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Farm Kitchen:  Food Storage  |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 05:30:08 AM
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Is anyone else doing Food Storage? I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I'm slowly building a 3 month supply. In today's economy you never know what will happen. I would like to be more prepared for emergencies.
Just wondering if anyone else is doing this & if they have any tips or suggestions.
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jan49829
True Blue Farmgirl
2428 Posts
Janet
Winter Haven
Florida
USA
2428 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 06:13:09 AM
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I wish I could, but I think I have the smallest kitchen in the country and no storage space. Hope it works well for you.
Jan
Farmgirl Sister #3340
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Okie Farm Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
1674 Posts
Mary Beth
McLoud
Oklahoma
USA
1674 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 06:43:40 AM
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Erin, I've been doing it for quite some time just planning ahead to stretch my $. I get a grocery allowance each month and so it has to go a long way. I have figured out to buy in bulk when on sale and when I have coupons. Example: A year ago, I had a bunch of coupons for Folgers coffee and a store had it on sale for $4.99 for the largest can. I bought 15 of them at $4.49 each with the coupons. (a year's supply) Those have been stored in the garage. I wish I had bought 50 of them!!! Now it is $11.99 for the same thing!! I purchase potatoes on sale and dehydate them. And I got bananas 5lbs/$1 so I bought 15 lbs and dehydrated them. Great for banana bread and scones. Anyway, it's been our way of life for many years - planning as far as a year ahead in shopping in bulk.
Mary Beth
www.OklahomaPastryCloth.com
www.Oklahomapastrycloth.com/blog
The Sovereign Lord is my strength - Habakkuk 3:19 |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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JThomp
True Blue Farmgirl
135 Posts
Justine
Raymore
Missouri
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 07:37:13 AM
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I started working on this a couple years ago on a few things a couple years ago in order to stretch my grocery budget. This past summer I got really serious about it and have been building up mine. In the last month I've noticed a real difference in our budget.
FarmGirl Sister#2904
"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here." The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 07:44:48 AM
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Yes, we started this about 4-5 years ago. Our goal was to have at least 6 months food supply and then work towards a 1 year supply. I am at the 1 year supply with most things. When I started the first thing I did was add an extra amount of money to the grocery budget and this was to stock up on items that were on sale or something that we always have on hand (like coffee). Another thing I focus on is putting up my own food by either canning, freezing, or dehydrating. This has taken me away from buying many processed foods which in turn cuts the food budget. It is easy to find produce at discount prices when it is in season, most places have u-picks and seconds which in turn you can put up or make jams out of. I buy at Costco now for alot of our items because in the long run it is cheaper. Every time I remove an item from the panty it is put on the grocery list to be replaced! If you don't replace the product then you lose progress on your stocking up. I also make a dinner menu up, that way if I need something special for it then it can be added to the grocery list and I am not making extra trips to the store. Also try Amazon for some things you need. I buy my dog food through Amazon ( Allergy dog and a high priced food is needed) for 7 dollars cheaper than locally and it has free shipping. There are alot of items to be found on Amazon, but you do have to watch for the free shipping sign to avoid high shipping. I mentiond canning, it is a great way to always have staples on hand. This summer I put up over 500 jars of food and that was only the summer. I can year round. We don't buy canned beans at the store any more. We buy the beans in bulk and can them up. It cost me pennies for my refried beans opposed to the 1.50 it cost in the store and tastes way better! I have many more ways to stock up. This should get you started though.
Lillian |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 11:28:34 AM
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I have been doing this all year. I have been laid off for about 2 months now. It really has worked out that I didnt need and staples. I have gone to the grocery for just bread and milk. Now if i had a cow I wouldnt even have to go to the store. So many things have gone up in price and I have read that things will continue to rise. Glad I did this...and so is my DH.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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Tammyb
True Blue Farmgirl
511 Posts
Tammy
Bluffton
Ohio
USA
511 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2011 : 7:52:29 PM
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This is a way of life for us ... we have been buying "on sale" in bulk for years and putting it back. Use storage wherever you can find it...under beds, on top shelf of closet, just wherever you can. I have a price book that I keep current on prices at several stores so I know where my best deal is, I do use coupons but I do not super coupon ( I only buy what we will use ). Start small and keep rotating your stock and use what you buy!!! You will be amazed at your pantry and your savings. Then if you can garden next year and put that back as well. You will be ready for almost anything!
Tammyb
#541
Live to leave a legacy
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MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 1:50:06 PM
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Yep we do too. We have about 3 months at the moment. Longer if you count rice, beans, grain, salt and sugar. We also have things like a generator, half a dozen filled gas cans and diesel cans, camp stove with fuel, lantern with fuel, three filled water containers, and plenty of matches and candles.
We get paid once a month, so it makes shopping a challenge. I tried something new this year, each monthly grocery shopping I included a bulk buy of one type of meat to help fill the freezer. First, I purchased 10 free range organic chickens; second was 10 lbs. organic grass fed burger; and the latest trip was a mixed bag of bacon, flank steaks, and pork roasts. I also buy raw cream and make my own butter and freeze it. I find if you concentrate on one thing each month, it is not as overwhelming.
Since we just had our first snowstorm last Wednesday, and we are due for two more this week, it makes perfect sense to me to stock up if you can.
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 4:00:17 PM
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Been doing food storage for YEARS!!! Its really a way of life for us. Last year we decided we were going to limit the amount of pre-canned/bottled food from the store so I have been canning like a crazy woman for the last couple of months. Plus I have always bought in bulk and even though most of the kids are out of the house, I still do.
My next project is to go back to the homemade mixes. I have a cookie mix that I use all the time. Plus a basic Bisquick type mix. But I am going to expand. Been reading cookbooks while watching the canner this weekend. Excited to "stock" the pantry with easy to make things that are still homemade.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2011 : 6:15:18 PM
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I was raised doing this. We always canned, froze and dehydrated food for the winter. Our cold room was always filled with potatoes etc from the garden. Right now, being in a new place not fully set up, I'm not as well set up as I would prefer. My freezer is pretty full from the garden and my pantry is filled with my canning but I don't have a root cellar/cold room for my potatoes etc. We do have a generator should things go to bad for to long. I'd rather be completely off grid, but not there. I've got organic grains stored in the pantry so that I can sprout them and then grind for my baking flour. I buy large quantities of rice, beans etc so that I don't have to buy it all the time and it's always in the pantry when I need it. Just doing what my mother, grandmother, great grandmother have always done. :)
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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meggy2
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
barb
Flemington
Missouri
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - Oct 31 2011 : 7:11:31 PM
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| I read an article about oven canning. You take quart jars and fill with rice, flour, beans, etc. that can get buggy. put them in the oven on low for an hour (NO LID), take them out one by one and seal them. It is supposed to make them last for years. Haven't tried it yet but I intend to. |
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Nanniekim
True Blue Farmgirl
206 Posts
Kim
Arizona
206 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 2:06:04 PM
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We have stored food since we have been married (over 32 years ago!). My husband has worked in construction and when there is no work, there is no pay so we have lived on that stored food many times. We would pay bills and the only place really to cut back was our food bills so we were glad to have the food available. Watch for sales and stock up on the foods you normally eat. I know a lot of people who store grains, beans and dried food in case of an emergency but don't eat it on a regular basis. They think "if we are hungry, we will eat it". I'm grateful that we always ate what we stored so when times got tough my children were still eating the same meals as we usually ate.
Now that we are empty-nesters the hard part is not buying the same amount as when all of the children were home!
Kim |
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mickib
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Michele
Coeur d'Alene
Idaho
267 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 2:25:02 PM
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| As a kid it seemed like we always had a full pantry and freezer, so I've carried on the tradition. I don't have a lot of storage available in my kitchen, so my husband built a pantry in the garage (right outside the door from the kitchen). I'd been trying to store food in the basement, but it wasn't really convenient when I was cooking and had to make 10 trips up and down the stairs. I don't store food away for emergencies, I just always have a full pantry. |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 2:56:51 PM
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| I'm so glad to see others doing this. I am starting slowly! Hubby works construction so I know that the winters can get tough. Our garden did not produce very well this year, so I'm having to buy extras this year. I'm aiming for a 3 month supply. When you store your water, does it ever get yucky? Thanks for all your input. I'm looking forward to learning more from you all. |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 3:30:12 PM
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One thing I'd like to add is watch that not anyone beyond familiy or long time really close friends knows all about your food storage, I've read and heard that people are getting robed for their food, people are getting dangerous due to these sad times and bad economy. Second thing is, when and if you can, purchase a propane powered generator, way cheaper to run, and no gas/diesel to store and worry about.Also make sure you have ammo for your guns stocked up also, you just never know...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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N@n
True Blue Farmgirl
223 Posts
Hackett
Arkansas
USA
223 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2011 : 02:53:34 AM
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Glad to see so many of us are wise enough to "stock up" for the winter or storms or just when extra surprise guests end up at your table. Like so many of you this is a way of life for us. I grew up on the farm and have helped "put up" since I was old enough to stand on a chair and reach the sink to clean veggies or fruits to can or freeze. You can always find places to store food or household supplies. My table lamps are food storage buckets gracefully covered with beautiful table clothes and no one knows the secret to their heavy stability. Beans and flour and rice weigh a bunch! Good luck to all of you just getting started and I know you will feel much more secure for your households
keep searchin'-it's out there somewhere. |
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DEW
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
Dianne
Weiser
Idaho
USA
317 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2011 : 3:51:48 PM
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Ms. Lilly
Do you can the beans cooked or uncooked? You mentioned refried beans. I have canned a lot of things but never beans. I have always frozen extra cooked beans. Do you have a recipe?
Dianne |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2011 : 6:40:08 PM
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DEW- I soak my pinto beans overnight, drain the next morning, place in a stock pot with enough water to cover them and boil for 30 minutes. Drain and place in jars leaving 1" headspace, cover with boiling water leaving 1" headspace. Process in a pressure canner for 1hour 15 min/pints and 1 hour 30 minutes for quarts at 10 pounds pressure. Adjust for altitude. The instructions are also in the Ball canning book.
To make refried beans I melt 1/4 cup butter in a sauce pan, add beans and heat until warm. Mash them in the pan and add cumin and jalapeno powder. Return to the burner and llet simmer until thickened. They turn out great every time.
We haven't bought any sort of canned beans from the store in years! |
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DEW
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
Dianne
Weiser
Idaho
USA
317 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 3:10:55 PM
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Ms. Lilly Thank you for the information. I must have missed it in the Ball book or just never thought to look. Thank you for the recipe on the refried beens. I would love not to have to buy canned beans from the store anymore.
I am glad I stopped by to chat
Dianne |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2011 : 08:33:20 AM
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Because we have gluten issues in our house, some things we use as staples can only be purchased at our local Whole Foods (hubby calls it Whole Paycheck). They offer a 10% discount on cases of an item. I try to buy cases when they have something on sale, so it's like buying on sale and using a coupon. I also try to do this only 3-4 times a year, getting us a 3-6 month supply (or longer) when possible. I drive a Ford Explorer, and the employees are always so amazed at how we fill up the back!
We also belong to a CSA that specializes in meat and eggs. This week, I'll be trying to "can" some chicken. There are 6 birds currently defrosting in a cooler in my garage. I'm planning on roasting them in my crockpots, then following the directions in Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving by the USDA. We'll see how it goes. I'm planning on posting the process on my blog, as well as updates, if anyone wants to follow along and/or try it with me. After seeing the power outages in the Northeast this year, we are one good tornado away from a similar fate, and even though we keep a large bag of ice in our deep freeze just in case, after 10-14 days, all of our frozen goods could be lost. I think that having everything in a "shelf-stable" format will be a good back-up plan.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2011 : 1:26:14 PM
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| Ann- Chicken cans up great!! Don't forget this time of year turkey goes on sale and it cans up real well too. |
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campchic
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Erin
Nebraska
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2011 : 05:22:06 AM
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Ann--Love your blog. Looking forward to more posts.
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Naked on a Mountain Top
Farmgirl in Training
43 Posts
Seana
Durango
CO
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - Nov 25 2011 : 1:53:30 PM
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One thing my Granno (grandmother) taught me was - Rotation, Rotation, Rotation!! There is nothing worse than stocking up on things only to have them pushed back and find them expired down the road. When I bring cans or boxes of food (not many because we cook from scratch) I write the date (11/25/11) on the top with a sharpe marker. This gives me an easier refernce than the manufactures expiration date which is some times coded. Then I pull everything forward and stock them to the back, just like the markets do. This fall, while reorganizing (store bought and home canned goods) I only threw out four cans. Not a bad loss for the year.
www.durangodream.blogspot.com |
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lulu
True Blue Farmgirl
240 Posts
Connie
Geuda Springs
Kansas
USA
240 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 09:04:52 AM
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Barb I read the articule about oven canning dried food and I'm going to try it. let me know how it works for you.
LULU
farmgirl sister #1369
"Scattered Prairie Gals" chapter
Take care and write soon.
When you wish upon a star...Jiminy Cricket |
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Kwilts
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
Lorraine
Vernon
AZ
9 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2011 : 11:43:43 PM
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This group is great. I have been doing food storage for many years. Recently, have had a sense of urgency to get organized. Am in the process of taking an inventory of what we have. Have also been canning up a storm. Canned one turkey and ended up with Turkey soup also. Bacon was another item added my supply. It is really easy and I for one would like some bacon every once in a while. The next step is doing beans. I was glad to see the directions for doing that. I love to learn from others about what they are doing. Thank you for your sharing.
Lorie #3663 |
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Farm Kitchen: Food Storage |
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Food Storage
