Tips for freezing food

As you know, if you've read the story of how I got involved with Shelf Reliance,  I first started building my home store (my food storage) through couponing.  I also stocked up on meats, produce and dairy when they went on sale for a great price and froze them.  At one point, I had about a 6-9 month supply of these foods in my freezer.  This worked well until my husband lost his job and we had to move: we lost all that food in our freezer.  As a result, I started stocking up on Thrive freeze dried foods instead b/c they taste and can be used just like the foods I used to stock in my freezer, but they have a 25 year shelf life!  My goal is to have a 12 month supply of meat, cheese, and produce.

Photo Credit: Simple Organized Living

However, most of those particular freeze dried foods are much more expensive through Thrive than they are at the grocery store.  I use my Thrive supply on busy nights to be sure I rotate through it, but I don't use it every night.  I still find value in storing a 1-2 month supply of meat, produce and cheese in my actual freezer.  (and I'm looking into getting a solar generator, especially after our blackout).

I learned a lot about storing foods in the freezer: far more things can be frozen than you might think.
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Survival Kit Series: Week One

If you are just joining us, you can read more about this series here:

Survival Kit Ideas: A week by week approach

Now onto this week's topic:

Part I: Rotation.  
If you already have a survival kit, bug out bag, or 72 hr kit, open it up and rotate things that need rotation.  Some things you may want to consider:

• Clothing (especially for children and make sure it works for the coming seasons)
• Food
• Medicine
• Water
• Diapers (if applicable)
• Wipes (they tend to dry out)
• Batteries
• List of important phone numbers (update any that have changed)

I also suggest reviewing a basic first aid guide (should be part of your kit): things like CPR, the Heimlich etc.

Part II: How to package your kit
If you are just starting or will be seriously re-vamping your kit, decide how you want to package it.  It needs to be something you can carry relatively easily.  It needs to be durable.  It should be as lightweight as possible.  Make sure you make your decision and have it ready to go by next week so you can start filling it up!

Here are a few ideas I've seen (and my opinions on them). 
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Survival Kit Ideas: A week by week approach

Do you need survival kit ideas?
I have had many people asking me for survival kit ideas, a bug out bag list, or 72 hr kit suggestions. I've spent some time trying to decide the best way to address these questions. Not only should you be able to survive in your own home for 72 hours, you should be able to survive on the go for 72 hrs in case of an evacuation or the destruction of your home. Building a survival kit that will allow you to live completely on your own for 3 full days is no simple task and can be quite overwhelming.  The organization, planning and prep can seem daunting and so can the cost.

Looking for an easier way?
So after that rather depressing into, here is the good news: I am going to make it easier for you!  I am so excited about this new series!  I've broken down a portable 72 kit list into weeks that add up to 6 months.  So each week, you will only have to purchase, organize (or re-organize if you already have a kit) 1/25th of your kit.  Sound more do-able?  And if you are looking to make it fun, skip to the end of this post to read about the things I'll be giving away!

Each Wednesday will have an overall topic / theme such as "clothing," "sanitation," or "bandages" etc.  I will give suggestions of things you may want to consider including in that category, but you will need to determine what is right for your family.
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I'm coming back, I promise.....

I am much further behind than I thought I would be after my trip (business trip) to Hawaii last week.  My mom did a fabulous job caring for my kids and home while I was gone, so luckily I haven't had much to catch up on there: she did my laundry, cleaned my house and even made me some freezer meals.  I've just had a lot of customer needs / concerns / questions to catch up on, many of which have been quite time consuming.  I've been playing catchup all day yesterday and today.  I think I will be able to start my posting again tomorrow evening and I have something really fun planned: a weekly step by step guide to building your 72 hr kit.  Look for it tomorrow night and my regular posts starting again on Thursday.  Thanks for your patience!

Misty

You Say Tomato Powder - I say Tomato Caviar: A Guest Post

Today's post is by Francesca Hutchinson from Thrive Sisters.  Francesca is an incredible member of my Shelf Reliance consultant team. She actually ended up on my team quite by accident, and I couldn't be happier.  We have become great friends and enjoy supporting and helping each other in our businesses.  She has many skills and talents that I lack.  One is her ability to create incredibly gourmet and delicious appetizers and meals with Thrive food.  The first time I met Francesca, I tried her Ham and Corn Chowder and Crock pot Brownies (all made with Thrive) and knew I was lucky to work with this incredible lady.  Apart from her Shelf Reliance business, she also works full time and cares for her family.  I don't know how she finds the time to do all she does and do it so very well. 

I asked her to create a fun, "gourmet" recipe using Thrive and she did not disappoint.  Read on to learn to make Caviar from food storage!  Then, check out her blog for even more gourmet food storage recipes!
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Guest Post: Tips for Preparedness in Apartements

Today's post is from Bernie from The Apartment Prepper's Blog.   I love the focus of her blog.  While there are many preparedness sites / forums / blogs,  most of them are "geared toward people who own their homes or have a retreat!"  (Bernies' words, not mine).  I guess that is understandable when you consider storing a year's worth (or more) of food and supplies.  However, that obviously isn't a reality for many.  I think she had a fabulous idea to start a blog that focuses on helping those living in smaller spaces prepare.

I asked her to share just 5 of her top tips for those living in small space that may be struggling with Preparedness b/ co f their space limitations.  I have quite a few questions / requests for this type of post.  There is no way for Bernie to cover everything here, so if you struggle with this, I suggest checking out the wealth if information she has on her site!
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5 Food Storage Essentials you might have forgotten: A Guest Post

Today's post is by my friend Heather from Cooking with my food storage.  She is also a consultant with Shelf Reliance.  She is not on my team, but I have an enormous amount of respect for her and I sure wish she was!  I have found her to be an incredibly ethical, kind blogger with a sincere desire to help others succeed both in their Shelf Reliance businesses and in their food storage goals.  She has become a friend and I greatly value her opinion and ideas.  I hope to actually meet her in person someday soon.  Be sure to stop by her blog to read more of her great ideas and tips!

I asked her to give you a list of 5 items she can't do without in her food storage: items that maybe aren't typically thought of as food storage, but that she can't do without nonetheless.  She came up with a great list!  Here are her thoughts:
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Top Food Storage Tips: Food Storage will allow you to give.

I was once a food storage newbie, and I still learn new stuff about food storage all the time.  I'd like to share with you 5 food storage tips that I wish I could go back and give myself about 8 years ago when I was first considering looking into food storage.

Image created by Nannette Dalton

This idea actually isn't my own.  I was just featured on my friend Heather's blog: Cooking with My Food Storage.  She asked me to list my 5 top food storage tips and to focus on those things I wish I'd know when I started my food storage.  I've simply decided to turn that list into a series and give the same tips here on my own site in a bit more detail. Today is food storage tip #2.  
You can read food storage tip #1 if you'd like.

Tip #2 is:  
 
Food Storage Tip #2: Food Storage will allow you to give

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flavor your lemonade

One of my very favorite treats when eating out is flavored lemonade.  I always ask if they carry it and which flavors.  Last week was unseasonably hot here in Southern California and I found myself craving lemonade.  I made my own using some lemons we have in our backyard and some sugar.  Then, I started to think....could I flavor these?

Photo Credit: TalkingTourism

I tried adding a couple teaspoons of Thrive freeze dried fruit (crushed to a powder) to my glass of lemonade and it worked wonderfully well!  Yay!  Homemade flavored lemonade that tastes just like one of my favorite treats! 

And I'm not just talking about plain old strawberry lemonade!  Think of the possibilities: raspberry peach or strawberry mango, or peach strawberry, maybe blackberry, blueberry! 

What a perfect way to avoid wasting any of your Thrive fruit.  Save all that powder at the bottom of the cans!  

Frosting from your food storage

I like buttercream frosting, but it is difficult to make when you don't have butter!  And butter is a difficult thing to store for very long.

In fact, all oils / fats are difficult to store for long periods of time.  They go rancid very quickly when exposed to light or heat.  I've struggled with this in my food storage.  I want to store a year's supply of oil / fat, but I can't get through it before it goes bad.  I was thrilled to learn about powdered butter and shortening.  They have not replaced all the oils / fats that I store (I still store some for grilling, stir frying etc), but I do use them in baking and this recipe frosting recipe is one example.  

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup butter powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup instant milk
• 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed depending on how stiff you need the frosting to be)

You can also add 2-3 Tablespoons of cocoa (like I did in the picture) for a chocolate buttercream frosting.


Mix all ingredients until smooth!



I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.  
 

Food Storage Product Highlight: Quinoa

It is as easy to cook as rice, but contains a whole lot more nutritional punch.  Read on to see just why you should not only add Quinoa to your food storage, but to your everyday diet!

Photo Credit: Nerissa Ring

I just started using Quinoa regularly about 1 year ago.  In fact, I hadn't even heard of it before then.  But it has become quite the staple in our home.  I use it at least weekly.  We love it: even my kids.  I was thrilled when Shelf Reliance announced that they had added it to their line of products.

I'm going to use my love of Quinoa to start another great series on this blog: Food Storage Product Highlights. 
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Top Food Storage Tips: Food Storage isn't just for natural disasters

I was once a food storage newbie, and I still learn new stuff about food storage all the time.  I'd like to share with you 5 food storage tips that I wish I could go back and give myself about 8 years ago when I was first considering looking into food storage.

Image created by Nannette Dalton

This idea actually isn't my own.  I will soon be featured on my friend Heather's blog: Cooking with My Food Storage.  She asked me to list my 5 top food storage tips and to focus on those things I wish I'd know when I started my food storage.  I've simply decided to turn that list into a series and give the same tips here on my own site in a bit more detail.  I will be posting one a week for the next five weeks.


Today's food storage tip is:  

Food Storage Tip #1: Food Storage isn't just for natural disasters

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Arroz con Pollo

Just in case...that is Spanish for chicken and rice. This is a meal that I got the recipe to years ago from a book my mom has: Dream Dinners. 

The book is based on a fabulous idea: freezer meals. It provides recipes for over 100 assemble and freeze meals that save time (and money) in meal planning and cooking.  I decided to take this one step further and make this meal with my ready to go Thrive ingredients.  I actually made three at one time: one for dinner that night, one for our freezer, and one for a neighbor.  The prep was so easy and like most recipes from that book, the dish was tasty as well.

Oh, and no picture.  Sorry.  Seems to be my biggest weakness on this blog!  Anyone want to apply to be my photographer?
This time, I took the picture, but it seems to have mysteriously disappeared by way of a sweet little two year old girl....
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Real Life

Photo Credit: Orange Steeler

So, as most of you likely know from my Mom's post yesterday (thank you mom!), we experienced a wide spread power outage here.  This severe blackout that left some 5 million people without electricity for 5-24 hours from Mexico to southern Orange County.  Businesses closed; commuters jammed roadways; people packed hospitals; and sewage pumps failed, contaminating a lagoon and a river that feeds into San Diego Bay.  All public elementary, middle and high schools closed for the day today (Friday).  The outage was due to the failure of a high-voltage power line between Arizona and Southern California.  The estimated the economic impact of the power outage is between $97 million and $118 million!

So, this was no small thing!  It was an interesting experience.  I learned a bit and hope I'm better prepared for other more serious situations in the future. 

Our Story:
It was unusually hot here when the power went out at 3:30 pm and all our  fans stopped working.  That made me grumpy.  It made the kids grumpy.  Our house got awful hot and muggy.  So, we played outside for a bit while we waited for Daddy to get home.  He had said he'd be home early (at 4:00) b/c he was sick.  He left work at 3:45 and didn't get home until 5:00.  His commute typically takes him about 12 minutes.  The streets were packed.  Imagine how much worse it would have been had the power outage be due to a natural disaster.  I thought about how I'd put off filling up the van again and again this week (we usually keep both our cars at least 1/2 full).  It was on empty.  I was glad this was nothing serious and we didn't have to evacuate.

I thought about going out to eat (before I knew the extent of the outage and resulting traffic) because I really didn't want to break out the camp stove and grill something up in the hot weather.  Then I thought about how one thing we are short on in our emergency supplies is fuel.  We have lots of food and water, but not much fuel.  Probably not more than enough for a few days.

We ate peanut butter sandwiches, crackers and THRIVE fruit b/c I didn't want to open the fridge and risk losing any cool air.  We have hundreds of dollars of food in our fridge / 2 freezers and I worried about it going bad.  I wished I'd invested in a solar generator or two to keep them going. I'd get two: one to run my appliances, charge phones etc while the other one charged using it's solar panels.  Then, we'd switch.

I also tried to limit my phone usage because my battery was low and I didn't want it to run out before the power came back.  Again, wishing for a solar generator.  I'll get a small one just to charge my portable devices.

It got dark.  We pulled out a bunch of our flashlights.  We have 20+.  Battery powered, crank, and shakeable.  The boys had fun with them.  I wished we had more candles b/c it is hard to light a whole room properly when you lay a flashlight on its side. We listened to our radio.

We checked on some neighbors and talked to other neighbors who stopped by to check on us.  We got out some cards and played games and talked in the dark.  It ended up being a fun night.  Being (mostly) prepared allowed us to relax and enjoy the break in our routine.  However, it was a good exercise that made me think through what might be some holes in our preparedness.  I will soon be purchasing:

• Additional Fuel
• A Solar Generator or two
• A small solar portable device charger
• Additional Candles
• Oh, and I will be much more diligent about keeping our van 1/2 full!

How about you: were you affected by the outage at all?  How did you handle it?  Anything you will be changing about your preparedness plan / 72 hr kit?

Shelf Reliance September 2011 Specials

Photo Credit: Wonderlane

These items are priced below the Fall pricing for just the month of September.   These prices will likely go back up to the regular Fall pricing at the beginning of October 2011.  You can get these prices directly online (without calling me) by shopping through my Shelf Reliance Consultant Website.

 

Thrive #10 cans

You can save an additional 5% off these prices by purchasing items in a 6 pk

 

Freeze Dried Banana Slices: $26.79
These are my very favorite fruit that we carry.  If you aren't a fan of dehydrated banana chips, you must try these.  They are fabulous right out of the can, or in smoothies or banana bread and muffins.

Chopped Spinach: $16.49
Works wonders in spinach artichoke dip.  I also really like it inside Raviolli (recipes to come soon on the blog)

Small Red Beans: $14.19

Small White Navy Beans: $13.79

Instant Black, Red, or Pinto Beans: $13.09
One of my new favorites!  They are precooked & then freeze dried.  All you have to do is add water &simmer for just 10 min.  They save so much water & fuel when compared to traditional dry beans.  I like beans but my husband doesn't, so I regularly scoop out just 1/4 cup for me &simmer them up: no more wasting an entire can!

Egg Noodle Pasta: $9.09

White Rice: $8.99
I actually recommend purchasing this elsewhere.  It is cheaper and will last forever: No need to have it in a special #10 can.  But just in case you insist, it is on sale.

Shortening Powder: $12.79
Add just a bit more than the recipe calls for when baking (if it calls for 1/.2 cup, add a heaping 1/2 cup.).  Makes great tortillas.

Sour Cream Powder: $24.39
Not my favoritie product as a topping / dip, but it works very well as a replacement in baking.

Orange Yogurt: $40.59
Great strait out of the can or in smoothies!

Want to save more?  Remember, you will save an additional 2%-4% off the prices listed here if you have a Q.  If you'd like, you can create a Q .  Contact me with questions!


I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.  
 

Shelf Reliance Fall 2011 Specials

Had to include this picture b/c I love fall:

It is my very favorite season.  There is just something so relaxing about it to me that reminds me to slow down and take life a bit at a time.

Fall also marks a change in prices for Shelf Reliance products.  Their base price list changes once a quarter.  I have compared last quarter's prices with this quarter's prices. The items listed here are priced for less this quarter than they have been from May - Aug.  They are are deeply discounted items that you should consider buying before the next quarter.  You can get these prices directly online (without calling me) by shopping through my Shelf Reliance Consultant Website.

Thrive #10 cans

You can save an additional 5% off these prices by purchasing items in a 6 pk

FD Blackberries: $35.59

FD Blueberries: $33.99
Great in pancakes, muffins, yogurt or strait out of the can!

FD Sweet Corn: $16.19
This was the first product I tried and I loved it.  My kids call it candy.

FD Green Peas: $19.19

Chicken Noodle Soup: $27.19

THRIVE food pkgs

Mixed Berry 6 pk: $169.99

Fruits and Veggies Deluxe Food Storage Pkg: $911.99

Fruits and Veggies Essentials Food Storage Package: $512.99

Want to save more?  Remember, you will save an additional 2%-4% off the prices listed here if you have a Q.  If you'd like, you can create a Q .  Contact me with questions!


I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.  
 

Your Own Home Store Shelf Reliance Specials: September 2011

These special are valid from September 6th - September 30th, 2011.

You cannot purchase the following specials directly on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.  They are only available to readers of Your Own Home Store and / or those who subscribe to my email list (that's you!).  You must contact me directly to get these specials.  My email is: misty@yourownhomestore.com.  My phone # is 760-637-7296 and I am typically available:

• M-F from 9:15 am - 10:30 am, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm or 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm PST
• Saturday: 7 am- 10:30 pm PST 

Click on any link to see more details about that special:

$50+ in free product!
Make any $500+ purchase and receive 10% back in free product (at retail price).
*You must call me before you make the purchase.

Freeze Dried Cheese Six Pack: $185
($270.84 retail price when bought separately)
177 Servings in Six #10 Cans

Ultimate Fruit Pack: $473.28
($746.70 retail price when bought separately)
1384 Servings in Thirty #10 Cans

Ultimate Meat and Protein Pkg: $615.04
($854 retail price when bought separately)
1377 Servings in Thirty #10 Cans

4 person 1 week Sanitation Kit: $135.49
This in an awesome pkg.  It comes in a bucket that doubles as a port-a-potty!  Great for sanitation in time of emergency.

Ultimate Survival Pack
Meet the survival needs to 2 people for up to 2 weeks.

1 year 1 person Thrive Food Package: $1249.76, $945.84  $756.19
This sale starts Monday, September 12th, but you can pre-order now by contacting me.  This is a great basic starter pack that would quickly allow you to store enough calories for one person for one year.  It is 40% off through October 7th.

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.  

Top 5 Food Storage Recipes

Here are my picks for the top 5 food storage recipes this week from blogger land (in no particular order):

Photo Credit: Cooking With My Food Storage

Mushroom Barley Rissoto by Cooking With My Food Storage

I've never actually used Barley before, so I loved reading Heather's tips.

Photo Credit: Thrive Sisters

Sausage, Egg and Cheese Brunch Cup by Thrive Sisters

I know Francesca personally (she is on my team) and she is an incredible chef.

Photo Credit: Why Just Eat?

Mexican Pizza by Why Just Eat When You Can Thrive?
AND
Homemade Bagels by Why Just Eat When You Can Thrive?
Lindsey comes up with more recipes each week than I do in a month!

Photo Credit: ThrivingMoms

Thrive Hot Chocolate Cookies from ThrivingMoms
These have 3 different types of chocolate chips in them!  Wow.









I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.  

Thrive Food Giveaway Winners!

Photo Credit: Shorts and Longs

A big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway.  It was so fun to go through and read all your "wish lists!"  I will be sure to blog about how to use items in those lists in the future.  If you are interested in hosting your own Thrive food giveaway on your own blog, please contact me.  I'd be happy to consider supporting you with free product.

I've listed our giveaway winners below.  If you did not win, you still have thru tomorrow morning (9/6/11) at 7:00 am MST to take advantage of the Grand Opening Sale where you can get many Thrive food items up to 25% off and food rotation systems up to 55% off (must add to cart to see discount).  These are the lowest prices I've ever seen on our food rotation systems and many of the Thrive foods.  Enjoy!

A big CONGRATS to our winners!  I used random.org to help me pick comment numbers between 1-225 (#226 was entered after the deadline).  The first number generated was the $100 winner.

$100 in Thrive food winner:
Steph who said she wants to try drink mixes, banana and apple chips, pancake mix, and ice cream sandwiches.

$50 in Thrive food winners:
Seatllesongz who would like to try our new gluten free products.
Sassy who would like to try the Sloppy Joe TVP

I have contacted the winners via email and asked that they get back to me within 48 hours.  If for any reason they do not, I will be choosing a new winner who will also be notified by email.

Thanks again for participating!

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.  
 

Pot Pie: Thrive Food Style

 Thrive food made this a quick, healthy and tasty "home-style" dinner last night that we all enjoyed.  I'd probably like it even more on a cold winter evening, but we don't get too many of those in San Diego County!

Here is what you will NOT have to do in this recipe:

• Chop or grill veggies
• Cook or Shred Chicken

If you can add water, you are good to go!

This is one of the biggest reasons I love Thrive food.  It is so easy to quickly throw together a healthy meal that tastes great. 

Okay, here it is:

• 2 cups Thrive veggies of your choice (I used green beans, peas, carrots, potatoes and a bit of onion)
• 1 cup Thrive freeze dried chicken
• 1 1/2 cups cream of chicken soup (store bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 pre-made, rolled, refrigerated pie crust

Add all vegetables and the chicken to a pot of hot water (enough to more than cover them).  Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350.  Mix cream of chicken soup with thyme.

Drain veggies and chicken and transfer to a lightly oiled pie pan.

Cover with cream soup mixture.  Unroll pie crust and place over mixture.  Slice three slits in the top for steam to escape.

Bake until the crust is browned and the filling is hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes.

ps...yes, I know those are two different pans.  I was making one for a neighbor at the same time.  I had to cut and use two crusts for the top one.

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.