Food Storage Recipe - Cappuccino Crispies

 I woke up at 3 this morning and just could not go back to sleep. So, I am going to need all of the coffee and things made with coffee that I can get my hands on today!

Cappuccino Crispies

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1 tablespoon hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 10 ounce package of marshmallows

5 cups of crisp rice cereal

vegetable cooking spray

Combine the first 3 ingredients and stir until the instant coffee is dissolved.

Put the marshmallows in a bowl and melt them in the microwave or melt them on the stove top. Remove from the heat stirring until smooth. Add the coffee mixture to the melted marshmallows and stir together. Working fast - add the crisp cereal and stir it until it is lightly coated. Press the mixture into a 13X9 pan that was coated with the vegetable cooking spray.  Let this cool completely and then cut into bars. Should get about 24.

Food Storage Recipe - Oatmeal Pancakes

My kids love these and I have had to make them 5 times out of the last 7 days for breakfast! They are yummy.

Oatmeal Pancakes

2 1/2 cups of milk

1/3 cup of vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups oatmeal

1 cup of whole wheat flour

Mix all of the ingredients up well. Makes sure they are really mixed together. You can use your blender here if would like.

Let this stand for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Cook up on a hot griddle and serve them hot with maple syrup.

 

4 Ways to Involve Your Kids in Food Storage

Starting up a collection of food for storing can be difficult when you are a mother during the summer. When the kids are home from school, your role tends to be more of an entertainer than food storage extraordinaire. Do not fear- there is a way to stay on track with your goals for this project without shipping your kids off to your parents’ for the summer. Here are a few ideas…

1. Age Appropriate Learning. Depending on what age your child is, think of what they are learning at the time, and use it to help you! If they are learning to read, have them read the recipe card for practice, and then run around the house and storage bringing you all the ingredients. If they are younger, have them dump the ingredients into the mixing bowl, or stack cans in the storage area. If you have older kids, have them write labels or get half of the list at the grocery store for you. You can also test them on their fractions or math when stacking things or doubling a recipe. (One hint that might help to motivate: Kids will do anything if you make it a race or game of some kind!)
2. Cooking Lessons. So much of food storage involves cooking. You’ve got to use the food the food every once in a while and cycle through it in order to get your money’s worth, and you’ve got to know how to cook with the emergency foods that you’re storing. So, instead of plopping the kids in front of the tv and having the kitchen to yourself, make it a family activity! Teaching kids how to find their way around the kitchen and make food early on is an excellent idea. It is a fun learning and memorizing activity for kids, and it makes it less work for you once they can make food on their own.
3. Gardening. Many food storage junkies also like to have their own garden that they can live off of in case of an emergency. This is a great idea for getting your hands on fresh produce when your town or state is in crisis. Your kids can help you out in the garden by weeding, planting, digging holes, watering, or fertilizing. Just give them a lesson on what to do and they will love feeling like an important helper. You can also teach them what ripe fruit or vegetables look like and have them help pick. Not only does this help you, but it is a valuable learning experience for kids to be outside with nature in a world where they are surrounded by technology all the time.
4. Pick their Brains. Many times I have been surprised by an idea that my child had that I would have never thought of. If you have limited space and money, food storage is all about creativity. Kids are in the prime state of life for being imaginative, so have them help you solve problems with your food storage. Teaching problem-solving skills young is important for their overall growth and it will also help you get more ideas for how to store your food. Show your son or daughter the pile of food you need to find a place for, and walk around the house together on a hunt for a new food storage spot. Older kids improve your original organization or build proxy shelves out of plywood and cans.

Whatever you do to get them involved, I can guarantee you and your kids will have a bonding experience and make a new memory. You can get more done this summer if you just set your mind to it! Click here for more tips on food storage.

Author Bio- Dirk Puckett has been in the emergency preparedness industry for more than 20 years and is a proud family man.

Food Storage Recipe - Quick Creamy Mushroom Soup!

This is what Little Man and I had for lunch yesterday! Yummy and fast!

Creamy Mushroom Soup

1 package of Ramen Noodles - it doesn't matter the flavor, you do not use the flavor packet.

1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup

a handful of sliced mushrooms, I used my dehydrated ones this time and it turned out great.

salt and pepper 

Cook the Ramen Noodles as it says to on the package. drain.

Prepare the soup as directed and then add the noodles and mushrooms to it. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. Salt and pepper this and eat! Just enough for the 2 of us.
 

Food Storage Recipe - Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Yummy soup to make and I serve mine with grilled cheese sandwiches.

4 (15 ounce) cans mixed  vegetables

  4 (16 ounce) cans diced tomatoes 

 1 onion, chopped 

 ground black pepper to taste 

 salt to taste 

 In a large soup pot, cook ground meat over medium heat until  browned. 

Drain grease from the pot.  

Add chopped onion, mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes.

 Give it a stir.  

Reduce heat, and simmer for about 3 to 4 hours. 

Season to taste  with salt and pepper.

Food Storage Recipe - Super Easy Rocky Road Candy

Food Storage Recipe - Super Easy Rocky Road Candy. This would be a great one for kids to make.

NEED:

 3 (7 ounce) bars milk chocolate  with almonds candy (such as  Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds) 

 1 cup miniature marshmallows  

Place the candy bars in a microwave safe bowl, and cook in the  microwave on Low until melted, approximately 5 minutes.

 Stir and  allow to cool enough to prevent the marshmallows from melting  when added to the chocolate. 

Once cool, stir in the marshmallows  and pour into a 8x8 inch baking dish. 

Refrigerate until firm, about 2  hours. 

Break into pieces to serve.

 

DIY Laundry Solutions: Off-Grid Washing Machine Tutorial - YouTube

 DIY Laundry Solutions: Off-Grid Washing Machine Tutorial - YouTube

 

This seems easy enough to make. Would be a great way to clean smaller items.

 

 

 

camping washing machine

Decorating garden bricks like books!

 

 

What a fun way to make your garden unique. 

Get your paint and bricks to create some of your favorite books out of bricks.

How to Paint Bricks to Look Like Books

Get you some acrylic paint and some stencils to get started. 

 

Food Storage Recipe - Lemon Sugar Cookies

 Great recipe for some yummy lemon sugar cookies. Great addition to a summer picnic or reunion. 

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

3 tbsp lemon zest

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest with a mixer for 1-2 minutes.

Add lemon juice and egg, mix well.

Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mix by hand until combined.

Refrigerate dough for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Roll dough balls in sugar.

Bake on a lined sheet for 11-13 minutes.

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Solar Powered AC

Solar powered air conditioners are a revolutionary technology that have the potential to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These systems harness the power of the sun with Solar Panels to generate electricity, which is then used to cool indoor spaces. By utilizing renewable energy, solar powered air conditioners offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning units.

One of the key benefits of solar powered air conditioners is their ability to reduce electricity costs for homeowners and businesses. By drawing energy from the sun, these systems help to lower the overall energy consumption of a building, resulting in significant savings on utility bills. Additionally, solar powered air conditioners can help to offset peak electricity demand during hot summer months, reducing strain on the grid and promoting energy efficiency.

In addition to cost savings, solar powered air conditioners also offer a range of environmental benefits. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation, these systems help to lower carbon emissions and combat climate change. Solar powered air conditioners are a clean and renewable energy source that can help to create a more sustainable future for our planet. As technology continues to improve and costs come down, the adoption of solar powered air conditioners is likely to increase, leading to a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious society.

 

Food Storage Recipe - The Best Macaroni Salad

 Food Storage Recipe - The Best  Macaroni Salad

NEED:

 16 oz. elbow macaroni
½ red onion
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 carrot
¾ cup mayonnaise 

1 tbsp. spicy Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions. 

 Drain and rinse. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

Chop Vegetables: While the macaroni cooks and cools, chop red onion, bell peppers, and parsley. Dice the carrot and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: Add red onion, bell peppers, parsley, carrot, mayonnaise, mustard, and salt and pepper to the cooled macaroni. Mix well.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until cool. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Food Storage Recipe - Chili, Chips, and Cheese Casserole

Easy and quick recipe that uses items that should be in your food storage.

Chili, Chips, and Cheese Casserole

1 bag of corn chips. 

1 can of red beans, but the great thing about this is that you can use any style of canned beans. Use what you have on hand. 

1 jar of mild salsa

1 can of chili

1 package of shredded cheese

1 cup of sour cream

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl mix together most of the corn chips, the beans, chili, salsa, and half of the cheese. Mix it well and then add it to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake it for 20 minutes and then top with the sour cream , remaining cheese, and the remaining chips. Put back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve immediately. 

Food Storage Recipe - Choco-Chip Brownie and Oat Bars

 

Choco-Chip Brownie and Oat Bars 

This recipe is a combination of chocolate chip cookies and a granola bar thus you get the best of both worlds. This recipe also contains protein powder thus it is jam-packed with muscle building goodness. 

NEED: 

10 tsps mini chocolate chips 

2 egg whites ¼ cup applesauce, unsweetened 

¼ cup honey

 1/8 tsp salt 

1 ½ tsps baking powder 

1 tbsp cornstarch 

2 scoops chocolate protein powder 

½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened

 ½ cup whole wheat flour 

½ cup Quick Oatmeal

 Directions:

 1.) Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

 2.) Coat a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

 3.) In a bowl, combine the Quick Oatmeal, wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.  This will be the dry ingredients.

 4.) In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the chocolate chips. 

 5.) Gradually add the dry ingredients to the dry ingredients. 

6.) Add the chocolate chips last. 

7.) Spread the batter to the pan and bake for 15 minutes.

8.) Let it cool to room temperature before slicing into bars.

75 Bug Out Bag Essentials List

One of the simplest, most crucial steps in disaster preparedness is to have a well-thought-out and organized BUG OUT BAG list to aid in your preparations. This will ensure you have the equipment needed to make your departure from an area of disorder or complete chaos a safe one.

A Bug Out Bag List is Not One Size Fits All

An excellent bug out bag starts with a great bug out bag list.
It doesn't necessarily mean everything you put on the list will end up going into your bag, but at least you've got a pretty good idea of where to start.
The last thing you want to happen is not start because you don't now how. Especially if you're just beginning, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the ton of information out there.
Some of it's really good. Some of it's... not.

Building A Bug Out Bag Does Not Have to Be Difficult

Building your own customized bug out bag doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience. After all, having a solid bug out plan, and knowing that you're planning well-in-advance should help put your mind at ease about "SHTF" scenarios.
So whether you're new to the idea of bugging out, or you've been in this neck of the woods for a while now, there's most likely something you can take away from the following.

Choosing a Bug Out Bag

The first item on your bug out bag list is the bag itself. There are several schools of thought on this topic, of which the two main ones are:
1) You should choose the best bag for you
2) You should only choose the bag after you have the items
Regardless of how you decide to go about it, make sure your bug out bag is durable, fits you well and is comfortable and has plenty of storage space and compartments to stow your survival gear.
Make sure your bug out bag list includes the following items:

Water and Hydration

Arguably the most important bug out bag essentials are related to water and hydration. The human body can go without water for only 72 hours, whereas it can go without food for about 3 weeks. Water is an absolute must-have in your bug out bag. One liter minimum, per day, per person is highly recommended.
Recommended items critical to adequate hydration are listed below.

• Drinking Water (3 Liters)
• Collapsible Water Bottle
• Hard Water Bottle
• Metal Water Bottle / Canteen
• Water Filters / Purification Systems
• Water Purification Tablets (Qty 3)

Food and Food Preparation

Next up are food stuffs. In the preparedness community there are a lot of people eager to recommend various products, mostly off-the-shelf, dehydrated, store-bought items. A goog bug out bag list contains a variety of non-perishable food items, some that might require water and some that don't. In a real bug out situation, you don't know how scarce your water source might be. To be safe, plan for more scarce than you think.
Most of these items are self-explanatory, but the important thing to know now is, you'll want enough food to last three days at least. Multiply your food requirements by the number of people that would be traveliing with you. For heat-resistance and durability, make sure you have metal cooking utensils and cookware.

• Protein / Energy Bars (Qty 6)
• MREs / Dehydrated Meals (Qty 3)
• Spork
• P-38 Can Opener
• Metal Cooking Pot
• Metal Cup
• Pot Scrubber
• Portable Stove
• Stove Fuel (Qty 8 Tablets)

Clothing

Choosing clothing for your bug out bag is a very personalized selection as everyone has different body types, tolerances and levels of fitness. The items listed below are to be strategically layered to maintain a healthy, comfortable body temperature at all times.
Your clothes selection will obviously depend on your location, climate and the other factors listed above. You should evaluate your bug out bag every six months. At these times you'll want to have a seasonal selection of clothes that you can swap out when necessary.
At least two changes of clothes ensure you can always have a dry set to wear. The last thing you want while bugging out, and in the elements, is wet clothes. Not only are they uncomfortable, but hypothermia is a real concern not to be taken lightly.

• Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
• Convertible (Zip-Off) Pants
• Underwear
• Wool Hiking Socks (Qty 3 pair)
• Medium Weight Fleece
• Hat w/ Flex Brim
• Working Gloves
• Rain Poncho
• Shemagh

Shelter and Bedding


At first glance, to the experienced survivalist, some of the items listed for this category might seem excessive or even impractical. But the items on this list are specifically made compact and lightweight with the backpacker in mind.
Yes, you can make a shelter out of a tarp or use a trash bag filled with leaves as a makeshift ground pad, but these items are a wise choice to include for numerous reasons. Being well-rested, both mentally and physically, is extremely important when times are rough. Do what you can to make sure you're at your mental and physical peak at all times.

• Tarp
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground Pad
• Wool Blanket

Heat Source

Having several means for starting a fire is also essential when bugging out. The following basics should be included in every bug out bag. The reason being, there is a saying in the survivalist and firearms communities:

"Where there are two, there's one. Where there's one, there's none."

Essentially that means, if you don't have a back up, and your primary fails you... you're toast.
For that very reason, have at least three different means of starting a fire on your bug out bag list of items to pack.

• Ignition Source (Qty 3)
• Tinder (Qty 3)
• Waterproof Storage

First Aid

First aid is one of those areas where there are a lot of "done for you" type products out there that just aren't well-suited for a survival kit. Look for first aid kits that are specifically made for "survival" and have high ratings from reputable sources. Of course, you can always build your own if you know the right items to include.

• First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellant
• Mylar Survival Blanket

Hygiene

Various aspects of personal hygiene are often overlooked when compiling a bug out bag list of essentials. But the implications of forgoing any of these for an extended period of time might lead to infections and a rapid deterioration in health. When bugging out, you need to be at the top of your game, so be sure to pack these items.

• Wet Napkins
• Hand Sanitizer
• All-Purpose Camp Soap
• Hygiene/Signal Mirror
• Small Pack Towel
• Travel Toilet Paper (Qty 2)

Tools

Next to weapons, this is the one category that everyone loves to go crazy over. And it's easy to see why; gadgets are cool, and some of these are especially sweet. But remember this: "every ounce counts." Determine the must-haves and forget the rest. That said, consider including the following three tools in your bug out bag.

• Survival Knife
• Multi-Tool
• Machete

Lighting

Illumination, like fire sources, is something you'll need multiple instances of as well. If one fails or you lose it somehow, you have another to take its place. Each item listed below has multiple uses, but they all serve the same purpose - helping you see what you're doing or find where you're going. Don't forget the extra batteries!

• LED Headlamp
• Mini LED Keychain
• Light Glowstick
• Mini LED Light
• Candles
• Batteries

Communications

Communications is another highly contested category in the preparedness community. Not all potential scenarios will allow for use of these items, but if your situation does, you'll be glad to have these items with you.

• Cell Phone
• Crank Power Charger
• Emergency Radio with Hand Crank

Travel Aids

Depending on the situation you find yourself in, these items might prove quite useful. Don't leave home without carefully thinking these through first.

• Documentation (Passport, Identification etc.)
• $500 Minimum in Small Bills
• Quarters (Qty 8)
• Gold / Silver Bullion Coins
• Local Area Map
• Compass
• Small Note Pad / Pencil
• Emergency Whistle

Self Defense

Without a doubt, this is a controversial topic.
Self defense is something everyone should give serious consideration. Bugging out, in its severest of circumstances, is a survive or die proposition. Whether you choose a handgun, a rifle, both, or just a can of pepper spray, it's completely up to you. But you can be sure in a bug out scenario, being equipped to defend yourself and hunt wild game will be a welcomed option for most.
If you choose not to carry a weapon, or are not allowed to do so, then at least consider some degree of self defense training - especially if you have a family - as they'll be depending on you for their safety.

• Pepper Spray
• Handgun
• Takedown rifle
• Ammunition (Qty 25 rnds minimum)

Miscellaneous

These are items that didn't necessarily fit into any of the other categories, but they're just as important for inclusion in your bug out bag. Chances are some of the items will have you scratching your head, but you'll want these items in your bug out bag too.

• 550 Parachute Cord (50')
• Cotton Bandana
• Duct Tape (25')
• 55 Gal. Contractor Garbage Bag (Qty 2)
• Resealable Bags (Qty 5, Various Sizes)
• Sunglasses
• N95 Face Mask
• Sewing Kit
• Latex Tubing (3')
• Fishing Kit
• Condoms (Non-lubricated)
• Binoculars (Optional)
• Face Paint
• Military Surplus Survival / Snare Wire

The Bug Out Bag List above isn't intended as Gospel truth. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to do your own due diligence and come to your own conclusions. Your bug out bag will not "automagically" keep you alive. It is, however, intended to help you survive a bug out scenario.
If you don't learn how to use these items effectively and practice using them on a regular basis, all the bug out bags in the world probably won't be able to help you.
Emergency preparedness is not a fad, nor a hobby. It's a way of life. If you believe that, you'll be all that much better off as a result.

If you enjoyed this article and would like a free, detailed version of the list for your own personal use, be sure to visit www.BugOutBagAcademy.com for this and other great bug out bag related resources.

Food Storage Recipe - Cinnamon Flavored Crumb Cake

 

Cinnamon Flavored Crumb Cake  

 
INGREDIENTS:  

 For the Cake:  

2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

 3 cups cake flour  

1 cup whole milk  

4 extra-large eggs 

3/4 cup vegetable oil

  2 cups sugar 

 1/2 teaspoon salt 

 For the Crumbs:  

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

 1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening  

1/4 cup granulated sugar  

3/4 cup all-purpose flour  

3 cups pastry flour 

 1 cup brown sugar  

1 teaspoon salt 

 DIRECTIONS:

 1. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare the baking pan.

 2. For the cake; mix flour, baking powder, vanilla, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl.  Combine evenly using a beater attachment over low speed.  Pour in the vegetable oil and milk; let the mixing continue until smooth.  Fold in the eggs; maintain the low speed until evenly mixed.  Make sure that the batter has no bumps.

 3. For the crumbs; fold in the ground cinnamon, sugar and salt in the mixing bowl.  Over low speed, mix all the ingredients using the beater attachment.  Toss in the vegetable shortening and mix until smooth. Add in the flour and scrape down if necessary.   Continue mixing on a low speed; crumbs should be flexible and crumble.

 4. Into the cake mold, pour the batter then top with crumbs.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crumbs turned into golden brown.   Take it off from oven and let it cool down for 10 minutes; whisk in powdered sugar and serve.

Food Storage Recipe - Hobo Breakfast

Hobo Breakfast. Foil Packet for a great meal. Great for camping or just grilling out in your backyard.

NEED

 ● 3 sliced scallions

 ● 1 packet (16 oz.) thawed frozen shredded hash browns 

● ¼ cup olive oil 

● 1 tsp. salt 

● ½ tsp. black pepper 

● 3 cups washed baby spinach 

● 6 eggs

 ● ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Let’s Cook: Cut 12 strips of Foil (12” x 16”) and 6 strips of parchment paper of the same size. 

Put each sheet of parchment paper on top of a piece of Foil.

 In a mixing bowl, combine your potatoes, sausage, salt, pepper, oil, and scallions together.

 Portion the mixture out between the six pieces of parchment paper, keeping the mixture in the center of each piece of paper. 

Top each ingredient pile with another sheet of Foil and wrap the edges of the foil pieces together to form a foil packet.

 Put your closed foil packets on top of your hot coals of the campfire or on top of your grill. Cook for 5 minutes. 

 Check the ingredients in one foil packet to see if they are cooked through.

 If they aren’t cooked through, continue to cook in 5-minute increments until done.

 When done, remove the packets from the coals or grill and put them onto a plate so that you can open them.

 Once open, divide your spinach between each packet and crack one egg on top of each pile of spinach. 

Season each egg with salt and pepper before sealing each packet and returning to the hot coals or grill. Cook for 5 minutes or until the egg is cooked through.

 Once your egg is cooked, plate each opened packet and sprinkle with cheese!

Add a little kick to this recipe by adding chopped jalapenos to your hash browns and using pepper jack cheese. Alternately, you can just use southwestern seasoned hash browns!

Food Storage Recipe - Muffin Mix Cookies

These are so good and low cost way to make some quick cookies for a treat.

You DO NOT follow the directions on the package. 

NEED -

2 packages of Muffin Mix

1 Egg

1 Stick of butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix together well and bake at 375 for 10 minutes 
 

Muffin Mix

Small Lot Gardening

 

Gardening in a small lot can present a unique set of challenges, but with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies for making the most of limited space in your garden. Garden Seed Variety Pack

One of the first things to consider when gardening in a small lot is maximizing vertical space. By using trellises, arbors, and hanging planters, you can grow a wide variety of plants without taking up valuable ground space. Climbing plants like vines, beans, and tomatoes are perfect for vertical gardens and can add a lush, green backdrop to your outdoor space.

Another key strategy for gardening in a small lot is to choose plants that are well-suited to compact spaces. Dwarf varieties of fruit trees, such as compact apple or pear trees, can provide plenty of fresh fruit without taking up too much room. Similarly, compact vegetable varieties like bush beans, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots are perfect for small gardens.

When planning your garden layout, consider creating distinct planting areas for different types of plants. For example, you could designate one area for herbs, another for vegetables, and a third for flowers. This will help keep your garden organized and visually appealing, even in a small space.

It's also important to make the most of any available sunlight in your small lot. Positioning raised beds or containers in sunny spots and trimming back any overhanging branches can help ensure that your plants receive adequate sunlight for healthy growth.

In addition to plants, don't forget to include other elements in your small lot garden to create a welcoming outdoor space. Consider adding seating areas, water features, or decorative elements like trellises or garden art to make your garden a relaxing and enjoyable place to spend time.

Overall, gardening in a small lot may require some creativity and careful planning, but with the right strategies, you can create a beautiful and productive outdoor space. By maximizing vertical space, choosing compact plant varieties, and incorporating a variety of elements into your garden design, you can make the most of limited space and enjoy the beauty of nature right outside your door.

Garden Seed Variety Pack

Food Storage Recipe - Corn Dog Casserole

 This is a great dish that is quick to make.

NEED

CASSEROLE

1 can baked beans , undrained (28 OZ)

16 ounce pack of hot dogs - cut into 1 1/2 inch piecec

1/2 cup BBQ sauce 

1/4 cup chopped onion

TOPPING

1 pack of Corn Muffin Mix

Milk

Egg

Heat your oven to 375

In a large sauce pan combine all of the casserole ingredients and mix well.

Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stir frequently.

Pour into ungreased casserole dish.

Prepare the Corn Muffin Mix using the milk and egg as directed on the package.

Spread it evenly over the hot baked bean mixture. 

Bake this for 20 to 25 minutes. Top will be golden brown.

Iron Skillet Casserole

 

 Baked Beans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Storage Recipe - Creamy Ham & Potato Casserole

 

This casserole adapts to what you have on hand. Like if you have peas instead of green beans, chicken in place of the ham, or another cream of soup.

NEED

3 cups of frozen potatoes O'Brien 

1 1/2 cup of frozen cut green beans

1 1/2 cup of diced cooked ham

3/4 cup of milk

1/2 cup of shredded cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup

Heat your oven to 375.

Spray a Casserole Dish with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients and then spoon into the Casserole Dish.

Bake for about an hour or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

Let stand a few minutes before serving.

 

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?"

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?

Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster

Food Storage Recipe - Bean And Bacon Soup

This is so good. I am such a soup person. I can have soup everyday. This is a favorite in our house.

Bean and Bacon Soup

8 slices of bacon, cut into pieces

1 cup chopped celery

half cup chopped carrots

a fourth of a cup of chopped green onion

2 cans of Navy beans , drained and rinsed

2 cups of chicken broth

1 cup water

Cook the bacon in a large saucepan until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Keep about 2 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in that saucepan. Add the celery, carrots, and onions. Cook until they are tender. Stirring frequently. Stir in the remaining items and let simmer until heated through. Add the bacon to the soup right before you serve it. Cornbread is good with this.

The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster