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Friday, August 29, 2014

Make Homemade Salsa


Store bought salsa can never compete with the taste of homemade salsa, and because salsa is so easy to make you can always make a whole lot and store it for later use (or give it to family and friends as gifts).
For the sake of this article to we are going to make enough salsa for 8 pints.

You Will Need:

* Tomatoes (the amount will depend on how much salsa you want to make but 15 pounds will make 8 pints of salsa)
* 500ml Vinegar or lemon juice (you will use vinegar if you are using salsa seasoning mix and lemon juice if you are making your own seasoning)
* Ball salsa mix or your own seasoning
* A big pot to sterilize the jars in
* Canning jars (pint size jars work best for salsa)
* Metal lids with gum binder
* Metal bands or rings to secure the lids
* 2 or 3 large spoons
* A pot for the tomatoes

Step 1
You will need to remove the tomato skins first. A quick and easy way of doing this is to put your tomatoes in a pot and cover them with boiling water for about 1 minute. The skins will slide right off!

Step 2
Cut your peeled tomatoes in half and remove the excess water and seeds by squeezing each halve and scooping out the seeds with your finger.

Step 3
Put the tomatoes in a drainer after you have taken out the seeds allowing them to drain a bit more. Chop the halves into pieces. The pieces should not be too big but you can cut them to the size you prefer your salsa pieces to be.

Step 4
Before boiling your salsa you will need to prepare the glass jars by washing and rinsing them thoroughly.

Step 5
When it comes to the question of using a seasoning mix or your own seasoning it all boils down to personal choice. The salsa mixes work just as well as making your own seasoning. For this recipe we are going to rely on our Ball salsa mix to do the trick. Put the chopped tomatoes into a pot and add the salsa mix and vinegar.

Step 6
Bring all the ingredients to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stirring the mixture occasionally, simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Tip: If you prefer salsa with a bit of a bite add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or chili flakes to the salsa.

Step 7
Using your spoons fill the jars with the salsa to about 3/4 full. Put the lid on and tighten the rings around them.

Step 8
Bring water to a boil in the big pot

Step 9
Put the filled and sealed jars in the pot and keep them covered with water. The water should keep on boiling.

Step 10
After about 5 minutes of boiling carefully lift the jars out of the water and allow them to cool overnight. This entire process will seal your jars and once cooled you will see that the lid has been sucked down. If you are able to pop it up and down it is not sealed.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Food Storage Recipe - Chicken - Tuna Surprise

Another simple recipe that utilizes what should already be in your food storage. Some a little different when you are bored of the same ol thing. Great for a dutch oven.

NEED:

1 can of tuna

1 can of chicken

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

1 can of baby  peas, drained

1 medium bag of crushed potato chips

1 can of french fried onions

Combine all of the ingredients , except the onions, in a casserole.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Place the french fried onions around edge of casserole and serve.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Food Storage Recipe - No-Fail White Bread

You will never fail with this bread recipe. Great for cast iron bread pans in a grill.

NEED:

3 packages of yeast

1/3 cup of lukewarm water

3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 tablespoon of salt

1 quart of scalded milk

1 quart of boiling water

1/2 cup of shortening

about 25 cups of sifted flour

Put the yeast in the warm water and let it "soften".

In another huge mixing bowl combine the sugar, salt, milk, water, and shortening. Let it cool to lukewarm.

Add the yeast and half of the flour. Beat until smooth and then work in enough of the remaining flour to make an easily handled dough.

Knead the dough until smooth.

Cover the dough and let rise until doubled in size.

Punch the dough down and shape into 8 loaves.

Place in the greased pans and let rise until doubled.

Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Food Storage Recipe - Lemonade Cookies

Here is a fun recipe to cook up with the kids! Great to take on a summer picnic.

Lemonade Cookies.

NEED:

1 frozen 6 ounce can of lemonade

1 cup butter

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups sifted flour

Thaw out the lemonade. Cream the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Beat in the eggs. Sift the baking soda and flour together. Add it to the creamed items and add about 1/2 cup of the lemonade. Mix well. Drop the batter about 2 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes. Brush the cookies with the remaining lemonade. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Cool them on a cooling rack.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Contagious Disease Surveillance | Virus Awareness | Flu Map | HealthMap

Contagious Disease Surveillance | Virus Awareness | Flu Map | HealthMap

Finding All Your Guns And Accessories

Finding All Your Guns And Accessories

Keeping a collection of guns at the house is a complicated endeavor. Every gun owner needs to have the right weapons for their needs, the right ammunition, cleaning equipment, tactical gear and storage space. When people are creating a place to store their guns, they need to think about what they need to keep their guns in the best condition possible.

The Ammunition

Everyone who hunts, carries a sidearm or shoots target practice knows they need more ammunition than they think. Purchasing the ammunition from an outlet that deals only in discounted accessories will help to increase the stockpile of ammunition significantly.

Most people can find several boxes of ammunition for a low price, and they can keep that ammunition stored in their home along with their guns. Also, gun owners can purchase ammunition boxes that will be used for nothing other than storing the ammunition for their weapons.

Storage

When people are carrying a weapon, they need to have a holster. Holsters can be purchased in a number of styles from a place like http://grabagun.com/, and those holsters can fit a variety of weapons. There are still other people who need to have a saddle holster for their rifle or a case to carry their weapon while traveling. The best storage gear for a gun fits the gun perfectly, is comfortable and prevents the gun from firing accidentally.

Tactical Gear

Hunting vests, protective glasses and ear plugs are all standard when people are using weapons. This gear must be stored with the weapons, and it must be used every time the gun is in hand. People who do not use these items could be injured while firing their guns. The ear plugs and glasses can be stored alongside the weapons in the house, and the gear can be packed into a bag for the gun owner leaves the house.

Most gun owners know they need to store their guns properly, but they also need to make sure they have invested time and money in ammunition and protective gear. Finding all these items in one place helps to cut down on costs, and people will find it much easier to get what they are looking for.

Ultimate Prepper Stockpile

Ultimate Prepper Stockpile: A Complete Guide To A Prepper Stockpile That Will Elevate Your Prepping Efforts And Help You Survive When SHTF (Prepper Essentials)was a free book for kindle when this post was written.


The Prepper Survival Stockpile



Nobody knows when a disaster will hit, but there is something you can do to prepare yourself. Start prepping and building a stockpile!

The least you can do to prep is to have a complete stockpile at your disposal. All it takes is one good snowstorm or other scenarios where you can’t get to a store for you to be trapped in your home. You will need supplies. The first chapter will focus on where to go to stock up as maintaining a stockpile can get expensive and you want to be able to get the best savings on bulk items.

In this book you will get an idea of where to shop for your Prepper Stockpile in order to stay within your budget



Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are the obvious choices, but a good rule of thumb is to follow the deals wherever they may lead to. Once you have your supplies, you need to have a good place to store them. Before you go out, choose a spot in your pantry and/or garage that is big enough to store water, lots of canned goods, and other similar items.

What prepping supplies do you really need in your stockpile?



So what kind of products does one buy for a stockpile? Think survival food: water, canned beans, canned meat, and rice. These are the basics, but you will also need items like canned veggies and fruit, vitamins, nuts, and so on. Variety is key with food since you do not know how long an emergency scenario may last and you don’t want to be stuck eating beans and rice for months on end. Having a complete stockpile is not just about food. You will also need to have medical and hygiene supplies on hand. Chapter 3 continues the stockpile list with security items; power equipment like flashlights and batteries; and tools.

Make your move today and start prepping with your personal prepper stockpile that may just save your life when SHTF! Buy today and be prepared!


So True ~~~ Prepare For The Unexpected ~~~






I do this everyday on Facebook , Not sure why, but just something I do. LOL My Little Man plays the games on facebook and probably drives all of my friends crazy, but this is the one thing I do. Today it was a fortune that actually made sense.

We should all be prepared for the unexpected. It shouldn't take a fortune cookie on Facebook for anyone to know this. Be Smart!!!! Prepare for anything and everything. Pay attention to what kind of natural disasters happen in your area and prepare for them. Then prepare for everything else.

BE SMART AND ALWAYS HAVE THE THOUGHT IN YOUR HEAD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Something might happen that makes it impossible for any help to get to you and your family. Prepare for the worst case scenario.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

The Ultimate Disaster Supplies Guide: Disaster Kits For Disaster Preparation

The Ultimate Disaster Supplies Guide: Disaster Kits For Disaster Preparation (Disaster Preparation, Disaster Supplies Book 1) was free book for Kindle when this post was written.


If a disaster struck today, would you have everything you need to survive the first 72 hours? This is a MUST in today’s world. The weather is unpredictable, wars are imminent and you and your family are left vulnerable. Learn what you need to have and do to survive!

Protecting your family during times of crisis and chaos is critical! Download this book NOW and:
  • Learn How To Protect Your Family During A Natural Disaster.
  • Find Out What Supplies You Need To Have On Hand So There Is Adequate Food And Shelter.
  • Learn How To Create Clean Drinkable Water When It Seems Hopeless.
  • Keep Your Family Healthy And Thriving Through Any Disaster!

This book will take you step-by -step through the process of determining what is important to have and how to get it. Don’t leave anything to chance. Be PREPARED! If it happens today, tomorrow or a week from now you’ll finally be ready. Download this book TODAY and:
  • Discover Ways To Protect Both Your Rations And Your Family From Those That Would Threaten Your Security And Ability To Survive.
  • Learn How To Stay Clean When Water Is A Precious Commodity.
  • Learn What It Takes To Create Shelter From Your Natural Surroundings.
  • Discover How To Stay Alive And Thriving Until Help Can Arrive.
  • Do NOT Spend Another Moment Worrying Without Taking Action!

Natural disasters happen, but you do NOT have to feel powerless and helpless. Download this book NOW and be ready!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Have A Hot Meal When Bugging Out ( or whenever! )

These are so neat. My hubby got us 6 of them from some truck stop down in Tennessee. He tried a couple of them out on the road and seemed to like them. I had had them before , but in our small town I don't see them at any of the stores we have here.

Directions to use them:



1. First tear open the heater bag.

2. Place the meal in the bag against the heater pad.

 3. Pour the provided salt water pouch into the bag to start the heater.

 4. Fold the opening over and use the tape on the bag to keep it closed.

5. Place the meal in the heater bag on a heat-safe surface.


Easy enough to have a hot meal. Great for camping. 

My Tiny House Obsession...






We are looking for some land and have decided that the above pictured is what we would put on it. Hope to have this done by next spring. Hope it won't be too late by then. Already talked to the local Amish company to get the cabin. They can have it set up in a day once we get the land. Talk about being really antsy now that I know it can be done. I want it done  yesterday!!! We will most likely be totally off-grid. At least when we first move in. It can be done. My tiny house pins

A Battery Powered Shower??

I was looking up things online and looking for things to use off-grid and found this, ZODI Outback Gear Battery Powered Shower.Wow! There are just so many useful things that can be found for using with no power! Why do we even need to depend on the power companies?

This little badboy is :
  • Battery-powered outdoor water shower
  • 6-volt battery-operated water pump with debris screen
  • Battery case (with on/off switch) runs on 4 D-cell batteries
  • 8-foot shower hose with water-conserving showerhead
  • Pump works in any water source; weighs 2 pounds
Enjoy an outdoor shower anytime, anywhere with the Zodi battery-powered shower. Ideal for quick cool-water showers on hot days or rinsing dishes, the shower is a breeze to use: simply submerge the battery-operated pump in a water container or other water source and switch it on. In no time at all, you'll be in full cleanup mode, with a convenient pump adding water pressure to the mix. The shower--which also makes it a snap to drain water fountains or wash dogs--comes with an 8-foot shower hose with a water-conserving showerhead. The entire unit weighs only 2 pounds. About Zodi
Zodi's first products heated water in only 20 minutes, but that wasn't good enough. The company soon cut it to 10 minutes, but waiting 10 minutes for a shower? Now, Zodi's hot water showers give you hot water anytime, anywhere in less than 10 seconds. Today, the Zodi brand is synonymous with innovation, quality, and performance, and is sold in more than 75 countries. Zodi's systems can even be found on Mt. Everest. In addition to selling on-demand water heaters and showers for the outdoor industry, Zodi makes similar products for military and industrial needs, including lifesaving hot decon showers for soldiers, firefighters, and EMS teams. Zodi is headquartered in Midvale, Utah.

Product Description

The Zodi Battery Powered Shower is a self-contained portable hand washer and shower ideal for rinsing dishes, cleaning up, showers and more. Enjoy portable shower anytime, anywhere. The Battery Powered Shower is ultra convenient, just add 4 "D" batteries and place the compact and powerful pump in any water source. The Battery Powered Shower is great around the house, draining water fountains, kiddie pools, washing the dogs, etc.

USB Powered Stuff!!

I now have a new obsession. A weird one. Maybe. I am a bit of a nerd and am always looking for new things to be able to use if the power grid goes down or to be used in an off-grid situation and now since I have a couple of solar powered and hand crank USB chargers , I am on a kick to get anything and everything that is powered by USB! Also can use them in vehicles with auto adapter.

HERE IS A LIST OF A FEW COOL USB POWERED ITEMS:

Wood Burning Campstove and USB Charger

USB Powered Fridge

USB powered Fan

USB Powered Light

USB Powered Humidifier

USB Powered Fishtank

Could be something to have on hand - 10 in 1 usb charger adapters.

Solar Powered USB charger

Hand Crank USB Charger

Battery Powered USB Charger

Hand Crank Light / USB


There are so many cool little gadgets out there that could be used in off-grid life. Have fun finding new things to use!These would make great Christmas gifts!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

A Pioneer Girl Learns to Cook: Apple Pie & Biscuits

A Pioneer Girl Learns to Cook: Apple Pie & Biscuits was a free book for the kindle when this post was written.This would be perfect for a homeschooling project.


This is an educational book about the life of a pioneer girl, the process she had in learning to cook and other aspects of pioneer life. It’s written mainly for girls between the ages of 8 – 13, depending on the reading levels and interests of the individual. There are pictures in this short chapter book of pioneer life to help visualize the times.


It’s a realistic look at life, tools, and equipment used in pioneer days, obtaining food ingredients, and how they kept food safe with no refrigeration. My hope as an author was to help girls to connect with, and get a feel for life in early American history in an engaging way. Differences are highlighted between pioneer life and modern life today.


The book ends with a project for girls to try to duplicate, with an adults’ assistance, the process of making an apple pie and biscuits, including a recipe for both. This would also make a great homeschool project.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Let the Kids Bake Cookies in Their Own Solar Oven!

Not only is a simple solar oven easy to make, they actually work! And they're perfect for camping trips. Now we can bake up some fresh cookies while we're camping, something we've never been able to do before and you can too.
Here's how. The first thing you need to do is to save your pizza boxes. One per child. The pizza box becomes the oven.
Close the lid of the pizza box as if you were keeping your pizza warm.
Let the kids decorate the outside of their pizza boxes or you can paint or cover the outside in black paint or paper.
Using a sharp knife (parent supervision here or a parent does this part depending on the age of the child) cut along three sides of the pizza box lid, about an inch or two from the edges. This should create a flap.
On the inside of this flap, use some regular white glue and apply tin foil to the entire inside area of the flap. Try your best to get out all the creases from the foil as you press it against the flap.
Now, open up the lid and line the inside of the whole lid with saran wrap or plastic wrap. You want to make this is as snug as you can, creating a nice seal along the edges of the inside of the lid of your pizza box.
This will create a window where you just created your flap.
Using tin foil again line the entire inside of the pizza box.
Find a stick or other sturdy stick like object and after you've closed the lid, open up the flap and hold it open with your stick or other object. Face in the direction of the sun and it won't take long for the inside of your pizza box to heat up.
When you're ready to bake some cookies place the dough in small cookie balls, slightly flattened inside your new oven. With the box lid closed and the flap held open, face your oven into the sun and wait for your cookies to bake!
Baking in a solar oven will take a little longer than in a regular oven depending on the temperature but well worth the wait.
Happy Camping!
Leanne Arnott invites you to read more articles about taking your family camping or going on a family hiking trip at http://www.family-camping-and-hiking.com. You can add your submissions on many topics and subscribe to our monthly ezine.





Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to share more information and get closer to getting my family totally off-grid and on our own piece of land. This will let me share more and more information to allow , hopefully, for you to become more self-sufficient and able to become more prepared by reading my blog and purchasing items that I share with you that will help you. Thank you! :)