antioxidants not found in some fruits and vegetables. Most of the antioxidants and vitamins are found in the germ & the bran of a grain.

Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk of heart diseaseby decreasing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood coagulation. Whole grains have also been found to reduce the risks of many types of cancer. They may also help regulate blood glucose in people living with diabetes. Other studies have also shown that people who consume more whole grains consistently weigh less than those who consumed less whole grain products.

What kind of wheat?

The most common types of wheat grown in the United States are red and white wheats. Varieties include, hard red spring, hard red winter, hard white winter, soft white spring, and soft white winter. Deciding which wheat to store depends on what you will do with it.

Hard wheat is produced in areas that have dry temperature climates. The kernels are hard in texture, small, red, and have a strong gluten. Gluten is what gives wheat cohesive strength and allows it to stretch, expand, and retain gases as fermenting dough expands. This is excellent for making hearty whole wheat loaves of bread or to use in recipes as an extender for red meat. Hard red winter wheat is also the most common wheat available. Hard white winter wheat contains a more delicate flavor than the hard red wheat and can be used to make light and fluffy bread, rolls, and scones. It can also be used in recipes as an extender for white meat. Both of these varieties of hard wheat are high in protein and fiber.

The soft white classes of wheat are produced in areas of mild winters with adequate moisture. White kernels are larger and plumper than red wheat kernels, are of a softer texture, and have a weaker gluten strength. This wheat is used to make flaky pastries, pie crust, cakes, crackers, and breakfast cereals. Because of its lower gluten and protein content, it is not recommended for use in breads.

How should it be stored?

Wheat is one of the longest storing food items around. Whole wheat kernels will store longer and better than when ground up into flour. When storing your wheat at home, make sure it is in containers specifically identified on the label as food storage containers. Round containers are best when storing wheat since wheat gives off heat and square containers stacked closely together may not allow this heat to escape.

It is important that wheat doesn’t have a moisture content level higher than 10 percent. A higher moisture content than this causes damage to the wheat and exposure to oxygen may cause some forms of bacteria to grow. Storing wheat in a cool, dry place is the easiest way to keep moisture content low. A properly used oxygen absorber will also keep exposure to oxygen minimal.

A storage temperature of 40-60° F results in fresher wheat. However, 60° F and above is still acceptable. Food storage containers should not be stored directly on a cement floor to prevent rusting and pest contamination. Wheat should also be stored away from apples, onions, potatoes, etc., since the odor or flavor may transfer to the wheat.
 
Enjoy some pictures & recipes from our Wheat Activity!

 

Garden Herb Wheat Thins ---Makes  5  large cookies sheet

Mix       3 ½ cup Whole Wheat Flour                                                                                                  3 cups white flour                                                                                                                      In a blender— to keep oil emulsified & to blend in the herbs

2/3 cup oil   (I use 1/3 cup canola and 1/3 cup olive)                                                                                                               2 cups water                                                                                                                                                                   1 tsp salt                                                                                                                                                                             1 ½ tsp. garlic salt

*FIRST--Rehydrate in small amount of hot water THEN add to oil/water

1 T. dehydrated onion                                                                                                                         1-2 T. dehydrated bell peppers --*I use Rainy Day Foods mixed bell peppers                                                  1 tsp. herb Italian or pizza seasoning                                                                                                           ¼ tsp chilli powder

*After blending well –add to flour and mix well with spatula then knead until smooth dough—about 2-3 minutes in a mixer or 5 min. by hand.

Cut into 6 equal pieces and roll out dough to edges—you want THIN!   1/8 inch at most.

Size (cut almost through) dividing dough into 8x12 pieces (about 1 inch size crackers)

Poke each cracker piece with fork. Grind sea salt to lightly sprinkle surface.

Bake on 2nd rack & 4th rack to do 2 at a time… set timer for 15 min… then rotate positions.

Bake at 350 for  30-35 min. until golden/light brown.  (If they have a “oil or wet” look at all—not done.)

Break into cracker pieces after cooled a bit and store in air tight container AFTER they have cooled.

 

 

Original Wheat Thins ---Makes  6  large cookie sheets

Mix       3 ½ cup Whole Wheat Flour                                                                                                  3 cups white flour                                                                                                                      In a blender— to keep oil emulsified & to blend in the herbs

2/3 cup oil   (I use 1/3 cup canola and 1/3 cup olive)                                                                                                               2 cups water                                                                                                                                                                   2 tsp salt                                                                                                                                                                             *Same as above

Graham Crackers  ---Makes 4 large cookie sheets (could put into 4)

½  cup evaporated milk (OR 1/3 cup dry powder milk in ½ cup water)                         2 Tbls. Lemon juice or vinegar                                                                                        

Mix following in order listed. Blend well to keep oil in emulsion.                                                                        1 cups dark brown sugar                                                                                                             ½  cup white sugar OR honey                                                                                                      1 cup oil                                                                                                                                            2 tsp. vanilla                                                                                                                                                2 eggs slightly beaten

Combine & mix both above mixtures well.

Add :              6 cups whole wheat flour                                                                                                                                                          1 tsp. salt                                                                                                                                          1 tsp. baking soda                                                                                                                        

Divide mixture into 4 equal parts (or 5 for thinner cracker and no fuss with edges)

Place each part on a greased and floured cookie sheet.

Roll from center to edges ‘til 1/8 “ thick.

Prick with fork about 1” apart.

Bake a t 375 for 15-20 min.  (golden to light brown)

CUT immediately into squares while still warm.

**You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on it before baking.

Store in airtight container after cooling.

  

Homemade Grape Nuts—makes 2.5 lbs

3 cups whole wheat flour

½ cup  wheat germ                                                                                            1 cup brown sugar                                                                                    2 cups buttermilk  (for substitute use milk and 2 T. lemon juice)                                  1 tsp. baking soda                                                                                        1-2 tsp. cinnamon                                                                                                 1 tsp.  salt

Beat until smooth.

Spread dough on 2 large greased cookie sheets.

Bake 25-30 minutes at 350.

While still warm, break into chunks –about 1 “ size pieces

Whirl briefly in a blender until smaller like grapenut pieces.

Crisp in oven on cookie sheets at 250 for 20-30 minutes.

Store in air tight container.



 

Wheat Treats for Salads

Soak wheat in cold water for 24 hours. Change water once or twice during this time.

Drain wheat and rinse.

Remove excess water by rolling wheat on a paper towel.

In a heavy kettle heat vegetable oil to 360.

Put small amount of wheat 1 ½ cups in a strainer or wire basket and fry in oil for 1 ½ minutes.

Drain on paper towel.

Season wheat with salt or powdered ranch seasoning.

Enjoy as a fun snack or sprinkled on a salad.
 

Low-fat Apple Cinnamon Wheat Muffins    ~ Laila Kammerman

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups white flour

2 Tbl & 2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

(optional-- ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp. allspice)

*blend dry ingredients first

**Add wet ingredients all at once and blend well

 

½ --2/3 cup minced apples (see info below)

1/3 cup applesauce

1/3 cup oil

1 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

2 cups milk

Spray muffin tins—or line with paper…  (makes 24-27 muffins)  *Easy to freeze for later use

Bake 415 if dark non-stick muffin tins…  Bake 425 if normal or lined with paper. 

15 min. on middle rack (check with toothpick to see if done)
 

What I use for apples—

Dried apples from cannery—crush them into small pieces.  I do it with the end of glass cup in a bowl.  Rehydrate in hot water—level to apples.   Or if you have apples in the fridge that have lost their crispness—peel and chop fine.

I like to cook the fresh apples with some cinnamon and keep in fridge to use in oatmeal as well.

Light and Fluffy Wheat Pancakes/waffles

1 cup wheat flour

1 cup white flour

2 Tbl. Baking powder

2  scant tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

2 egg yolk  (separate and set aside whites in other mixing bowl to beat fluffy

2 cups milk

1/3 cup oil

 

Mix dry ingredients together.

In separate bowl--Whip egg whites til stiff and fluffy (fold in at final step)

Stir in with wire whisk or beater –

Egg yolks, milk, oil- scrape edges of bowl.

After smooth

Fold in egg whites.

Cook on griddle at 325 until bubbles form on top and dry ridge appearing on sides

Flip and cook for 1 more minute.

EASY - FAST – DELICIOUS – low-fat Wheat Germ Cookies

1 cake mix (dry) - works with any of your favorite flavors

1 egg

¼ cup brown sugar

1/3 cup water

¼ cup oil

½ cup wheat germ

Mix all together—will be a little softer than normal cookie dough.

Grease cookie sheet drop on with spoon

Bake at 375 for 12 min. on 2nd rack.

Makes about 2 doz.

24 packs of water!

Make sure you stop at Fred Meyer this week to take advantage of their 24 packs of water for $1.99.  You are limited to 2 with their in ad coupon which they have available in the store or if you get Sunday's paper there is one in there.

Email me with questions!!  Great time to buy a few for storage!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Chicken Breast

I don't know how many of you have ordered from Zaycon Foods before, but they sell all sorts of products and travel around the area to deliver and offer fantastic prices for a great product.  It is 100% natural chicken with no added hormones, additives or artificial ingredients as well as never frozen.  It comes directly from the processor.

Right now they are selling their fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast for $1.69/lb.  I have ordered it mulitple times before and it is fantastic!  You buy it in 40 lb increments and it comes bagged and boxed and all you have to do is show up at the location on the day of delivery to pick it up.  You don't even have to get out of your car.  They come to your window and load it for you.

This round of orders must be in by October 9th and pick up day is October 19th between 5-8pm at:
Conrad & Bischoff
1505 W. Broadway
Idaho Falls, ID 83402

I come home and cut the breast and put it in freezer baggies and LOVE having it on hand for dinners for my family.  I freeze them stacked flat as possible too for more room in my freezer.

Anyway, just thought I would share the information.  If you are interested I would order pretty soon.  They are known to sell out.  They do come around this area about 2-3 times a year though with chicken.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

72 Hour Kit Items

We're going to start walking through some things you can do to assemble your 72 hour kits.  I wanted to get this deal out there so if you are in town this week you can grab a few things.  I just noticed at Fred Meyer today these Teriyaki sticks were 10 for $10 they are 1.44 oz which is a good size.  I bought some to throw in our packs.
 
These are $2.69 at Fred Meyer.  There is a coupon on their facebook page for $1 off 1 of these 4 packs so they would be only $1.69 a 4 pack or $.42 each.
 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Portable Bidet Follow Up

I found some Perineal Irrigation Bottles which is what we used for our bidet demonstration for less than $.60 when we buy them in bulk and gloves under $.10 a pair.  Is anybody interested in buying one or more than one?   Contact me if you are interested.

Another option I found today & liked is this ketchup bottle for $1.18 at Walmart.  You will need to put the ketchup in another bottle and wash it out really well, but it works great because of the way it squirts.  It has a closed hole you squirt from and have to squeeze it to get any water out which means, no waisted water.
 
I bought some kitty litter today, only $1.98 a bag at Walmart and it is more than enough to fill 2-3 buckets so get with your friends and share some kitty litter. :)
 
 
Remember you can buy your buckets at any store or the smaller buckets (probably for a kids toilet) can be purchased at Smiths for $1 in the bakery.   The kids toilet seat does fit it perfectly in case you were wondering and I thought it was only appropriate to take a picture of it on a stack of toilet paper to remind you to STOCK UP!
 
It's actually on sale until 9/29 at Walgreens.  The 12 packs of Cottonelle are $5 and if you grab one of their monthly coupon booklets in the foyer walking into the store or on the cashier's desk there is $1 off 1 pack which makes them only $4!  Plus, when you buy 2, you get a $2 Register Reward.  That is like a coupon for $2 off anything in their store.  If you use it on toilet paper again, another coupon will not print so don't reuse it on toilet paper.  That makes a 12 pack only $3 and that is a good price!  So go buy yourself and your family some TP.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Smith's Buckets

Just found out this past week that Smith's sells their old frosting buckets (approx 2 gallon) for only $1 a piece.  This includes the lid.  This would be a great kids portable toilet, storage for noodles or other food you don't want bugs getting into, 72 hour kits, etc..

If you can think of a good use for preparedness other than what I have listed, I'd love to hear from you!
 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Portable Bidet

If you didn't get a chance to make it out to Relief Society last night or if you did and just want to see the demo again, here is a video clip of the home made Portable Bidet kit.  She does a much better job than I did and I can't get the video clip of my demo to upload so here you go.
 
Go ahead and laugh.  It is pretty funny, however just make sure you get your kit together after laughing because if we get in a crisis and you run out of toilet paper I'm pretty sure you won't be laughing then. :) 
 
 
Supplies you need:
a bucket used as a toilet
extra plastic liners (possibly even trash compactor liners because they are thicker)
optional but recommended - toilet seat that fits on your bucket
optional - kitty litter for the bottom of the bag for absorption and deodorizing
rubber or latex gloves labeled left and right
a peri water squirter or other water squirter such as a clean mustard bottle
a handful of felt cloths for drying
a labeled container or plastic bag to store each persons personal items (gloves and felt)
 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Family Home Storage Center

Friends!

We have the opportunity to go to the Family Home Storage Center (Cannery) on October 11th.  There are two sessions 9-11am or 12:30-2:30pm.  This does include travel time so you will be home by 2:30 in time for kids to get home from school.

I have never been so I'm excited to go and would love if you would come go with us!  I plan to get a couple of cans of powdered milk and potatoes flakes while I am there and eventually get as much as my family needs to have stored.  Here is a link to the order form.  Please get with the Relief Society Presidency if you would like to go!

You may also find this helpful.  It's a food storage calculator for 1 year of storage.  It might give you a basic idea of how much you want to buy.

If you haven't had a chance to buy some flour at Smith's this week it's $1.49 for 5 lbs in their case lot sale until Tuesday. (so you have to buy 8 to get this price)  Which is an excellent price!  It's good until 2014 unless you transfer it to an food grade airtight container and have an oxygen absorber which you can buy from the cannery for $.10.  Then it would be good for up to 10 years.

Thought for the Week

© 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
English approval: 3/07
04008

Message from the First Presidency


Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to "prepare every needful thing" (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

We encourage Church members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve.

We realize that some of you may not have financial resources or space for such storage. Some of you may be prohibited by law from storing large amounts of food. We encourage you to store as much as circumstances allow.

May the Lord bless you in your home storage efforts.

The First Presidency

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

September 5- 11 Shopping Deals

As I was looking through the ads this morning I just wanted to inform you of a couple deals I saw.  I will bold the items I am actually going to buy.

I made a link to the coupons I have printed.  The are only available until they have reached their print limit so I apologize in advance if you can't find them there anymore.

Smiths is having their Case Lot sale and these are the items I think are worth checking out.
24 count tomato sauce $4.80/$.20 ea
48 count Chicken of the Sea Tuna $33.12/$.69 ea
12 case count Hunt's Pasta Sauce $10.56/$.88 ea
24 case count Kroger Mandarin Oranges $14.16/$.59 ea
8 case count of 5 lb flour $12.72/$1.59 ea
12 case count peanut butter $18.99/$1.59 ea

Price applies to these items when you buy 10 - mix or match
Capri Sun 10 ct $1.49 - print the $1 coupon from here to make them $.49
Kraft Easy Mac or Velveeta Cups $.49
Cheetos $1.77
Green Giant Fresh Steamers $1.49 - use the $.75 off 2 coupon from here for $1.12

Green, Red or Black Grapes $.99 lb

Albertsons is rounding any coupon you have under $1 up to $1.  This means if you have a coupon for $.25 - they will act like it is a coupon for $1.

This price applies to these items when you buy 10 - mix or match
Chex Mix or Bugels $1.99 - print the $.50 coupon from here to make them $1 ea
Old El Paso Hard Taco Shells $1.99 - print the $.50 coupon from here to make $1 ea
Betty Crocker Cookie Pouch $1.49 - print the $.50 coupon from here to make them $.49 ea

Home Life Soft Choice 12 ct toilet paper $4.99 double rolls






Sunday, September 2, 2012

Water Storage - Containers & Where to Store

I first want to start by saying, THANK YOU to those of you who have started to store water.  It can be overwhelming to know where to start in being prepared for disaster, but you have to start somewhere.  If we start storing water for the next few months we will be able to move along to another area of preparedness and by next year we will be in a lot better situation than we are now, right?  I hope so. 

I have been thinking the last few weeks about how important it would be to be mentally and emotionally prepared as well as physically prepared especially if we have kids.  I know my kids feed from my emotion and if there were a disaster I'd be a lot less emotional if I was physically prepared.  Please join with me in starting to prepare you family.

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."  D&C 38:30

If you would care to share with everybody what you have decided to do as far as water storage I'd be happy to do a spotlight on this blog.  Please email me!

Now onto this week's information.  This post feeds off the last post "Water - How much do I need?"  I highlighted multiple containers you could use for water storage and just wanted to note a little more information about the containers that I didn't know before.

Use only food-grade containers.  Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.  link

Why not use milk jugs?  To economize many people are tempted to use empty milk jugs, but don't plan to store water in these for more than 3-4 months. They are bio-degradable and will break down within 6 months. Not only may you loose your water, but if they are stored near food or other items, they may damage them.

If you are refilling your own, make sure your rotate the water every 6 months.  Rotating water will provide you with the opportunity to check the amount of stored water against what you require.  It also serves as an additional precaution against bacteria or viruses growing in containers which may not have been thoroughly or properly cleaned or sanitized.

Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use.   Clean used containers and lids with hot soapy water. Once the containers have been thoroughly cleaned, rinse them with water and sanitize the containers and lids by rinsing them with a solution of 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach per 1 liter of water. Leave the containers wet for two minutes, then rinse them again with water. Remember to remove the paper or plastic lid liners before washing the lids. It is very difficult to effectively remove all residue from many containers, so carefully clean hard-to-reach places like the handles of milk jugs. To sanitize stainless steel containers, place the container in boiling water for 10 minutes. Never use containers that previously held chemicals.

Where to Store Water

Clearly label all water containers “drinking water” with the current date. Store the water in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it near gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or similar substances.





Tip:  If you have freezer space, storing some water in the freezer is a good idea. If you lose electricity, the frozen water will help keep foods in your freezer frozen until the power is restored. Make sure you leave 2 to 3 inches of space in containers because water expands as it freezes

Tip: If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Thought for the Week

"Too often we bask in the comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine and earthquake cannot happen here.  Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord or they do not believe them.  Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they will somehow be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion.  The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and give us counsel, through His Servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times.  Have you(we) heeded His counsel?"  -Ezra Taft Benson '08