Dutch Oven Pancakes

I found this recipe on www.totallyready.com . Haven't tried it, but it looks good and simple in case of a power outage.

German Puff Pancakes with Apples

1 1/2 C Milk
6 Tbsp. Butter
9 Eggs
1 1/2 C Flour
1 Cooking apple (I like Fuji)
Powdered Sugar
Syrup
In a mixing bowl whisk together milk, eggs, flour, and salt to form a thin batter. Core and peel apple. Very thinly slice apple. Heat Dutch Oven using 12-14 briquettes on bottom and 16-18 on top, until oven is very hot. Add butter to pan and melt. Pour batter into oven and top with apple slices leaving about a inch all the way around without apples. Replace lid and bake 25-30 minutes. Don’t peek before the 25 minutes or the pancake will fall. Dust with powdered sugar and serve or add syrup.

Price Comparisons

Make sure you shop around for the best prices when buying your food storage supplies.  Here is a comparison between the LDS Storehouse (SH) and the local Sam's Club for buying in bulk (6lb to 50lb).  Make sure you are also watching the weekly grocery store ads for specials...the discounts can sometimes be a better deal than bulk.

ITEM              LBS       SH             SAMS      PLACE/SAVINGS

White Rice       25          $8.45         $8.49        about the same
                       50          16.98         16.63     

Sugar               25         $14.00      $16.43          SH $2.43
                       50            28.00        30.99           SH 2.99

White Flour     25         $9.35        $5.99        Sam's  $3.36
                       50          18.70       11.28        Sam's  7.42 

Pinto Beans     25        $16.30       $13.24      Sam's $3.06
                       50          32.60         26.48       Sam's 6.12

Macaroni        20       $12.10       $16.52       SH  $4.50

Spaghetti         25      $14.55       $21.41       SH $7.87

Pancake Mix   16     $11.15        $10.32     about the same

NOTE:  1.  Sam's sells macaroni and spaghetti in 6 lb pkgs and pancake mix in a 10 lb pkg (Krusteaz brand).  I used the cost/oz to make quantites the same for comparison purposes.
2.  The Storehouse does not sell 50lb pkgs so costs were assumed to be twice the 25 lb rate.       

Freezing Eggs

Did you know that eggs can freeze for up to 6 months?  Below are some guidelines to follow:

1.  Choose only eggs that you know are fresh
2.  Eggs in their shells expand under freezing temps, so you must shell them
3.  If you are storing eggs in rigid containers, leave a little head space for expansion
4.  Eggs should be thawed completely before using and used soon after they thaw
5.  If frozen properly, thawed eggs have the taste, texture and nutritional value of fresh eggs and can be successfully used in any recipe calling for eggs
6.  2 ways to freeze:  white and yolk seperate or whole

Whites alone-

• can freeze as is, in airtight containers
• pack as many eggs together as you will need for your favorite recipes
• you will need to thaw and use an entire container at one time (thaw in refrig, about 9 hours)

Yolks alone-

• You will need to stabilize the yolk so that they won't become hard and pasty after thawing
• To stabilize- add  1 tsp. salt or 1 tsp. honey to each cup of yolks (12 yolks make 1 cup)                      -break up the yolks and stir in the salt and honey
• Mark containers with stabilizer used so that you won't ruin recipes by adding more salt or honey than intented

Whole Eggs-

• Need to stabilize them with 1 tsp salt or honey per cup (5 eggs make 1 cup)
• Scramble the eggs before packing and freezing
• Whole eggs can be packed together in air-tight container
• To pack seperately, use plastic ice cube tray.  When eggs are frozen, pop them out and store all cubes in a freezer bag

A Wealth of Preparedness Information

Went to a local Preparedness Fair tonight and came away with a link to downloaded files of their information.  On the site there is everything from food storage, to water, to communication, to canning, to first aid, to etc., etc.

  Take a Look!

http://www.downloadfilecabinet.com

Tips For Cooking and Canning Beans

Using dried beans can save a lot of money over using store-bought beans in a can.  Below are some tips for preparing dried beans.

4 Methods:

--Pressure Cooker, Crock Pot, Stove Top, and Microwave

--See this site for basic information about each method:
http://www.centralbean.com/cooking.html#How%20To%20Cook%20Dried

You can also Pressure Can your beans to have them ready at a moment's notice:  

Check-out the following link for instructions on pressure canning beans:
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_04/beans_peas_shelled.html

 TIP:  *8-9 cups of beans after soaking will fill 7 quarts

          *Be sure to wipe the rim edges well, before putting on the lids

          *FYI:  All sources I found suggested canning beans without any seasoning and adding them after you  open them and are ready to eat them (some flavors suffer with canning, and some seasonings, such as salt, can stop the beans from cooking properly)

You can also Freeze your Cooked Beans
See this link for instructions:   http://www.centralbean.com/cooking.html#Freezing%20Cooked

 

Food Expiration Guidelines

Here are some tips from the Gourmet Sleuth website:
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Articles/Nutrition-Health-Food-Labeling-646/food-expiration-dates-faqs.aspx

Below is one example of the information you will find.  Below the example is a listing of topics covered on the website.  Just click on a topic and it will take you to the site.

Can you use baking powder or baking soda after the expiration date?

Dry leavening agents (baking powder, baking soda) will probably be marked with a "best used" date and if stored tightly sealed they most likely usable beyond that date. Typically they last 6 months to a year but you can test the potency of baking powder or baking soda; here is how:

Test baking soda: mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons of vinegar and the mixture should bubble immediately; if not, replace it.

Test baking powder: mix 1 teaspoon baking powder with 1/2 cup hot water and the mixture should bubble immediately; if not, replace it

FAQ's

• Does fish expire when refrigerated?
• How long does cheese expire after opening?
• What are dairy products sell by dates law united states?
• What Are Food expiration dates?
• How long after sell by date can you use poultry?
• When do you throw away canned goods from grocery store?
• How long after the expiration date can you eat something?
• What is the expiration of date powder sugar?
• Can you use baking powder or baking soda after the expiration date?
• Can food coloring expire?
• What does is the sell by date I see on food packages?
• How long can you keep butter after sell by date?
• Does flour have an expiration date?
• How Long Is Milk Good After The Sell By Date
• Does Canned Soda Expire?

Cabbage Casserole

3/4 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 quart whole tomatoes, (1/2 whole, 1/2 pureed)
1 cup instant white rice
1/2 medium-sized cabbage
1/2 c. water

Place all ingredients in pressure cooker.  Bring to pressure according to your cooker's instructions.  Once at pressure, cook for 5 minutes.  COOL AT ONCE.   Serve with garlic salt and vinegar, if desired.