2008 November -mixes and powdered milk

Preparedness Newsletter
November 2008

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” We need to learn to be more thrifty. It is our responsibility and duty to take care of our families and those around us. We can be in a position to help others if we have the resources.

Spiritual Goal: Have personal prayers and scripture study every day.

Provident Living Goal: Reduce your family's garbage by recycling more.

Basic Storage Goal: 35 pounds powdered milk per person
100 pounds variety of cereal grains – oatmeal, cornmeal, millet, etc per person

72-Hour Kit: 1 can tuna fish per person or other favorite meat
1 can pork and beans or other favorite warm meal in a can
2 instant soup packets per person

Expanded Storage Item: Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage baggies, garbage bags
Tarps


Thought:
“Sooner or later there comes a time when its performance that counts. Not promises, not possibilities, not potentialities, but performances. Sooner or later there comes a time when sitting and watching
is not enough, when doing something for ourselves and doing something for others is essential. It is good to sit and listen, it is good to sit and watch, it is good to sit and learn, but the law of perfection is the law of participation, of practice, of performance.”
Richard L. Evans



Helpful Hint:
This hint is for water storage containers that are made of plastic.
Storing water in an enclosed building where gasoline or other chemicals are kept is not a good idea. Especially if either (water or chemicals) are in plastic, as it “breathes” the water will end up tasting like the chemicals. No matter what either is stored in, if there is even a slight air exchange through lids, etc. the water will likely become tainted. If the barrels are not black, cover them with a dark tarp or paint them black; even a small amount of sunlight making its way through can cause algae growth, even with Clorox in the water.


Oatmeal

Store enough oatmeal (with a variety of other grains – corn, rice, millet, pasta, etc.) for a one-year supply. About 25 pounds with the combination of above grains is recommended for the average adult. This amount may vary from family to family and is an example only. Each family will need to decide their need for a full year's supply.

Like most grains, store oatmeal in a cool, dry place and in airtight containers, off the floor and away from sun light.
To extend the storage life of oatmeal and protect against bugs, freeze treat (use for all items except those which can be heat treated).
1.Place bag in the freezer for 3 to 4 days.
2.Place in airtight storage container.
Do not store any food storage items directly on concrete floors. Wooden slats or pallets may be used to allow proper air circulation.

Recipes Using Oatmeal


Apple Oatmeal

Bring 1 cup water, ¼ cup apple juice, and 1 diced apple to a boil. Stir in 2/3 cup rolled oats and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Return to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thick. Serve with milk.

Granola
7 cups oatmeal or rolled oats 1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup coconut
½ cup canola oil 1 Tbsp ground sunflower seeds
1 cup honey, melted 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
2 tsp vanilla 2 cups raisins or chopped dates
2 tsp maple extract

Mix dry ingredients, then add honey, oil, vanilla, and maple extract. Mix well and spread out on baking sheets. Bake 2 hours at 170 degrees, stirring every half hour. Add raisins or dates after baking.
Makes about 1 gallon.
Note: You may substitute apple juice concentrate for the oil.

Kooger's Wolf Creek Granola
¼ cup canola oil 2 cups regular oatmeal
1 cup maple syrup 1 cup wheat germ
¼ cup honey ½ cup flaked coconut
½ tsp vanilla extract ½ cup chopped pecans
1 Tbsp cinnamon ½ cup sunflower seeds
3 Tbsp fresh orange peel ½ cup slivered almonds
2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ cup dried cranberries

In a covered saucepan, heat oil, maple syrup, and honey until boiling. Reduce heat to very low, barely rolling boil. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and orange peel. Simmer 15 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. In a bowl, mix oatmeal, wheat germ, coconut, pecans, sunflower seeds, almonds, and dried cranberries. Pour in the syrup mix and stir well. After preheating the oven, spread the mixture onto two greased cookie sheets and bake at 275 degrees for 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes or so, checking often to ensure that the granola doesn't burn. Store in airtight container.
Note: For a crunchier granola, add a little less honey and maple syrup and bake at 335 degrees. For a chewier granola, add a little more honey and/or maple syrup and bake at 320 degrees.


Powdered Milk

Powdered milk was developed out of necessity. For years man has been trying to find ways to preserve milk, because it will not keep in its natural state. The dehydration process was developed to preserve the nutritional value for longer periods of time. Powdered milk is made from fresh pasteurized fluid milk with the cream and water removed. Reconstituted powdered milk can be used in any recipe that calls for dairy products such as: whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, sour milk, buttermilk, yogurt, or scalded milk.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, below 70 degrees
Keep away from sunlight
Keep in an airtight jar, can, or container. Milk powder will absorb moisture.
Close container right after use.
Refrigerate after fluid milk is mixed. Keep covered.
Non-fat powdered milk will store about 5 years if kept dry at 40 degrees. If the temperature gets up to 70 degrees, it will keep for about 2 ½ years. It is important to rotate powdered milk.

How much should you store?
Approximate amount of milk consumed per person per year: 1 adult who drinks 2 glasses per day = 45 gallons fresh milk = 1 #10 can per month or 12 #10 cans per year (2 cases). Store additional milk for baking (1 case per person per year).

There are two types of powdered milk.
1.Instant nonfat powdered milk – made by a process which results in larger particles than regular dry milk. It is easy to mix with a spoon or blender because it dissolves in water more easily.
2.Non-instant or regular powdered milk – more difficult to mix than instant. Mix with hot water. Blend in blender.

For lactose intolerant people, Morning Moo is a great source of powdered milk. Morning Moo is made from Grade Sweet Dairy Whey, a by-product of the cheese making process. The lactose level of Morning Moo is much less than regular milk (approx. 9%).

To replace milk for drinking:
1.If milk has been stored a long time and the flavor is not so good, after reconstituting, pour back and forth in two pitchers incorporating more air into the milk, or whip it in a blender.
2.Add a small drop of vanilla to the milk.
3.The best way to rotate stored powdered milk is to mix it half and half with whole milk.
To replace milk in cooking and baking:
1.In baked goods non-fat powdered milk produces better browning.
2.Powdered milk can be mixed with dry ingredients for cakes and breads, stirred into flour for gravy and sauces or mixed with cornstarch and sugar for puddings. Then add water for the required amount of liquid.
3.In meat dishes, it adds tenderness and flavor by absorbing and holding meat juices. For use in meat loaves or hamburgers use ¼ cup powdered milk for each pound of meat and mix well.
4.In mashed potatoes, add ¼ cup powdered milk for each cup of potatoes – use potato water to get the right consistency.
5.Add ¼ cup powdered milk to each cup of cooked cereal and water before cooking.

Powdered Milk Recipes

Whole Milk: 1 cup water, 1/3 cup powdered milk
Evaporated Milk: 1 cup water, 2/3 cup powdered milk
Buttermilk or Sour Milk: 1 cup water, 1/3 cup powdered milk, 1 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup hot water 2 cups sugar
¼ cup butter 4 cups powdered milk
Blend in blender very well. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

Hot Chocolate Mix
1 ½ cups sugar 2/3 cup cocoa
1 cup creamer Dash salt
1 cup powdered milk 20 ounce can Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa with
Marshmallows
opt: crushed candy canes (for mint flavor)
I use a sifter to mix the first five ingredients together. Then mix with the Hot Cocoa Mix. Adding crushed candy canes makes it mint flavor but you can get flavored creamer for other flavors. This extends the purchased Hot Chocolate and you still get the little marshmallows.
To mix: 3 Tbsp mix with ¾ cup hot water (6 oz). Note: most mugs are 8 oz or 12 oz.

Homemade Chicken Gravy Mix
1 1/3 cup powdered milk ¼ tsp thyme
¾ cup flour 1/8 tsp pepper
3 Tbsp instant chicken bouillon granules ½ cup butter or margarine
¼ tsp ground sage
Use 1 Tbsp for each 1 cup liquid.

Homemade Bisquick Mix
9 cups flour 1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp baking soda 2 ¼ cups shortening
1 Tbsp baking powder 2 tsp cream of tartar
1 ½ cups powdered milk
In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in shortening until evenly distributed. Makes about 13 cups. Put in large, airtight container and store in cool, dry place. Use within 3 months. Use in any Bisquick recipe.

Biscuits: 2 cups Bisquick Mix, 1/3 cup water. Bake 350 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes.
Pizza: 2 cups Bisquick Mix, 1/3 cup water. Mix until blended with a fork. Knead 10 times. Roll into circle, brush with olive oil, add pizza sauce and desired toppings. Bake 375 degrees, 12 to 15 minutes.
Cinnamon Roll: 2 cups Bisquick Mix, 1/3 cup water. Mix until blended with a fork. Knead 10 times. Roll to 1/4”thickness. Spread butter on dough. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on dough. Roll up from narrowest side and cut in 1” rolls. Place on foiled baking pan. Bake 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Frost.
Frosting: 2/3 cup powdered sugar, ¼ tsp vanilla. 1 to 2 tsp milk.
Dumplings: 2 cups Bisquick Mix, 1/3 cup water. Spoon dough onto boiling stew. Cover tightly; reduce heat and simmer 12 to 15 minutes.
Pancakes: 1 ½ cups Bisquick Mix, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 egg, ¾ cup water. Stir until blended. Pour on hot griddle.


Basic Soup or Sauce Mix
2 cups powdered milk ¾ cup cornstarch
¼ cup instant chicken bouillon 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Combine all ingredients in a plastic bag, mixing well. Store in closed plastic bag or airtight container until ready to use. It does NOT have to be refrigerated.
To substitute for 1 can of cream soup: Combine 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 ¼ cup cold water. Cook and stir until thickened. Add additional ingredients. The thickened mixture can be added to casseroles as you would a can of soup.

Mushroom Soup: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 4 oz can mushrooms

Tomato Soup: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 2 cups tomato sauce

Potato Soup: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 1 cup cooked potato cubes

Broccoli Cheese Soup: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 1/3 cup broccoli, 1 cup grated cheese

Cheese Sauce: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 1 cup grated cheese

Homemade Milk Gravy: 2 Tbsp fat, ½ cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 2 cups liquid

Alfredo Sauce: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ tsp pepper. Serve over cooked noodles. Makes 1 ½ cups sauce.

Pizza Sauce: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, ¼ cup cold water, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ tsp sugar, 1/8 tsp garlic powder. Opt: 1 tsp Pizza seasoning or ½ tsp oregano. Makes sauce for 1 pizza.

Macaroni and Cheese: 1/3 cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¼ cup cold water, 1 cup grated cheese, 2 to 3 cups cooked macaroni, 1 Tbsp margarine. If desired bake at 350 degrees, 15 minutes. Makes 4 – 6 servings.

Scalloped Potatoes: 4 potatoes, ½ cup Soup or Sauce Mix, 1 ¾ cup water, 1 cup sour cream stirred into sauce (opt), ½ cup cheese (opt). Thinly slice potatoes, layer half in 2-qt pan. Pour ½ of the sauce over potatoes and ½ of the cheese. Layer potatoes, sauce, and cheese again. Cover and bake 350 degrees, 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for additional 55 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Note: Soup or Sauce Mix can be used in Skillet meals such as Hamburger Stroganoff, Tuna Noodle Skillet, and Cheeseburger Skillet. It also can be used in making Chicken Pot Pie, Creamed Peas and Potatoes, and Chicken Enchiladas.

Onion Soup Mix
2 cups powdered milk ¾ cup cornstarch
¼ cup beef bouillon granules 2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
1 tsp dried basil 2 tsp onion powder
Mix and store in airtight container in refrigerator.
To prepare: Mix 1/3 cup dry Onion Soup Mix with 1 ½ cups water. Cook and stir until thickened.
Automobile Emergency Kit

Winter weather is here. To be prepared, here are some suggested items to keep in your car. The smaller things could be stored in a bucket with a tight lid (which would also serve as a potty in case of emergency).

Blankets or sleeping bags Fire extinguisher
First aid kit Fire starter material
Jumper cables Tow chain or strap
Shovel Flares
Flash light and batteries Hatchet
Kitty litter or sand Tire chains (opt)
Windshield scraper Toilet paper
Candle in a container Stocking hats
Mittens Extra socks
Poncho Wet Ones Wipes
Cash Pocket Knife
Trail mix or Granola Bars Matches in waterproof container
Bottled water Metal cup and spoons
Jerky Crackers or cookies
Chocolate candy bars Hot chocolate packets
Compass Road maps




Five Ideas for Food Storage Christmas Gifts

1.Pick a category and buy items out of that category. The category could be “Vegetables” and you would give cans of peas, corn, and green beans. Or the category could be “Fruit” and you would give cans of peaches, pears, and fruit cocktail. Other categories could be “Meat” or “Flour”.
2.Come up with a few “Food Storage Meals”. These meals could be Taco Soup, Chili, Spaghetti, or Lasagna. You would give the ingredients needed for the meals. Make sure you include the recipe.
3.Give the gift of comfort foods. These could also be foods they like to eat when they are sick such as soda, jello, or chicken noodle soup. You could also consider snack foods.
4.Give a year's supply of desserts. You could give the ingredients and recipes for 12 desserts.
5.Give the gift of food storage containers. This could be water barrels, plastic food buckets, or the shelving system to storage the food on.

Emergency kits also make great Christmas gifts.

With a little imagination Food Storage Christmas Gifts could be just as exciting to receive as traditional Christmas gifts and possibly needed more.