If you can, Can.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

I'm not one that likes to be referred to as an Alarmist but, I'm very alarmed at what I see going on with grocery prices.
I like to keep a deep-freezer full of things. You know what I mean. Tie energy prices into escalating food cost' and I have painted you a picture.
I have (2) frozen 15 lb turkeys that I will be canning this weekend. Why? I can put that meat into Pints and Quarts, already cooked and not dependant on electricity. I can even add pimentos and stuff to make Turkey Tet. Following me?
Getting it out of the freezer allows space for more items that don't require Immediate Attention in the event of a ... uhhh... nevermind. I'm not an Alarmist. A box of fish sticks or a chkn pot pie is much easier to deal with than a frozen turkey!
And, even tho the pkg on Hungry Man frozen dinners says to not thaw, I always do and I'm still with you.

[theresehirko]

We were big into freezing before Katrina hit and now we can everything. My neighbors laughed before Katrina about how I saved every bottle for water storage, etc. When Katrina was in the Gulf of Mexico heading our way, I started baking bread, filled every bottle, bucket, garbage can etc with water. I also organized supplies. We housed evacuees, fed ourselves and them, took care of our neighbors who were elderly and no one starved. For two weeks we lived like this. When it was all over, we had depleted our supplies, but we were alive and kicking. We lost all frozen ad refrigerated goods however. Bob says that we must have food for a year in our house at this point because every Sunday I pressure can something. The day after St. Patricks day, corned beef was on sale at a great price. I bought 5 of them and canned it up. After Thanksgiving when turkeys were on sale, I bought four of the boneless breast and canned those up. We have turned on e of the walk in closets in a bedroom into our stash room. The BOB trunks are in the garage ready to go. I'm all for canning now.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Right On, therese! If it's frozen, it's okay but, how long can u keep it that way?
Is it just me or, does there seem to be a small revival of what our grandparents did, skill wise, going on here? Just because the new is good doesn't mean the old is bad. I think Hank Jr said that.

Rob

[Shamrock1121]

I don't can anymore. It's not cost effective for me after I figure the utilities to heat the canner, and the air conditioner to run over-time while you fill the house with heat and humidity. And it's always 100°F or more outside when it's time to can.... Add to that cost if you have to purchase produce or if you have to pay for city water for the garden.

What I do instead is LOTS of dehydrating (fruit, veggies, meat, herbs and store it in jars and bags that are vacuum-sealed shut with the FoodSaver. They are lightweight and don't take up nearly as much space as canned foods. You wouldn't believe how many dehydrated tomatoes will fit in a quart jar :D.

I also keep a good supply of freeze-dried foods, including powdered butter, powdered peanut butter, powdered whole eggs, and whey-based milk substitute powder (Morning Moo's).

Another thing to think about - worst case - you might not be able to depend on being able to can foods because canning supplies could be hard to get. How much salt, sugar and vinegar do you keep on hand? You really should use new lids each year (although we've all used old stock) - but what if you can't get new lids? How long would your currant supplies last?

I would suggest the book, "Preserving Food WITHOUT Freezing or Canning". This book includes traditional techniques using salt, oil, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, drying, cold storage, and lactic fermentation. A really interesting read.

-Karen

[theresehirko]

Score 1 for self-reliance. I spent a better part of an hour in the hospital basement with 3000 other people (exactly who takes care of the patients I would like to know!) during the onslaught of tornadoes that ripped through Jackson this afternoon. then I spent two hours to go 12 miles to my house because the tornado had knocked the power poles into the road. I got home, put a big pot of water on the stove for my bath tonight, opened up a jar of lentil soup, and had some fruit and homemade bread to go with the soup. I read my Torah portion by candlelight and had just finished bathing when the power came back on. Well at least I know I can do it if I need to.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Shamrock. I read you Loud and Clear. I, too, dehydrate what I'm able to. My purpose in posting this thread was to give a 'Heads Up' to those that may have the ability to process foods but, for some reason, feel they don't have the time. Time is running out, IMO.
Remember... I'm not an Alarmist. I just feel it's time to ring the bell. Let those that have ears to hear, hear. :'(

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Good News and Bad News. The bad news is that I had one Pint jar fail to seal. The good news is that I have a loaf of bread, some Miricle Whip and salt and pepper, and I love turkey sammiches!!!

[theresehirko]

Yesterday at the hospital we were desperately short staffed because of the damage to the area and many people not being able to leave their houses or their driveways. People were amazed at what I had accomplished at home with no power. Now I am getting -"can you teach me how to do it?" questions from the other 10 people in my clinical group. How quickly they have forgotten about the two weeks of literal hell we went through with Katrina. Why did they not wish to learn after that? Well like I always say "Modern medicine can cure lots of thing. Stupidity isn't one of them."

[lostinthewoods]

"Modern medicine can cure lots of thing. Stupidity isn't one of them."

That's a great quote! I was thinking about this too as of late. I'm not an alarmist either ;).. I was talking to my mom earlier today about some stew that I was canning today. She told me that she'd just freeze it and that would be fine. She go very silent when I told her that this way I don't have to worry about it. It is also a lot simpler IMHO too, just open a can add some corn starch and some spices and viola, dinner.

I agree with the comment about the canning supplies. for that reason I plan on ordering 2 cases of each (standard, and wide mouth) Ball dome lids. That will be about 2400 lids, that should keep us out of trouble for a while.


lost

[theresehirko]

I keep several gallons of both white and apple cider vinegar in the house at all times because you can use it for things other than preserving. I also buy supplies off season throughout the year. We save every glass container that we purchase for reuse in the house. Now some people would say that I'm a packrat, but I'm not. Everything is reused somehow. Glass containers make containers for homemade candles and if they are big enough, we use them to age our homemade liqueurs. I have cases of canning jars and lids that I haven't opened yet.

[RNMOM]

This has been a great thread. After the last Backwoods Home magazine I've had the canning bug hit with a vengence. I loved Jackie Clays articles on canning "convenience" foods. I have lots of dried beans I'm going to turn into baked beans and the like. I too have a freezer full of food. There have been so many things on sale in our area, I've stocked up on hamburger, chicken and turkeys. Next week I plan on canning some pulled pork for sandwiches. Sounds like a great treat to have on hand. I've been to Sams and Big Lots and got #10 cans of tomato paste and tomato sauce, I plan on canning my own spaghetti sauce right away as well.

I see some very lean times ahead and really want to be more than prepared. Gratefully my dh is all for it and is a great support. He told me to take the money that we are supposed to receive from the government stimulus package and buy more food storage. Can't think of a better investment.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

...just open a can add some corn starch and some spices and vodka, dinner.

Say WHAT!??! Vodka? Just messing with u, L. *:P

RNMOM. I see the same. I wish more folks did, too. Welcome to the forums, btw.(Edit: Ooops! You have more post' than I do. Nevermind the Welcome. How about a "Nice to meet you!")

To All: although it won't be easy, we can still Can and Dehydrate in the event that things turn south (SHTF, no electric or gas) but, how will you do it? Propane (will eventually run out) fueled Coleman stove for Canning? A Solar Oven for dehydrating? Share your thoughts!

I've built a small cement-block Pit in the yard with an adjustable-height rack. I have nightmares of trying to maintain constant temps for pressure canning over a bed of coals. I'm sure it's possible, though. Just a nightmare.
I'd like to hear how others might use modern convenience items in a primitive situation.
??? *

[RNMOM]

;D I'm not a newby, I've actually been hanging out on the BHM since about 1997 or so.

Thanks for the howdy!

[theresehirko]

I am planning a solar oven building session this summer to see what happens. If i can get that going, then perhaps more solar powered appliances. I agree that purchased fossil fuels will run out, like they did here for Katrina. Luckily our gas stove kept going, but if the gas gets turned off, fire pit here we come.

[denham]

I have no idea how to can. I've got a freezer full of chicken i found on sale, and i even found an old sears pressure cooker (avocado green) at goodwill that looked like it had never been used. Now that I read up on canning I am not sure I should use it? Plus I don't have any glass jars or lids or anything.

Not sure what exactly are you non-alarmists are worried about... :-/ am trying not to get too worried myself but something has been gnawing at the back of my mind for about a year or so. Like for some reason I need to learn more about all this stuff.

[leera]

I'm learning more and more every year.......have some onions in the dehydrator at the moment......

I don't worry about a lack of power.I know I can get by without it for a long time.

Another thing to think about though........

Make sure you have what you need to heat and cook without power.........I have at all times three different ways to heat and cook food without electricity......having food on hand is great,but you still need to be able to heat it and/or cook it.........

[leera]

denham.......welcome.......first things first before you can do any canning.......get the newest copy of the Ball Blue Book that you can find.It's a great place to start......

Also Jackie Clay's articles are helpful,look in the website archives........

There are also several books out on the subject,take a gander at Amazon.com for an idea.

I just ordered a book called Cookin' with Home Storage,I hope it's as useful as it sounds.......

[Shamrock1121]

I have no idea how to can. I've got a freezer full of chicken i found on sale, and i even found an old sears pressure cooker (avocado green) at goodwill that looked like it had never been used. Now that I read up on canning I am not sure I should use it? Plus I don't have any glass jars or lids or anything.

Not sure what exactly are you non-alarmists are worried about... :-/ am trying not to get too worried myself but something has been gnawing at the back of my mind for about a year or so. Like for some reason I need to learn more about all this stuff.

Self-sufficient living is something that will always pay dividends. You only need to rely on your good sense of putting aside during PLENTY, to reap the benefits during times of WANT.

I'm not an alarmists, but I am a sensible person. Any number of things can happen in your life that would make you thankful you have food and emergency provisions in storage.

We had a horrible ice storm in December. Most people were completely unprepared for even a few days of a power outage and restricted water and sewage use. I even have a "portable" toilet and chemicals for just such an emergency, as well as water in storage.

If you've ever experienced a loss of income, you might be thankful you stocked up on a good variety of food while you had the money to do so. During the December ice storm, the neighbors, who rarely eat at home, were quickly without ready-to-eat food. They lived on breakfast cereal. When they were out of that, they drove an hour away on icy roads, through downed power lines and tree limbs, to stay with his mother who still had electricity.

A small town near here recently had a water contamination problem and they were without water for quite awhile. I keep huge amounts of water in storage, and have both an electric and non-electric water distiller to purify water. We also have a thousand gallons in our rain barrels that would look pretty good in an emergency situation.

I have a former BIL who works in power plants all over the US and China. He says the whole power system is in very poor condition in the US, and potential power outages in large areas of the country is something to prepare for. It's not a matter of IF it will happen, but when.

We should all read the story about the ant and the grasshopper every now and again. ;)

-Karen

[leera]

"During the December ice storm, the neighbors, who rarely eat at home, were quickly without ready-to-eat food. They lived on breakfast cereal. When they were out of that, they drove an hour away on icy roads, through downed power lines and tree limbs, to stay with his mother who still had electricity. "

My brother is the same way.He heads for a hotel whenever the power goes out.

"A small town near here recently had a water contamination problem and they were without water for quite awhile. I keep huge amounts of water in storage, and have both an electric and non-electric water distiller to purify water. We also have a thousand gallons in our rain barrels that would look pretty good in an emergency situation. "

I wish I had a place to store that much water.........you can bet a water collection system is in my house plans........

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Folks. Dominos delivers your piping-hot pizza in under 30 minutes or it's free! Through rain, hail, sleet or snow! Or is that the U.S. Postal Service?

This post was made in jest. Please, let's not let it devolve into a 'Blonde Joke'. :P

[Shamrock1121]

I am planning a solar oven building session this summer to see what happens. *If i can get that going, then perhaps more solar powered appliances. *I agree that purchased fossil fuels will run out, like they did here for Katrina. *Luckily our gas stove kept going, but if the gas gets turned off, fire pit here we come. *

I have 2 solar ovens and I love to use them to keep the heat out of the kitchen and to save on the expensive energy it takes for cooking/baking. Check your local library for the book, "Cooking with the Sun" by Beth Halacy and Dan Halacy (or have them get it through Inter-library Loan if it's not available). Great information, recipes, and instructions on making several types of solar cookers/ovens.

Some things you need to know about using a solar oven:

1. You need to stick around to make sure you move it to follow the sun about every 1/2 hour or so.

2. Depending on the time of the year, you can only use them efficiently for several hours that might not be anywhere close to mealtime (from 1-3 p.m. for instance), so plan accordingly.

3. You need to pre-heat the oven before adding food for cooking/baking.

4. Even if the sky is cloudless, if it's hazey you'll have a problem getting good cooking temperatures.

5. The hardest to cook foods take 5-8 hours and are best started a.s.a.p. (during the long days of summer) as you can get enough sun to heat the oven to a food safe temperature. Temperatures from 190°F and higher are necessary. Things that take long cooking times are large roasts, soup/stew and dried beans. Most breads take high temperatures you can only get with full sun. I can get my ovens up to 350°F - 375°F, and can bake yeast breads in them. I usually bake small loaves or an 8-inch pan of dinner rolls because I think they bake faster and better than a large loaf of bread.

6. You'll need a collection of thin black (or very dark) cooking pots and pans (preferably with lids). Pans that are white, shiny, thick, or heavy won't work well. Cast iron and crockery divert heat energy from cooking foods, so they aren't well-suited for solar ovens. Enamelware works very well.

You can paint the outside of quart canning jars with black paint (heat-resistant paint made for repainting bbq grills) to help absorb heat and use them for cooking or even heating water to use for doing dishes. You can paint the lid and ring as well to help absorb heat - just be sure the lid has a hole punched in it, or it's loose enough to vent steam.

7. Less time is needed for cooking in the summer than in the winter. Wind will slow down cooking time.

8. Always monitor the temperature (keep an oven thermometer in the solar oven) to be sure it's at a food-safe temperature. If the temperature falls too much, finish cooking the food inside on the stove or in the oven.

9. Wear a cap or a visor when working around the solar oven. The reflectors can nearly blind you. Wear sunglasses as well. I have a pair of "Ove" Gloves for handling foods. They are much safer to use than oven mits or hot pads. You have the use of all your fingers when you wear the gloves, unlike mits or hot pads.

-Karen

[denham]

Working at the library today a woman came in for info about canning. I didn't help her though, my co-worker did. I guess I'm not the only one who's looking into this.

I guess I will wait until I actually have something easy to can before I start buying a bunch of stuff.

[aprilconnett]

Denham,
I am a stockpiler by nature. I was raised my grandmother who was born during the Depression.

I am not so much worried about no power, etc. like others, but as a substitute teacher, I don't get a paycheck during summer vacation. I only manage to bring in about an extra $800 a month by subbing, but you can a LOT of food with that $800. The end of school is only about 5 weeks away, so I am in serious stockpile mode.

Also, if you have ever been in a situation where you were so poor you didn't know where you next meal was coming from, you do EVERYTHING in your power to make sure you have FOOD, if nothing else.

april

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

Alarmist Mode - Engaged.

Home-canned foods will most likely not be confiscated should we ever reach the point of MartiaI Lavv. Too difficult to safely transport and assurance of proper technique unverifiable.

Oscar Mike Delta. Arming.

Someone gimme a Knock, knock joke in Preparedness.

[ryanmercer]

We were big into freezing before Katrina hit and now we can everything. *My neighbors laughed before Katrina about how I saved every bottle for water storage, etc. *When Katrina was in the Gulf of Mexico heading our way, I started baking bread, filled every bottle, bucket, garbage can etc with water. *I also organized supplies. *We housed evacuees, fed ourselves and them, took care of our neighbors who were elderly and no one starved. *For two weeks we lived like this. *When it was all over, we had depleted our supplies, but we were alive and kicking. *We lost all frozen ad refrigerated goods however. *Bob says that we must have food for a year in our house at this point because every Sunday I pressure can something. *The day after St. Patricks day, corned beef was on sale at a great price. *I bought 5 of them and canned it up. *After Thanksgiving when turkeys were on sale, I bought four of the boneless breast and canned those up. *We have turned on e of the walk in closets in a bedroom into our stash room. The BOB trunks are in the garage ready to go. *I'm all for canning now. * *

*hugs* you are good people :)

[8kids4me]

Good time for this post. I have been thinking all summer that I should start buying whole chickens, cooking them, and canning them. I haven't yet, but will now that Army Boy son is back in the states, and I don't have to travel anymore! I have been going to the u pick place and canning jams and fruits, which I have not done in a couple of years. I don't have a separate freezer anymore, so canning is the option for me. I will be doing chicken, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the other random fruits that come into season. I KNOW the prices are starting to rise yet again, and I will not buy into it. I'm not sure how to store water. When we lived in San Diego back in the 80's, we stored gallon size plastic bottles of water. We tried to rotate it, the stuff tasted nasty from the plastic outgassing. Any ideas?