Tuna Casserole
8 ounces cooked noodles
1 can tuna
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2/3 cup powdered milk (see directions on package for mixing)
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
1 cup canned peas, drained
Mix tuna, peas and noodles together and layer in greased casserole dish. Combine cream of mushroom soup and milk and pour over tuna and noodles mixture. Top with crushed cracker crumbs. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
I saw this recipe and thought... I want to make it (regardless of whether it is food storage or not)... but it can be used for both purposes... so that I why I had to include it on my blog. 1) food storage recipe and 2) just a great bread recipe.
Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 package quick rise yeast
¾ c. milk (can also use powdered milk)
¾ c. water
2 T. honey
2 T. vegetable oil
2 c. whole wheat flour
Directions:
Combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, salt, and yeast in large mixing bowl. Heat milk, water, honey and oil until hot to touch. Gradually add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add ½ cup all-purpose flour. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. With spoon, stir in whole wheat flour and enough additional all-purpose flour to make stiff dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover, let rest for 10 minutes. Spray loaf pan with vegetable pan spray. Roll dough to 12×8” rectangle. Roll up from short end to make loaf. Pinch seam and ends to seal. Place, seam side down, in prepared pan. Cover, let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan, cool in a wire rack.
Thanks again FoodStorageMadeEasy.
With all my thoughts on getting our food storage ready, I have to admit, I haven't given much thought to have the necessities for a baby if something should happen and there is an emergency. So, thanks to Food Storage Made Easy, here is a great list of things to have for your 72 hour kit for an infant.
* Instant formula. Make sure to buy the kind you do not need to mix with water. Also, track expiration dates and rotate through them frequently.
* 5 small bottles for the formula. You can fill them with purified water to provide extra drinking water in your kit.
* Refrigerated bottle bag. This is helpful in case you get the chance to warm up or cool down the formula you can keep it at that temperature for around 4 hours.
* Plenty of diapers. The exact number needed depends on the age of your child. I recommend including about 20 disposables and also 3 cloth ones that can be washed, dried and reused in case you run out.
* A travel package of wipes. These are great for washing as well. If you have space I’d
recommend just storing a full box of wet wipes.
* Pacifiers. Put in two just in case. If you’re stressed the baby will probably be stressed and it’s a comfort for them.
* 3 cotton/flannel wraps, and 2 muslin wraps.
* Baby food. Depending on the age of your child you will probably want to include some jars of baby food. Once your baby can eat mostly regular foods just pop these out of your kit.
* Washcloths. Stored around 10 small ones, it’s an eventuality, you’ll require them at some point.
* Small comfort toy/s. If you child has a specific toy or blanket that he/she really loves, try to grab that in an emergency. But if you can’t, then try to have a usable substitute that will help comfort the child in lieu of their favorite item.
* Clothes - and plenty of them! This is a tough one as babies grow so fast. One trick I recommend is that as you swap out their closets to put in the next size of clothes to remember to do that in the disaster kit at the same time. Make sure to include clothes for all types of weather and include lots of spares.
* Ziplock bags. These work great for storing used diapers or anything else that is dirty, or clean for that matter.
* Bulb nose syringe and saline. Saline loosens mucous and syringe sucks water/mucous/misc out of ears, nose, mouth etc. You never know if you’ll need one so it’s great to keep in your kit.
* Infant tylenol/motrin. It never fails that kids get sick as soon as you are somewhere WITHOUT your medicine. So this is a definite requirement for any child disaster kit.
* Desatin or other diaper rash cream and travel-sized baby powder. The last thing you’d want in an emergency situation is a sore bum and nothing to treat it with. This will be especially useful if you have to resort to using cloth diapers.
The most important thing to remember is to always be thinking about what is appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development. For example, if your child is no longer drinking bottles then there is no reason to keep formula in your disaster kit.
So, I am going to start a category that will include all things food storage, but mostly recipes. That way, someday I will have a place where I have all my food storage recipe in one place, just in case I need to use them. (Obviously, I will have to print them out to use them in case of an emergency, but at least I will know where they are all when I am ready to print.)
I will mostly likely be posting recipes that I feel are truly emergency-type recipes. Recipes that you would make if there were a real emergency situation and limited access to the everyday luxuries.
This week, I am off to buy a lot of mac and cheese and chili and corn as part of my food storage.
Cowboy Delight - Mexican Casserole
Ingredients:
1 family size package Kraft macaroni and cheese
(I used 3 C macaroni, 1/2 C powdered cheese, 6 tsp butter, 6 tsp of powdered milk)
½ lb. lean hamburger (or turkey), browned (or leave out the meat altogether)
½ onion, chopped (can use dehydrated onion flakes)
1 can chili with beans
1 can tomato soup
1 T. chili powder
1 can corn
cheddar cheese, cubed (optional)
fritos (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Cook kraft dinner according to directions in large pot. Meanwhile, brown hamburger with onion. Add to kraft dinner with remaining ingredients. Heat through. Pour into casserole dish and top with fritos. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
This recipe is from www.FoodStorageMadeEasy.net
My in-laws ward has a great food storage program where each month they provide items for the members to buy. It is a nice organized way of someone else helping you decide what to purchase each month and doing it in baby steps. I loved it and almost went to my bishop about doing something like this in our ward and then at the beginning of the new year our stake started the same program!!!
So, with the help of this program and a stronger conviction about emergency preparation, we are finally working on getting our emergency preparation/food storage stocked. We bought great shelving for the garage ($65 for a sturdy 5 shelf unit at Costco) and each month I am buying 2-3 food storage items to stock those shelves. I feel good because I am doing a little each month, so I feel I am doing my part and it isn't too overwhelming. So far I have oatmeal, hot chocolate, apple slices, sugar, dry milk and this month, macaroni, onions and pancake mix. In 3 short months, we already have a great start.
Some other things we have done.... Costco has great meal kits and emergency preparation kits for $100 or less. They give you all the basics you might need (to at least get started). We have our 72 hour kits (which we did for enrichment one night... if your ward hasn't done this, ask your RS to have a kit night). 100 hour candles and waterproof matches. Filling up my pantry. Next big project... water.
But I really wanted to share this article to show you the importance of emergency preparedness and all the elements that are involved (it isn't just food related). So, check this out and see if it doesn't help you get motivated along with breaking down the elements you might need to work on (all in baby steps... remember that). Just start or add a little each month. It is better than nothing, right!
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?
By Jane M. Hawley
Trained by the American Red Cross to lead Disaster Action Teams, and by FEMA as a member of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) in our area, and having observed the disasters and conditions in the world which bring alarm, I write this article in hopes that I might encourage others to become better prepared. I would propose this question: "How will you feel when others who depend on you suffer needlessly because you did not take preventative measures against disaster? I would like to share the following experience as an example where disaster planning could have made the difference:
During July of 2007, in an area right outside of St. George, Utah, we had an experience that has caused me great concern about disaster preparedness. A lightening storm bolted through the tinder-dry mountainous region 3 miles east of our home. The forest fire threatened the power lines supplying our entire county of 100,000 people. The front windows of our rural home framed this dramatic scene as we watched 30' flames amidst the raging fire becoming out of control. Helicopters, tankers, planes and fire crews were engaged in a hot battle.
The greatest concern came when the smoke engulfed the power lines. Smoke can create arcs of electricity between the lines and the ground. Multiple fires could ignite along the 80-mile stretch of power line if something were not done quickly. Authorities decided the only thing that could be done was to "power down." The countywide power outage began at 4:25 p.m. on this very hot, July day of 110 + degrees, just before the evening commute was to begin.
In the first several hours, there was much confusion and chaos. The stream of information was slow and scanty at best. No one seemed to be able to answer the demanding questions of "what happened?" and "how long until we have our power back?" As the fire raged on and homes were flooded with the summer heat, people grew more concerned and tuned into the local radio stations for information. Here's a small taste of what happened:
* I called my husband immediately to let him know of my planned route of travel home. I had a full tank of gas and a gallon of water in my car. I took the route with the least amount of traffic, nonetheless, what would normally have taken 25 minutes, took 1 hour to get home.
* Communication became difficult. Within 5 minutes after I used my cell phone to call home the circuits were busy and remained that way for the next 6 hours.
* Traffic lights were without power which created a traffic gridlock and many frustrated travelers. It took many commuters 1 to 3 hours to get home, in what should have been minutes.
* It was reported that only 2 to 3 gas stations had back-up generators to pump fuel. Those stations had long lines, quickly ran out of fuel-then closed.
* People became stranded and couldn't get home. With the cell phones overloaded many of those people could not call for help. I15 travelers were out-of-luck for their expected needs as well.
* There were overheated and stalled vehicles along the roadways.
* Businesses quickly closed their doors having lost their lights, automatic doors, elevators, security systems, electronic cash registers, and all ability to conduct credit or debit transactions.
* CASH was the only method of payment accepted. With banks closed and credit or debit card machines down, no cash could be obtained by these means. The people who were able to purchase gas and supplies were those who had cash.
* Radio stations were a great help, but with the absence of official information there were many assumptions, rumors, misinformation, anger and panic being expressed by citizens who shared their comments on the air, live and unscreened.
* The hospital went into emergency mode and began treating those affected by heat, and those who had health conditions that required medical devices, monitors, oxygen, etc.
* Many of the elderly and those in convalescent homes had to be evacuated to Dixie State College to escape the heat and be treated for heat-related problems.
* Within the first two hours the local water tanks were nearly dry. The pumps were down for lack of power and the citizens in the county were instructed to use water for DRINKING ONLY (no showers or unnecessary flushing of toilets, etc).
* Stores began to lose their inventory of refrigerated foods and frozen items.
* Police, fire and emergency officials were on overload.
* Hotel rooms in the nearby town of Mesquite, Nevada, went from $35 a night to $350 a night as people flocked to their doors to get out of the heat.
* Dining in Mesquite required hours of waiting in long lines before people could get their meals.
I found it amazing how ill-prepared the majority were to live without power, in the heat, and without essential services for such a short time. In our family we learned a few lessons ourselves. Situations like these cause us to reflect and question, "How prepared is my family for an emergency? I strongly urge you to consider situations that could affect your locale, and then set up an emergency plan to accommodate your future needs. Here are some things you should consider:
EMERGENCY PLAN
Make a two-fold plan: SHELTER IN PLACE (staying where you are) and EVACUATION (leaving your home). There are many wonderful books available on this subject that can help you be fully prepared. Check out your library, bookstores & internet.
72 HR EMERGENCY KIT
Consider all of your needs for 3 days and include those items in your kit. Go through those kits every year and update clothing sizes and items with expirations.
COMMUNICATION
Have a hand-cranked radio, a no-battery required home telephone, and a cell phone with a back-up battery or solar charger. Several Walky-Talkies placed on the same station that extend a number of miles could also be effective for families living in the same area. Have coins to use in public telephones.
GATHERING PLACE
Determine as a family where you would meet if unable to reach one another. Also have an out-of-state contact which each of you could call to assure that everyone is okay, or what you are planning to do.
FUEL & TRAVEL
Consider ways to get about under varied conditions. Keeping your gas tank as full as possible is a first step. Have a good pair of shoes for walking. Have other means such as bicycles, wagons, ATV's, and/or horses.
CASH
Obtain what you need in small bills and some coin for at least 30 days.
WATER
Water is critical. Have reserves available, not only for drinking, but for cooking and hygiene needs. A survival ration is one gallon per day, per person. Have at the very least, a 2-week supply for each person. Keep several gallons in your car and also consider water purification methods and treatments.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEASURES
HEAT: Have battery & solar operated fans, spray bottles, sunglasses, hats & sunscreen. COLD: Have gloves, hats, coats, boots, & scarves. RAIN: Have waterproof ponchos & waterproof boots, with extra clothing.
ALTERNATIVE POWER/FUEL
Consider fireplaces & stoves for cold weather, storing no less then 4 cords for the winter. Consider a generator, and solar unit.
MEDICATIONS
A 3-month supply of prescription medications is best. Have over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies & essential oils on hand. Consider the need for natural antibiotics. Have potassium iodine on hand to protect the thyroid in the event of radiation. Give special consideration to those who need oxygen, daily injections, inhalers, etc.
FIRST AID & CPR
Have a good First Aid book and kit, CPR mask, splints, etc. Consider how to care for blisters on your feet and shoe pads. Know what needs to be done in any number of incidences that could occur in a disaster to ease pain, assist in healing & save life.
FOOD
It is recommended that every family should have a 30 to 90 day supply of food they are accustomed to eating. A one-year supply is ideal. START NOW! Stores either close immediately or are empty in less than 24 hours. Special dietary needs should also be considered. Grow a garden, plant fruit trees & berry bushes. Learn to bottle & dehydrate foods. Supplement with vitamins & minerals as well. Find a way & do it now!
COOKING & CLEANING SUPPLIES
Consider your cooking needs if there were no power: propane oven, stove & grill; charcoal grill, pit & dutch oven; wood fire pit; pots, pans, utensils, dishes, can openers, serving dishes, etc; towels, wash rags, wash bins, detergent, scouring pad; paper towels, paper & plastic dishware & utensils; tables and chairs.
SHELTER
Don't depend on someone else to shelter you against the elements. Hotels may be booked for miles. Be ready with your own tent, sleeping bags, tarps, etc.. Consider how you will transport these items. If possible, have racks mounted on top of your vehicle, and/or have a transport trailer or camper.
LIGHTS
Make sure you have several sources of light such as flashlights, kerosene lamps, lanterns, candles, oil lamps, solar lights, and glow sticks. Don't forget batteries, matches, etc.
CLOTHING
Have clothing and footwear for heat and cold. Consider what you would wear in the heart of a snowy winter day without heat.
TOILETRIES
Have lotion, shampoo, soap, moist towelettes, make-up, powder, etc.
SANITATION
Know the principles of sanitation, how deep and how wide to dig an area for waste products, depending upon the size of your group. Have portable toilets, bags to enclose waste, disinfectants, etc. Consider how you will contain & dispose of garbage.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Consider the many needs of infants, the elderly, the handicapped, pets, other animals & livestock. Make a list and purchase!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Have an ID, photo & birth certificates for each person. Have insurance papers, bank records, living wills, trusts, maps, addresses & phone numbers, etc., and place them in a water-proof receptacle.
Remember, disasters rarely come with a warning. I encourage you to calmly and quickly obtain information to educate & prepare yourself, NOW, while you are comfortable and safe, for TOMORROW may not be so!
Preparedness takes time, money, energy and ACTION… it's enemy is procrastination - "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" 
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