Friday, April 29, 2011

There's an App for that??



Pickin Chicken Breed Selector by Mother Earth News

Description

Chosen as a Slashfood Best of 2010 iPhone App for Food and Cooking, Pickin’ Chicken by Mother Earth News is the perfect chicken breed selector for the novice or “eggspert” chickenist. Find the perfect chicken breed for your needs, including rare and heritage breeds.

Visit iTunes to download

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Super Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I had some crushed pineapple that need to be used in my food storage.
I was thinking..... now what can I do with this???
Then I saw the yellow cake mix and said.....Pineapple Upside Down Cake!!




I prepared the cake per box instructions but I used whole egg powder instead of fresh eggs.
I always have whole egg powder on hand.
Makes it easy to bake when you don't have any fresh eggs.


I drained a little of the juice of the the pineapple and
then spread it in the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan.
You could also use round pans.
You can also add maraschino cherries at this point if you wanted too.



Next, I sprinkled about 2 cups of brown sugar over the pineapple.



Place the cake batter on top of the pineapple mixture and
bake per package directions.
 375 degrees for 35 minutes.


Here it is just out of the oven.
Doesn't look like much......
But when you cut it and flip the piece of cake over

Ta Da!!!!!


Pineapple Upside Down Cake


Couldn't be easier and it all came from my food storage!!!

What's for dinner- Au Gratin Potatoes with Magic Mix



What is Magic Mix??
It’s a great mix containing powdered milk, butter, and flour which makes perfect white sauces every time! 

Watch a video on how to make Magic Mix here at Everyday Food Storage. You can also find great recipes for using the Magic Mix here too.

Magic Mix
Ingredients:

2 1/3 C. Powdered Milk
1 C. All Purpose Flour (Yes, use All Purpose)
1 C. (2 sticks) Margarine or Butter, at room temperature

Something about using this intimidated me. I have had the mix in my fridge for a couple months and have not tried using it. Today..... I said no more!!  I am making Au Gratin Potatoes!!!



I re hydrated some Potato Slices from my Food Storage.
Didn't measure but probably about 3 cups.




In a saucepan, I warmed 1 1/4 cups water on low.
When the water is warm I mixed in the magic mix with a whisk.
I let that warm thru for a minute or two and then added 2 cups of cheese and my Potatoes.




I placed the mixture in a baking dish.
I added some salt and pepper to the top.
Then bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes
 
 
And here you have it..............Au Gratin Potatoes from your Food Storage!
 

And now for the close up..............



This was so easy!!! Why didn't I do this before!!!
 
 
You can use Magic Mix to make:
White Sauces
Cream Soups
Alfredo Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese
Au Gratin Potatoes
Pudding
Fudge Pops
and More!!

Monday, April 25, 2011

8 Rookie Mistakes made by New Preppers

8 Rookie Mistakes
Courtesy of Ready Nutrition


Don’t Panic
Take a deep breath, sit down and make an emergency plan. Decide what emergency you are preparing for and what supplies you will need. Try and stay within a certain emergency time frame and work your way up to larger scale emergencies. For example, begin planning for a 72 hour emergency and work your way up to a short term emergency and later, a larger scale or long term emergency.

Take your time and properly plan how you are going to open up your budget so that you can attain these emergency items. Cutting out the extraneous spending in your budget can free up a lot of extra cash. The money saved can be used toward your future preparedness items. Make the choice of using the new found preparedness money or save it for a more expensive prep. Either way, you will accumulate a little at a time and not break the budget.

Personal Experience – One mistake I remember (and am still paying for) was when my husband and I decided to get a short term food supply. We hadn’t really researched what it takes to maintain your family’s health during a short term emergency so we impulsively went out and bought $200 in canned goods. Needless to say that we are still living off of that canned good investment. Looking back, we could have used that $200 in a more constructive manner.


Don’t always believe the experts.
Listen to what the experts say, but make the decision that is best for your family and your needs. Some expert’s advice is driven by what makes them the most money or what other experts are saying at the time. Make a list of what items you are looking for and research those items (include reading the customer reviews).

Personal Experience – An expert was telling everyone that they should have a certain brand of hiking boots. Well, I went out and bought them because “the expert” said I should. Because I didn’t research the boots (and the specs about the boot), after purchasing it; I made the realization that they were way too heavy for me. Luckily, I was able to return the boots and get my money back. After I researched and read customer reviews, I went out and invested in a different pair of hiking boots that were perfect for what I needed.



Don’t buy cheap preps.
Trying to save money here and there is great, but when you are investing in survival gear, you want to make sure the investment is worth the money spent. Begin looking at your purchase as an investment for your future. You want that product to last and do it’s desired function with minimal hassle. And you want to be able to depend on that product to see you through an emergency. On another note, whatever items or tools you buy, make sure you use it. If you invest money and buy an item that you do not know how to use, it’s useless.

Personal Experience – I wanted to save a few bucks and bought a basic sleeping bag that didn’t have any bells or whistles. Later on down the line, I realized the sleeping bag was way too bulky, weighed too much for a bug out situation and had no capacity to really keep someone warm. I ended up investing in an ultralight backpack that keeps me toasty when I need it the most and is feather light. Although I made a mistake with the first sleeping bag, I am using it as a back up, so the investment was not a complete loss. Other items I have found that are worth spending extra money on are good toothbrushes, survival tools, water filtration systems and survival knives.



Buy preps that are multi purpose.
You want to make the most out of your preparedness investment so do some extra research and find preparedness items that have multiple functions.

Personal Experience – I have found a lot of items that have multi uses, so listing them would be an entire article in itself. However, here are few suggestions that would help serve a multitude of functions. Rope, for instance is a great multi use prep. It can be used for hanging or securing emergency shelters, used as a laundry line or for hauling. Other multi-function items are a good knife, multi tool, and emergency foods, such as salt, baking soda, and vinegar.


Buy foods you and your family normally eat.
This is one of the biggest mistakes that preppers make. You want to use the food that you store. To get the most out of your food investment, develop good storage habits. Further, it’s a good rule of thumb to purchase foods and items that will be used within their allotted time span, so check the expiration date!

Personal Experience – I came across some cans of seafood medley at my local grocery store and thought how great it would be to use it in an emergency situation. I was so excited about this canned seafood because it was high in protein and vitamins, so I ended up buying 4 cans of this stuff. Needless to say that after opening 1 of the cans up for a dinner… my family (and myself included) pushed our plates aside and decided to eat cereal instead. Needless to say, the seafood medley was horrible. I donated the remaining cans of the seafood medley to a food bank.



Eat what you store.
In an article I wrote about storing food, I stated, “Storing food is a continual process of using, rotating and reloading. If a short term food supply is bought, the food must be used and more food purchased to resupply the storage shelf. Thinking of the food supply as a small store where the foods in the front has the shortest expiration date and the ones in the back have the longest. The food storage area should be checked every six months to make sure that appropriate food items are rotated. ”

Personal Experience – I can’t tell you how many items I have had to throw away unopened food because I didn’t use it within it’s expiration date. Using and rotating your food supply takes some getting used to. Many think that the stored food is for emergencies only. And it is, but it should also be there for you when you need it. It’s your own personal convenience store. When you use an item, buy a new one at the store and replace it on your shelf.


Have back ups for your back ups.
This is a golden rule for preppers. You never know when one of your preps will break or jam up on you. Having extra items gives you peace of mind because you are not solely dependent on one item for survival.

Personal Experience – When we were researching water filtration systems, we ended up buying a katadyn water filter (A solid investment in my opinion). However, we began thinking about the use and effectiveness of the filter after multiple uses. We decided that solely depending on one item to give up potable water was not wise. We not only bought extra filters for our katadyn, but also invested in micro-pur tablets (chlorine dioxide tablets), and chlorine granules to make sure that all areas were covered.


Get your friends and family on board.
In an emergency situation, you will need help from others. It would be unrealistic to think differently. Talking with friends and family about being prepared is a great way to awaken the need for their personal preparedness efforts and help you find more “like minded” individuals. Help guide them and give them advise on how to begin.

Personal Experience – We all have stories of people thinking we are “cooky” because we prepare for short or long term emergencies, and I am no different. I have learned to take other’s opinion in stride, but I have talked with some family and friends who see the need to prepare and have started doing so. My largest accomplishment thus far has been helping my sister become more prepared. I have peace of mind knowing most of my immediate family is prepared – at least for a short term emergency.

There will be some friends and family members who are not going to be on board no matter how much you try and talk to them. There will be some who will be on board and will listen to what you have to say. Hopefully, after you share your experiences and first time mistakes, they will listen and learn from you.


What are some prepping mistakes you have made?







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I will make 10% off of any sale made thru my website


So click the link or see the widget in the sidebar.


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Expired Condiments


Special Report - Expired Condiments
courtesy of savingdinner.com

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Dear Friends,

Ladies, are you suffering from OCS? Old Condiment Syndrome? You know what I'm talking about. Crusty ketchup bottles, icky, old Ranch dressing and ancient mustard?

We all have as many condiments as we do cleaning supplies. Well, I know what you have in your refrigerator doors. Fossilized condiments! And more than a busy hotdog stand in New York City needs, too!

Did you know the refrigerated shelf life for mayonnaise is two months? It is! So guess what? Today is the day you get to toss that stuff and get a new one. Listen, if you don't use it often enough, buy a smaller jar. Even though it costs more money, it really is the cheaper way to go. You don't need nasty old mayo in your fridge!

Here are some more items you probably have languishing in the doors of your fridge or way in the back:

1-Mustard. Not just the yellow kind, but Dijon, honey mustard, brown mustard and that teeny, tiny jar of gourmet mustard from the gift basket you received over the holidays with the funky taste. No one likes it, but instead of throwing it out, you put it in the fridge. Why? Toss it! Shelf life: 6-8 months in the fridge; 2 years unopened in a pantry.

2-Jams and Jellies. The other day, I pulled out a raspberry jam that had a "best used by" date of 4/5/09. YIKES! I bet you have some of those too! Time to chuck them as well! Shelf life: 1 year in the fridge; 1 year unopened in the pantry.

3-Salad Dressings. A lot of commercial salad dressings have enough preservatives in them to embalm you. However, nothing lasts forever. If they've been opened for more than 3 months in the fridge, they've gotta go too. Unopened, they'll last a year in your pantry.

4-Pickles. I think I've had the same jar of pickles in my fridge since I've had the raspberry jam. The issue for pickles is they don't last as long as jam in the fridge! Only 1-2 months opened and in the fridge. For the pantry shelf? One year unopened. Time to boogie your pickles!

5-Ketchup. I don't even want to know how old my ketchup is. Let's just say probably from the same era as the pickles and the raspberry jam. Truth is, it's only good for about 2 months in the fridge. Unopened and on the pantry shelf, it can last a year before it needs tossing.

6-Salsa and Hot Sauce. Guess what? Once your hot sauce or salsa is opened, it's good for just a month in the fridge! Don't wait for it to mold; throw it OUT! Unopened, it's good for a year on your pantry shelf.


7-Olives. Oh yes, I confess. My olives are refrigerator pals with the jam, ketchup and pickles! Out they go today...they only last a month opened in the fridge. They'll last a year unopened in your pantry though!


Well, that's quite a condemning list, isn't it? The question is how to know how old everything is? One rule of thumb if there is no date on the jar or package and if you don't remember when you opened it, it's probably a good idea to toss it.

How can you avoid Old Condiment Syndrome? By marking your condiments on the label with a Sharpie (it will hold up to the refrigeration without smudging or smearing) with the date so you know. You might want to keep this list handy too in your Control Journal so you know how long to keep these items.

Last thoughts on this and then you can go cure the OCS in your fridge: unless you have a huge family or you're an overly zealous condiment using family, it's probably best to stick with supermarket sized condiments as opposed to the jumbo sized stuff that they sell in those warehouse stores. Bigger isn't always better.

What I am Reading: The Dirty Parts of the Bible

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easy Easter Dinner

I got this recipe from a friend of mine. This would be a cheap, easy Easter Dinner using your food storage items.

This recipe does not have a name yet. If you have a suggestion. Let me know!




4 Ham Steaks
1 can Pineapple chucks or tidbits
2 packages Stuffing Mix

Drain Pineapple, reserve fluid

Make Stuffing per package directions replacing some of the water with the fluid from pineapple.

After resting the prepared stuffing for a few minutes, place half in baking dish.

Place Ham Steaks on top of Stuffing. Cover with remaining Stuffing

Bake in 350 degree Oven for 30 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

It doesn't look like much but it is really good.

The pineapple adds some unique flavor to the stuffing and the Ham Steaks stay nice and moist



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This post is linked in at the Homestead Revival Barn Hop

Food Cost to Rise

The most recent commodity reports show rising prices on flour, sugar, eggs and shortening due to steady demand and tight supplies. If you are low on these food storage staples, buy what you can afford. Sugar has risen from $48.60 / cwt in April 2010 to $61.00/ cwt in April 2011. It may take some time for prices to stabilize, so if you can find any decent sales on these items, replenish (or build) your supply.



Too much rain in the corn areas has delayed planting, so only a record corn crop will keep the supply from being depleted next year. Watch for case-lot sales on canned and frozen corn if your family enjoys this vegetable. I also store freeze-dried corn, which is compact and light-weight, retains the most nutrition, and rehydrates with sweet flavor.


With steadily increasing fuel prices, we are starting to see people cut back on their miles driven and some companies are charging higher delivery fees. It’s a good time to inventory your food storage supplies, see where items may be lacking and search for the best prices to replenish your supply. Consider whether your inventory has all of the ingredients for meals your family enjoys. Higher fuel costs will lead to rising food prices in general.


Be prepared, not scared!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Daily Word



Direction

Wherever I choose to go, the spirit of God guides me safely home.


Traveling into unfamiliar territory, I look for landmarks to help me find my way back. I may take note of a school, a farmhouse or a lake to mark my path. On my return, seeing those landmarks brings me comfort and peace. I am assured that I will find my way home again.


Similarly, when I am in an unfamiliar situation--perhaps facing a new challenge or opportunity in a job or relationship--I look for spiritual landmarks. These come my way as a sense of serendipity or a familiar feeling of confidence, clarity or peace.


The spirit of God provides my route and guides my course of action. Wherever I go, I am confident that God will guide me home.

http://www.dailyword.com/







Homestead Revival: Give Away: Homemade Living - The Series!

Homestead Revival: Give Away: Homemade Living - The Series!:

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

What I am Reading- The Bucolic Plague

Love the show and so far.... I am loving the book!

An Easy Week for Homesteading

This week I did some shopping!

A Mason Bee House

Extenders for our Tomato Ladders



Freeze dried fruit to use in my homemade yogurt
*can't wait to try the Mango's


And finally.......


My Ohio native plants from Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

This year I got:
Butterfly Milkweed
Purple Coneflower
Yellow or Grey Headed Coneflower
Wild Bergamont
Showy Black Eyed Susan's


See what others are up to and the Homestead Revival Barn Hop.

Preparedness Challenge at Homestead Revival- 72 Hour Kits

I recently found a great blog, Homestead Revival. Each week she posts a Preparedness Challenge. It helps her and us get motivated to prepare. So when you have some time go check it out.

This week's Challenge is making 72 Hour Kits.

So here is my post on Evacuation Lists.

Our lists are kept in the hall closet on the main level of the house. There are two, one for me and one for Matt. If a emergency comes up and we have to evacuate, we each grab a list and get packing.




We have divided the list into sections depending on the emergency and the expected time that we may be away from the house.

The sections are:
*Get out in 5 minutes or less

*Get out in 10 minutes or less

*Get out in 30 minutes or less

*Get out in 24 hours or less

*And a we are leaving and never coming back list

We made our lists in 2009. The challenge has been to keep the lists updated when we get new items and / or move items.

Making the lists and pre packing items take a little time but it is well worth it if you ever have to use them.

Difference between Sell-By, Use-By and Expiration Dates

**This is essential information to know for your Emergency Food Storage

Decoding food expiration dates


Dietitian discusses difference between Sell-By, Use-By and Expiration Dates; Also, foods you can keep longer than label says

It's a question millions of us try to answer every day: How long is food safe to eat after its sell-by date has passed?

On "The Early Show on Saturday Morning," dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of "The F-Factor Diet," shared some advice for this dietary dilemma and what the dates stamped on food products really mean.

Zuckerbrot explained the three most common dates are Sell-By Date, Use-By Date, and Expiration Date. But what do they mean?

Sell-By Date: Refers to the last day a retailer can display a product for sale; typically a food is safe to eat for 10 days after the Sell-by Date if refrigerated properly.

Use-By Date: Refers to the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture. Beyond this date, the product begins to deteriorate although it is still edible.

Expiration Date: Means what it says - if you haven't used a product by this date, toss it.

Zuckerbrot pointed out a surprising fact: with the exception of baby food and infant formula, dating is not required by U.S. federal law.

So how do you know what is good and what is not safe to eat?

Zuckerbrot shared how these food products are labeled and how long it's safe to eat them:

Poultry and Meat

Meat and poultry typically have a Sell-By date. You should use or freeze your chicken within one to two days of purchasing and meat within three to five days of purchasing. Freezing your poultry and meat can make these proteins last anywhere from nine to 12 months. When freezing, it is important to make sure your poultry and meat is tightly wrapped in order to prevent it from freezer burn. Freezer burn does not make food dangerous to eat, but does damage the texture and taste.

Dairy and Eggs

Dairy and eggs typically have a Sell-By Date

Proper refrigeration (40° F or below) is vital to ensure the best possible shelf life of your dairy.

According to the Dairy Council of California, the shelf life of milk is affected by several factors, including how it is handled before and after it is purchased. When stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and not left out of the refrigerator for extended time periods, milk should last approximately five to seven days past the "sell by" date."

The type of cheese contributes to its shelf life. Soft cheese (cream cheese) will last up to two weeks, whereas a medium or hard cheese (cheddar) can last three to six months.

The Egg Safety Center reports that the dates on egg cartons are not food expiration dates, but guidelines. Raw eggs can stay good for approximately three to five weeks after the date of purchase as long as they are not cracked or damaged.

Baked Goods and Snack Foods

Baked goods and snacks typically have a Use-By Date.

Store-bought bread will typically last five to seven days at room temperature, but can last one to two weeks in the refrigerator. Fresh-baked bread do not contain preservatives, so they typically won't keep as long as commercially packaged breads.

If the date on your bread or snacks has expired, it does not mean they have not gone bad. In fact, once something something goes stale it means that it has been depleted of moisture, which makes it less likely to grow mold. Try storing it in a plastic bag for extended shelf life.

Snack foods contain preservatives in order to maintain shelf life.

Different types of snacks have varying expiration dates: Potato chips will last one month after expiration date. Crackers and pretzels can last up to three months. One of the longest lasting snacks is popcorn, which has a shelf life of one to two years.

There is a myth that Twinkies can last upward of 50 years. However, this is urban legend. Twinkies can last for a lengthy 25 days without packaging, because dairy products are not a part of the recipe. After 25 days, a Twinkie does not spoil, but loses some of its taste and flavor.

Canned goods typically have an Expiration Date.

Low-acid canned foods such as vegetables like peas or carrots can last anywhere from two to five years. High acid canned foods such as citrus fruits, pickles, or tomatoes can last 12 to 18 months.

Make sure to store your cans in the dark, because light can accelerate natural chemical reactions.

If your can is bulging or has a dent, throw it out, as this may be a sign of food-borne illness.

Beverages

Beverages typically have Use-By dates.

Many water bottles have a two-year Use-By date printed on them. However, as long as the bottle stays unopened it is safe to drink. Bottled water does not contain nutrients, so the pathogens that cause food-borne illness can't grow. Once a bottle of water has been opened it should not be kept for more than two weeks.

Soda has a storage time of three months, after that the color and flavor might change but the beverage will be safe for consumption.

So how can I tell if a food item has spoiled if no date is posted?

Trust your nose and eyes. If it looks or smells funny, throw it out. If you see mold, it's too old. Many people cut off the moldy piece of fruit or bread and believe it is then safe to eat. However, molds are filamentous (threadlike) and when a food shows mold growth on the surface it means that the root like threads have invaded the entire food. Mold can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and the mycotoxins they produce can make you sick.

Courtesy of CBS News

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Ready Store

 I am an affiliate for The Ready Store 

 I will make 10% off of any sale made thru my website

So click the link or see the widget in the sidebar.

Thank you for your support

Monday, April 11, 2011

Working on the Backyard

Yesterday was 84 degrees here in Ohio. Unseasonably warm to say the least. We took advantage of the beautiful day and started working on the backyard.

We went to Home Depot, which was packed by the way. I think everyone had the same idea we had.
We got lots of lumber, some garden soil, manure and other miscellaneous items.
By the time we were done, the Truck was squatting really low in the back!! We got it home and and starting working!

I added 4 big bags of garden soil to this bed.
I used my version of the "lasagna method" in building this bed.
I will pick up some native Ohio plants on Friday from
Each year they have a Native Plant Sale to raise funds.






This is the Blackberry Bed.
I added 2 big bags of garden soil here.
I am planning on putting some plants behind
 the Blackberry to pretty it up a bit.



Next we did the second raised bed.
Matt did a great job constructing it and putting it place.
We have to get some topsoil and amendments
in here and it will be all ready to go!

I planted some carrots, spinach and lettuce seeds
in the first raised bed too!

Next was Matt's pet project.
The Grape Arbor.
It is a 2x6 ft bed with uprights and lattice
for the grapes to grow on.
(He didn't get enough wood for the top.
He will head back to Home Depot today.
Because no home improvement project is complete
without multiple trips to Home Depot!)


And finally, I put my clothes line out.
We got alot done yesterday.....Go Barber Bunch!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

I want Chickens!

I would love to have some backyard Chickens. I would love tending them and collecting eggs. It would be so wonderful to see them roaming around the yard and hearing them make their chicken noises.

So until we can get the Chickens I will keep shopping for the cutest Chicken Coop and Chicken Tractors to house them in.

Here are some of my favorites:




Which is your favorite?




I spend alot of time looking at coops. I wonder if I want the coop more than the chickens...... Or want the Chickens because I can get a coop??

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Homestead Revival: Give Away: Water Barrel and Pump

Visit my friend at Homestead Revival for a chance to win a 5 gallon water barrel.
 Homestead Revival: Give Away: Water Barrel and Pump: "5 Gallon Water Drum The give-away this week is sponsored by my favorite preparedness vendor, USA Emergency Supply.

Getting old sucks!

My cholesterol is sky high and I might be diabetic.
I start major diet changes and testing my blood sugars today.

Getting old sucks!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New Additions to our Backyard Garden

We are adding some things to our back yard garden this year. We got a ways to go to complete the projects but you gotta start somewhere!

1. In the upper left hand corner is the start of a bed that will eventually go clear across the back fence. This bed will be full of native Ohio plants and herbs.

2.See the cardboard by the fence? That is we are growing cucumbers this year. Plans are to throw down some dirt and compost. Put in a trellis and train the cucumber to grow up the trellis. We are trying White Cucumbers this year. They are supposed to have a crisp texture that is good for eating and pickling.
If this experiment goes well, we might add similar beds to grow squash, pumpkins and melons

3. The cardboard in the front of the picture marks where the new 4x8 raised bed is going.


4. Lastly, My Husband wants to grow grapes. He has fond memories of eating grapes under his Grandpas arbor and wants to try his hand at growing grapes himself. Neither one of know that much about growing grapes but we are on a crash course to learn.
In between this window will be a raised bed with an arbor for the white Niagara Grapes to grow on. We may not get to this project this year but it is on the to do list.

Monday, April 4, 2011

What's for Dinner- Easy Pesto Chicken

Easy Pesto Chicken

*I made up this recipe! It is great to rotate food storage items and could also be made with all fresh ingredients. This is a fast recipe. It would go great with a salad with fixin's straight from the garden.


1 package of Pasta- many different kinds would work in the recipe. Just pick your favorite.
Pesto - prepared or freshly made
Sliced Olives
Diced Tomatoes- canned or fresh
Chicken- canned or fresh

*Ratios are up to you. Hubs like more olives than tomatoes and alot of chicken.



Prepare Pasta per package directions.

Add Olives, Tomatoes and Chicken. Let  it heat thru for a couple minutes

Add Pesto. (Again ratio's are up to you here).

Let it heat thru for a couple minutes.

Serve and enjoy





Sunday, April 3, 2011

April Giveaway - Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide

Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Back to Basics Guides)   April Giveaway      Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Back to Basics Guides)

One copy of:
Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Back to Basics Guides)


Who doesn’t want to shrink their carbon footprint, save money, and eat homegrown food whenever possible? Even readers who are very much on the grid will embrace this large, fully-illustrated guide on the basics of living the good, clean life. It’s written with country lovers in mind—even those who currently live in the city.


Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or even the wilderness, there is plenty you can do to improve your life from a green perspective. Got sunlight? Start container gardening. With a few plants, fresh tomatoes, which then become canned tomato sauce, are a real option. Reduce electricity use by eating dinner by candlelight (using homemade candles, of course). Learn to use rainwater to augment water supplies. Make your own soap and hand lotion. Consider keeping chickens for the eggs. From what to eat to supporting sustainable restaurants to avoiding dry cleaning, this book offers information on anything a homesteader needs—and more. 1000 color illustrations.

A great book for beginner homesteaders!


To Enter:
Leave me a commnet and tell me how you homestead or how you plan to start.
For bonus entry: Follow me with Google Friend Connect. Leave a comment so I know you are following.
For another entry: Tweet, Facebook or Blog about the Giveaway. Please leave link per comment so I can verify.

*Make sure I am able to reach you via e-mail, either by your Profile or leaving your e-mail address in the comment.


The Rules:
*Entries will be accepted from April 3  thru April 29 2011
*Winner will be announced on April 30

What I am Reading- Family Preparedness Handbook

** I have been reading this book for a couple weeks now. In my opinion this is a must have for every homesteading, back to basics living library. I think it would be great for beginners and even more advanced homesteaders would find something of interest too. There are all kinds of recipes, instructions and checklists.

I can see why it has sold some many copies. get yours today!! Click the pic!



Making the Best of Basics Family Preparedness Handbook


Family Preparedness Handbook By James Talmage Stevens

If you were temporarily out of work, how long could you sustain yourself and your family in a near-normal manner?

To what natural, man-caused, or personal disasters are you vulnerable?

If the transportation system were disrupted, how long could you and your family live on the food in your home?

Do you know what to store, how much you need, or where to get it?

In today's world you can't afford to be unprepared.

If you want the security of being able to live from your own personal resources for up to a year regardless of external conditions, Making the Best of Basics will show you how.

With over 365,000 copies sold, Making the Best of Basics has long been a standard on in-home food storage and family preparedness. The 10th edition of Basics has been expanded, revised, and updated. More than 100 additional pages of charts, tables, and recipes have been added. The Resource Directory is more than 60 pages, and comprises over 2,500 private industry preparedness providers, as well as government resources. The Family Preparedness Handbook is the most comprehensive single volume ever compiled on in-home storage.

The Family Preparedness Handbook gives you:

• A plan for acquiring and maintaining your in-home food storage

• Charts defining what foods and nonfoods to buy for your in-home storage

• A Family Factor to determine quantities of foods and other items for your family

• Resource Directories listing of 2500+ suppliers of food storage and preparedness items

Peace of mind follows preparation. Let the Family Preparedness Handbook do for you what it has already done for more than a generation––make preparation both possible and manageable––and give your family a measure of security in an uncertain world.



Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: What is Family Preparedness?

Chapter 2: Basic In-Home Storage

Chapter 3: In-Home Storage Problems and Solutions

Chapter 4: Water--the Absolute Basic

Chapter 5: Wheat--the Basic Grain

Chapter 6: Basic Whole-Wheat Bulgur Cookery

Chapter 7: Basic Whole-Wheat Flour Cookery

Chapter 8: Basic "WheatMeat" Cookery

Chapter 9: Basic Sourdough Cookery

Chapter 10: Basic White Flour Cookery

Chapter 11: Basic Triticale Cookery

Chapter 12: Basic Dairy Products from Powdered Milk

Chapter 13: Basic Honey Use

Chapter 14: Basic Self-Health with Supplementation

Chapter 15: Basic Sprouting and Kitchen Gardening

Chapter 16: Basic In-Home Drying of Fruits and Vegetables

Chapter 17: Energy and Fuels Storage

Appendices
Appendix I––Websites of Selected Preparedness Suppliers
Appendix II––FEMA National Emergency Management System
Quick-Guide II-1––Summary of National Disasters Publications
Supplement––Compendium of Preparedness Resources
Selected listing of more than 2,500 vendors and suppliers of preparedness products and services in the US and Canada