I know I got a little behind on this challenge, it is caught up now. During the lockdowns and job losses, I kinda figured no one was going to be able to stock up.
I have resumed them and I feel it is more important now than ever to get stocked up. Take a little time and look at where your holes were in your deep pantry while you were in lockdown. Make a list and try to fill them in. I don’t know if we will have a second round of lockdowns or not, but I do know we are getting ready to go thru some food shortages and some rough economic times.
I know money is tight right now but at least try to get some of the basics. You can go to January’s deep pantry challenge to see what they are. And remember to EAT WHAT YOU STORE AND STORE WHAT YOU EAT.
A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12
Remember having a deep pantry isn’t just about having extra food on hand. It is also about having the means to survive in an emergency situation, having all the extra food isn’t going to do you much good if you can’t cook it when the power is out.
Don’t forget to share what you were able to do this past week to have a deep pantry/food storage. Let’s encourage each other. And if you have a question feel free to ask or if you have the answer to a question feel free to answer. If you have a tip or idea you can share that also. As I said let’s make this a place where we can share and encourage others to get that deep pantry.
The first month was a jump start to get a little ahead so if things go south before you can get everything you want, at least you have something to survive on.
The amounts are for two people If you have more just double to what you need.
If you are having a hard time trying to afford to fill a deep pantry read my post on ”Having a Deep Pantry on a tight budget” Don’t forget to share what you were able to do this past week to have a deep pantry/food storage. Let’s encourage each other. And if you have a question feel free to ask or if you have the answer to a question feel free to answer.
If you have a tip or idea you can share that also. As I said let’s make this a place where we can share and encourage others to get that deep pantry. The first month was a jump start to get a little ahead so if things go south before you can get everything you want, at least you have something to survive on. If you are just starting you will want to go back and start with January’s challenge. The amounts are for two people If you have more just double to what you need. Also while you are doing this if you see something on sale that you think you will need to pick it up. You can catch up with the list later. Always better to buy when on sale than not.
5 pounds Peanut butter / Cheese
Peanut butter or any nut butter ( Almond, Hazelnut ) If you or someone in your family is allergic to peanuts there are some peanut butter substitutes that are good.
Cheese we eat a lot of cheese, I try to buy on sale and keep in the freezer. I get shredded, because when you freeze block cheese it will fall apart when you thaw it out. You may want to get some cheese powder I have two different kinds and really don’t care for either one of them so I don’t know if I am just picky or if I just haven’t found a good one, the kids like them so maybe it is just me.
This month’s action item is to learn where the shut-off valves are for your water and gas. And where your main breaker is for the electricity. Learn how to close and turn them off.
The extra item for this month is Games, puzzles, and books. If you have no power it will be nice to have some games, puzzles, and books to help pass the time. You can pick up a lot of these at yard sales. If the games don’t have all the pieces you can usually go online to the company and for a small price get the missing pieces. Puzzles you do have to be a little more careful with when buying used. I very seldom will buy a puzzle from a yard sale or second-hand store I try to get these when they have been marked down at the store or on clearance sale. Books you can get at second-hand stores, yard sale and used bookstores. Get a variety of books not everyone is going to want to read what you think are the best books
Every week you will want to put back water. You can buy it, or fill your empty juice and soda bottles. You can also store water in your empty canning jars, as you empty your jars just add some water and put the lid back on. You don’t have to can this water but if you wanted to you could. You can also put water in bleach and detergent bottles ( this will be non-potable but you could flush and wash dishes with it.). You can go here for more information water.
Every week you will also want to put back a few dollars, even if it is a small amount it will add up. Save your ones and if you can your fives and all your loose change from paying with cash. It will add up pretty quickly.
What were you able to get done this week?
Thank you getting this back online. I feel very VERY strongly about having a Deep Pantry. Or as I call it “The Store” now, since I’ve moved some of the Deep Pantry to a more accessible location, that has become the Deep Pantry, and then there is the Kitchen Pantry. OMG, no wonder Blue looks at me like I’m NUTS!!!!!
PS: If you think the C-19 and all the rest of the SHTF stuff is over…. Just wait till November 3. My gut tells me this is just getting started.
Peanut Butter has a LOT of oils in it, so please make sure to rotate the stock. The Freeze Dried or Powdered is good for long term storage, will last probably longer than me, so no worry’s there. BUT I agree the FD taste like old C-rations… BUT if needed, there you go.
Cheese, here is where I disagree a little with Connie, I do not freeze cheese, even the Shredded. Most cheese will last a very long time in the Fridge. I happen to like Tillamook Cheese, a LOT!!! So I do store a few bricks. I was worried about long tern storage of their Cheese, and thought of “Waxing” it. So I called them and asked a few questions…. Their answer is “We have done many years of research on the wrapping we use; we strongly suggest that you do not replace our wrapping with wax, we predict our wrapping will keep cheese ‘good’ for between 15 and 20 years”. They did go on to say the Sharp Cheese and all cheeses will continue to “Sharpen” the longer you keep them….
As far as Shredded cheese, I always buy in bulk and split the 5 pounds into smaller packages. I use the good old Food Saver to vacuum one pound packages.
Ok, I wanted to add, My Spinach is ‘bolting’ because of the hot weather, so it’s dehydrating time here on the Farm. I so far have harvested 70 pounds of Spinach; end product is right around 1#-14oz of Dried Spinach, at little over 1 cubic foot. Here is the thing, it literally took forever, I have a Nesco Dryer, while it has worked well in the past, it’s time to upgrade. Did a bunch of research and found a good unit for around ½ the cost of an Excalibur with better fetures and quality…. Do a search on Magic Mill Dehydrator. It will be here Monday and be put to immediately use on the Swish Chard, Beets Greens, Turnip Greens, Jerky, Tomatoes,,,,, You get the Hint HAHAHA
Ok I have yapped long enough, Y’all have a GREAT week.
NRP,
Thanks for the tip on the dehydrator, I am needing a new one. The one I have now is on its last leg. It has been good but 12 years of pretty steady use has worn it out, I have the big one from Cabel’s and it has been great but a little more to replace it then I can really afford right now.
I have thought about the Tillamook cheese but a couple of things (and don’t judge me for this one haha) I don’t care for really sharp cheese and I am cheap we go through a ton of cheese. I should get a few just to put on the shelf so push come to shove I would have some because sharp would be better than none lol.
So glad you were able to 100% I am working extra hard so I can retire taking that month off made me realize just how much I want to retire and do my own stuff. The only bad thing about retiring is I think I will be way busier then I was while working haha.
Have a great week,
Connie