Food Storage Recipe - Honey Butter Skillet Corn

 

This has quickly become my favorite way to make corn. It is so yummy. I used fresh corn that I cut off of the cob. Used up some ears of corn that I got from the Farmer's Market. 

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

NEED:

 

2 tablespoons salted butter

2 tablespoons honey

1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn or fresh cut off the ears of corn

2 ounces cream cheese, cubed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 

In a skillet melt the butter and honey. Let them combine and become smooth.

Add the corn to that butter and honey. Cook the corn for few minutes.

Once the corn is cooked through and covered in the butter honey mixture you can start to add the cream cheese cubes.

Add salt and pepper and stir everything together. 

Serve. 

 

My Zucchini Did Not Grow! (A Recipe , too)

 

I am so depressed about my garden this season. A lot of it grew so great at the start and even though I watered every morning and evening the zucchini and cucumbers started dying. The zucchini totally died. I have several plants, too. Not sure why it did not grow at all. It usually takes over my whole garden.

I had so many recipes that I wanted to use the zucchini for. 

The one one here is one of my favorites. 

Enjoy the crunch with these Pan-Fried Zucchini Rounds!

 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil Lately I have been using coconut oil to fry things in. Taste amazing and my son's dr said to use it to help with his stomach issues. It has helped a lot. 

Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each zucchini slice in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini rounds in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Food Storage Recipe ~ Taco Cupcakes

 Yummy item to make for a quick lunch.Or to make for a party treat. 

NEED:

1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning

1 package cornbread mix, prepared according to instructions 

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Sour cream, for topping

1 large tomato, diced 

Green onions, chopped 

Cilantro, chopped 

Guacamole (optional) 

Prepare Cornbread: Bake cornbread mix in a muffin tin, undercooking slightly. 

Add Beef: Hollow out centers, fill with cooked beef 

Cheese and Bake: Top with cheese, bake until melted. 

Garnish and Serve: Top with sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and optional guacamole. 

Egg Substitutes

 Sometimes you just need an egg for baking and don't have one. Here are a few ideas for substitutions that might help. Depending on the recipe you might need one to be a liquid and so on. Using substitutes for more than 1 egg are not advised. But using for when you just need 1 egg is fine.

• MASHED BANANA. ...a half of a banana for 1 egg.
  
• APPLESAUCE. ...1/4 cup for 1 egg
  
• SILKEN TOFU. ...1/4 cup for 1 egg
  
• GROUND FLAXSEED OR CHIA SEEDS & WATER. ...
• YOGURT. ...1/4 cup for 1 egg
  
• BUTTERMILK. ...1/4 cup for 1 egg
  
• SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK. ...1/4 cup for 1 egg
  
• ARROWROOT POWDER OR CORNSTARCH....2 tablespoons combined with 3 tablespoons of water

The ground chia seed was the one that I have used the most for baking muffins.  You can combine 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to create a thick, gelatinous mixture for baking without eggs. This replacement works best in dense baked goods and should sit for several minutes to thicken before you add it to a recipe. Keep in mind that you may notice a slightly earthy flavor in finished baked goods. Works good in muffins, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies and other items like this. 

 

Food Storage Recipe - Bean & Barley Soup

 NEED:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 large carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery , chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

3 1/2 cups of vegetable broth

1 can red kidney beans, drain and rinse them

1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup UNCOOKED pearl barley 

2 cups of chopped fresh spinach

pepper and salt

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan . Add the carrots, celery, and onions. Cook and stir until they are tender.

Stir in the broth , beans , tomatoes, and barley.  Heat this to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and cover. 

Cook this until the barley is done.

Stir in the spinach and the salt and pepper to taste. 

Cook until the spinach is tender and serve.

 

 

 

Homemade Almond Milk

 

My son and I cannot handle dairy very well, so we love using almond milk on our cereal etc. It is so tasty. When ever I find something that we love , I want to find out if I can make it myself. We always have almonds in the house.

This is how you can make your own almond milk.

Add approx. 3 ounces of raw, organic almonds in a small bowl and cover with water. Leave to soak overnight.

Drain the almonds through a sieve. 

Rinse the almonds and then add them to a blender with 4 cups of water. 

Blend this until it is smooth and creamy. 

Place a fine mesh sieve  over a jug and pour the milk into this.

Use the almond milk and can be stored for a few days in the fridge.

Homemade Vick's Vapor Rub

 Homemade Vick's Vapor Rub 

Helps you breathe better when you are under the weather.

NEED

1 Cup coconut oil

20 drops eucalyptus oil

10 drops peppermint oil

Mix this up well.

Store in a cool and dry place in a mason jar. 

When needed you can rub on your feet, chest, or under the nose to help open up sinuses.

Quick Tips To Save On Groceries

 

The number one tip to save on groceries is to get it to where you make less trips to the grocery store. 

Go as few times a month as you can. At least 1 time a week or once a month if possible.

 Buy a freezer and fill it up gradually. When there are sales on items that you know you will use and can be frozen buy as much as you can on your budget and fill the freezer. Even if you just buy 1 item extra that will add up.

If you meal plan this makes it easier. Get out all of the recipes that you plan on cooking for the week and just buy what you need for them that week. Start cooking from scratch. Doing this is fun and usually have leftovers that you can then have later or the next day.

Make lists to take to the grocery store and stick to it.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

A great homemade treat for your Pups!

NEED:

1 1/2 cup of water 

1/2 oil

2 eggs

3 tablespoons peanut butter 

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup oats 

Blend the liquid ingredients together.

Whisk the dry ingredients together and then mix into the wet ingredients to form the dough.

Roll and use a bone shaped cookie cutter.  

Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Turn off the oven after 20 minutes and allow the biscuits to cool in the oven until crisp and hard.

 

Finding Your Way After SHTF

 

After SHTF You have to be able to find your way around with out GPS, Cell Phones, Etc. I like to have road maps in my vehicles at all times. You never know what might happen. We drove to Canada last summer and my cell phone stopped working! I was so glad that I had thought ahead of time and had printed out maps for several places we thought that we would go. 

You can easily get free road maps by going to states websites and requesting a free tourist guide. They usually send road maps with them. I have gotten road maps for every state this way. They send vacation guides , too. Have found some fun things to do with them. But, the road maps have been the best. I have mine in a small box right now, but I am wanting to get a plastic tote to put them in to keep them dry. 

Having topographic maps can be helpful. Try to find as many type of maps that you can. I have several types for Indiana. Ones that show all of the waterways. That I thought might come in handy.

Being able to get around and know where you are going in an emergency could safe your life. A good compass will help you, also. You might not have a map or just not be able to get to them to use so have a good compass that you can wear around your neck.

 If you think ahead now , then when SHTF or there is an emergency you will be able to get around easily .

Get Better Sleep

 

Getting a good amount of deep sleep on a regular bases is needed for good health. Here are some ideas to ensure that you can get the sleep that you need for overall health. Getting good sleep will help you think better and be more prepared to handle stressful situations. 

Try to follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed around the same time every night and awake at the same time. Have a routine before you go to bed. 

Make sure that you have no sources or noise or light that could disrupt your sleep.

Cut down on caffeine later in the day. 

Avoid eating any heavy meal or food right before bed.

Avoid alcohol. It can interfere with restorative deep sleep.

Have a daily exercise routine. Not immediately before bed. But earlier in the day.

Avoid using any devices close to your bedtime. They emit a blue light that suppresses the secretion of melatonin. ( This is the one thing that I am having a hard time with. My dog wakes me up in the middle of the night to go out and I pick up my phone! Then I find that I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I am trying to keep my phone in another room so I can fight that urge to get on it in the middle of the night.)

Use Lavender essential oils before bedtime. Get an Aromatherapy Diffuser to use in your bedroom before bed. I would turn it off right before you get in bed. Try to use it about an hour before bed.

Or maybe use bath products that have lavender in them. Lavender has been linked to improved sleep quality.

Food Storage Recipe - Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls

 

NEED

1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts

16 oz. jar salsa

2 cloves garlic, minced

15 oz. can black beans, drained

1/2 lb. frozen corn

1 Tbsp chili powder

1/2 Tbsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Freshly cracked black pepper

6 cups cooked rice

8 oz. shredded cheddar

3 green onions, sliced (or fresh cilantro)

Place chicken in a slow cooker. Add black beans, salsa, corn, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and pepper. Stir to distribute spices.

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Shred the chicken with a fork. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve over rice, topped with cheddar and green onions.

 

Food Storage Recipe - Pasta Fagioli

 Pasta Fagioli that is very good and will be a hit with the whole family.

 

2 lbs. of ground beef

1 onion, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

4 stalks of celery, chopped

2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomato’s, undrained

1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed

3 (10 ounce) cans of beef stock

3 tsp. oregano

2 tsp. pepper

5 tsp. parsley

1 tsp. tabasco sauce (optional)

1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

8 ounces of pasta

Brown the beef and drain the fat……then put into crock pot with all other ingredients except the pasta. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours. Add the pasta 30 minutes before eating. Serve with crusty warm bread!!! Note: if you do not have a large crock pot, cut the recipe in half. Pasta Fagioli also freezes wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and freeze the rest!!! Enjoy everyone.

Food Storage Recipe - Loaded Zucchini Bake

This is a great recipe to use up the zucchini from the garden. Easy to make and very delicious.

 Loaded Zucchini Bake

NEED-

Zucchini

Garlic Salt

Shredded Cheese

Crumbled Bacon

Green onions

Slice zucchini into rounds and add to a baking dish.

Top with cheese, bacon and onions.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

I just eyeballed the ingredients to our liking.

 

 

 

 

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Food Storage Recipe - Stuffed Pepper Casserole

 

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-pan meal.

NEED:

1 pound of ground beef

half a cup of chopped bell peppers and onions

Garlic

Tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1 can of diced tomatoes

Use that can to get a can of water

White rice - about 3/4 cup

salt and pepper

Italian seasoning to taste

shredded Mozzarella cheese  

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until mostly browned.

 Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 5-10 minutes until they start to soften.

 Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.

 Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

 Stir in half of the cheese until it is melted and well combined with the beef and rice mixture.

 Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt. 

 Remove from heat and serve.

 

Food Storage Recipe - Zucchini Patties

Made with grated zucchini, a mix of cheeses, and simple ingredients, these patties are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. 

NEED:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
•  
•  In a medium bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, beaten eggs, chopped onion, flour, Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
•  Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
•  Drop the zucchini mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls into the skillet. Flatten each portion with a spatula to form a patty shape.
•  Cook the patties for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
•  Remove the patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

 

Food Storage Recipe - Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

 NEED:

1 lb ground beef 

1 onion, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

In a large skillet cook up the ground beef and chopped onion while breaking it up. Drain it very well after the meat is done.

Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Add the mixture to a casserole baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake for approx 1 hour.

Remove the foil and top with shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. 

Serve

Food Storage Recipe - Pinto Bean Bread

 Great way to make bread that uses Pinto Beans.

NEED:

2 cups cooked and mashed Pinto Beans

2 cups of milk

2 tablespoons of sugar

6 cups all-purpose flour

2 (1 Tablespoons) packages of active dry yeast

2 tablespoons of shortening

2 teaspoon salt

Sprinkle the yeast over lukewarm milk and stir.

Blend in the beans, sugar, salt, and shortening. 

Gradually add 4 cups of the flour, stirring with a spoon as you add it.

Add enough of the remaining flour to handle easily.

Knead until it is smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl and grease the top. 

Cover and let rise until doubled.

Punch down and let it rise again. 

Divide the dough into 2 loaves.

Cover and let rise in the bread pans. 

Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes. 

 

Take Advantage Of The Sun & Nature

It isn't difficult to utilize the sun to help with easing the cost of your power usage. It will help by using the natural heat and light. You will use less power and be more sufficient. This will save your family money in the long run.

• Orient you buildings to take advantage of the sun and to protect your home from the cold winter winds. You can plant a living "fence" to help with this if you have to. Plant a row of evergreen trees to keep the cold wind away.
• Be sure to have as much insulation in your home as possible. This will also help in the summer by keeping the heat out and in the winter will hold the heat in.
• Think about adding a sunroom to your home. You can vent the heat into the home during the winter and in the summer vent the heat outside.
• Use the natural light during the day. In the winter open the curtains and let that natural light and heat into the house.
• Think about adding brick to the outside of your home. This really helps with controlling the temperature. 
• Use hanging plants and overhangs to cool the home in the summer. 
• Plant your own food garden in your yard to save money on food costs. 

• Have a rain barrel to catch water to use to water your garden and yard. My son also used our rain barrel to wash the cars. Great way to save money on water.

There are many ways to use nature to help you keep your utility bills low.

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Homemade Carpet Deodorizer

 

 Carpet deodorizer is something that every household with kids and pets should use. It is natural and safe. Not any crazy unpronounceable chemicals!


NEED:

10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil

10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

16 ounces of baking soda.

Mix all of the essential oils into the baking soda thoroughly. The lemon essential oil could stain your light colored carpets if you do not mix them together completely.
Sprinkle it on the carpet and let it set for about 20 minutes and then vacuum.

Store in a container and use whenever.

EF ECOFLOW WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner(Early Prime Day Sale)

 

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• Powerful Cooling & Heating. With EcoFlow's tailor-made compressor, Wave 2 can drop the temperature by 18℉ (10℃) in 5 mins in cooling mode (5100BTU) and raise the temperature by 18℉ (10℃) in 5 mins in heating mode (6100BTU).
• Four Ways to Charge. Charge EcoFlow Wave2, the ultimate air cooler and heater, quickly with AC, solar, car, and power stations. Its swappable battery allows for cool or warm air anytime, anywhere, with the flexibility of multiple charging options, making it the perfect tent, RV or camping air conditioner.
• Peaceful and Long-lasting Comfort. Enjoy a peaceful snooze with Wave 2's quiet operation (44 dB) in Sleep Mode, and up to 8 hours of use in Eco Mode. With multiple modes and app control, it offers longer-lasting comfort in your tent, RV, or home. Its powerful and portable design ensures you can take it anywhere you need it.
• No Water Left Behind. Enjoy the convenience of cooling and heating right out of the box! EcoFlow Wave2 is the perfect air conditioner for any compact space. It's extremely simple to use, requiring no installation or drainage*.*No drainage is needed in cooling mode when humidity is below 70%, but it is still needed in heating mode.
• 8-Hour Wireless Operation with an Add-on Battery. WAVE 2 with its swappable 1159Wh Add-on Battery, offers up to 8 hours of wireless operation in eco mode, ensuring all-night cooling for your off-grid journey. With a strong EER rating of 9.3, WAVE 2 maximizes cooling power and runtime while minimizing energy consumption. 
• 
  
   

Food Storage Recipe - High Protein Quinoa Bowl

 A delicious high-protein vegan dish. Yummy fresh flavors. Simple to throw together. 

NEED:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, or water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, hot sauce, limes, etc.
  

In a large pot , heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the diced onion and red bell pepper until they are softened and browned, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional thirty seconds.

 Stir in the rinsed quinoa, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Ensure the quinoa is well-coated with the aromatic mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

 Stir in the frozen corn and cooked black beans and cook on low heat until the corn and beans are heated through, approximately 5 minutes. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve in bowls. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and any desired optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice.

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DIY Outdoor Fun - Darts

This is a simple outdoor dart board setup. It was basically free to me. I already had the darts and board that were set up in my garage. The fence post was one that was left over from putting up a fence. Flower pot I had. It has some pavers in it for now. Next time I get to the store I will get some more potting soil to put in it and maybe plant some flower seeds. 

This was very easy to do, maybe took me about 15 minutes. I got the fence post and put it in the flower pot that was a little more than half full of soil. I had a screw in hook for hanging things that I used. Just screwed it into the post. Hung the dart board from it and got to playing. 

The darts I had to have since then the whole family can play and it is just easier to have a lot of darts. 

We use a small whiteboard to keep score on. I also bring in the dart board when we are done. Not sure how long it would last if it was left out there day and night. 

Ignore the white clothesline that goes across. I hang my towels there to dry and to get it out of the way for darts I just pull it up onto the hook.

Self Sufficient

Self-sufficiency is the ability to provide for oneself without relying on others for help or support. Being self-sufficient means taking responsibility for one's own needs, whether they be physical, emotional, or financial. For example, a self-sufficient person is able to cook their own meals, manage their own finances, and solve their own problems without constantly seeking assistance from others.


Self-sufficiency is an important skill to develop as it allows individuals to become more independent and self-reliant. By learning how to take care of themselves and meet their own needs, individuals can become more confident and empowered to face the challenges of daily life. Being self-sufficient also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, as individuals are able to see the results of their hard work and efforts.


Ultimately, Self-sufficiency is a valuable trait that can lead to personal growth and success. By being able to rely on oneself and not constantly depend on others for support, individuals can achieve greater levels of autonomy and freedom. Self-sufficiency also enables individuals to adapt to changes and challenges more effectively, as they have the skills and resources necessary to overcome obstacles on their own. In conclusion, developing self-sufficiency is an important goal for individuals looking to become more independent and capable in their lives.

The 5 C's of Survival

1. Cutting Tool. The most important external tool you can carry in a survival situation is a Survival Knife. Even a small pocket style knife is handy to have. It is an essential tool.  I always make a point of carrying a knife. My hubby thinks it is funny that I carry a knife in my purse, but there have been many times that we have been away from home and had to pull it out. 

 

 

2. Combustion Device. The means to start fire is the next most essential item to carry, even above shelter. A shelter can be fashioned with outdoor materials, even in the most crude fashion, and still be a life-saver. When faced with a survival situation, when you need to start a fire, then you must have a dependable means to start a fire. Learn the many ways there are to make a fire. Have a small mirror in your kit. Waterproof matches. Or a Waterproof Case For Matches

3. Cover/Shelter. Your first line of defense against the elements; cold, heat, rain and snow; is the clothes you are wearing. An inexpensive poncho can be carried in your mini kit and used as a make-shift shelter or sleeping. A Survival Blanket coule come in handy also. bag.


4. Container. In order to collect water for drinking, as well as for boiling and cooking, you need a dependable container. In order to boil water in it, your container needs to be metal. A small camping cooking pot works perfect.

5. Cordage. In many instances where you need to build a natural shelter, cordage is a necessity. The ability to make a structure stable is something that cordage can provide. Rope, Paracord​ or some type of twine can be used for countless chores and is a valuable item to have in your kit. Always wear a Paracord Bracelet.