Wheat Bread

I have tried many bread recipes and this is the one I like the best. It also uses items from my food storage so it's a double bonus. I'll list the recipe for 1 loaf of bread for those of you just starting to make bread, but know that you can double, triple, or even sextuple the amount :)

 Gather the ingredients:

1 1/4 cup of warm water (90-100F)
1T yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour approx. (hard red, hard white or any combination)
1/4 cup wheat gluten
1 tsp salt
2T non instant powdered milk (only have instant? then you need to double the amount)
1 T butter (softened or even melted)
1T white vinegar
1/4 cup potato flakes ( NOT pearls)

Add water, yeast, honey, 2 cups of whole wheat flour (to start), wheat gluten,salt, powdered milk, butter, vinegar, and potato flakes.

Mix on low until combined- slowly add flour

Add a little more flour

                                         
With flour on your finger touch your dough and very little should stick to you. That's when you know you have the right amount of flour in your dough.

Mix on speed two(if you have a bosch) for 8-10 minutes. The dough will clean the side of your bowl during this time, so clean up is super simple.

Once it has kneaded for 8-10 minutes or so. Apply a light coating of oil to your hands and divide your dough evenly(unless you just made one loaf) DO NOT tear the dough, pinch it to separate. You don't want to tear your gluten. When you have a lot of gluten strength you will get a higher rising, softer, lighter loaf of bread.

Take your fingertips and roll the dough under while turning in a circle. Then when it gets all "ugly" on top, spank it! That will smooth out the top and help get air bubbles out. (helps ease tension too :)

   After rolling in my fingertips, I just squeeze the bottom seam together.

Then drop it (seam side down) into your greased bread pan. Feel free to pat it down into the pan a little. (dough is very forgiving)

Repeat with all the remaining dough (if you made more than one loaf , which after you make this you will need to because one loaf will disappear right out of the oven)

Allow to rise to double. Depending on your house temperature it could be anywhere from 1-2 hours. Be patient it will happen. When it looks like this I preheat my oven to 375. By the time it gets heated my bread is ready to go in the oven.

For a soft and light crust- bake the bread for 10 minutes then take it out and cover with aluminum foil.

Shiny side up please- then place back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

Your finished loaf with be golden brown and delicious. If you prefer a darker top on your bread then don't cover it- or cover it later than 10 minutes. Promptly remove your bread from the pan to cool on a rack.

Slice and enjoy!!!

Three-month-supply

This is the perfect way to begin your food storage. Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage. To begin make a list of meals your family likes to eat that are shelf stable (meaning you can store them for 3 months or longer and they won’t go bad). After I made a list of 30+ meals I wrote out what ingredients would be used to make the meal. So for example Baked Mac & Cheese- ½ lb elbow macaroni, 9 T powdered milk, 3T flour, 1T mustard, 1tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, 1T egg powder, 12 ounces cheese, 1tsp salt.   In 3 months this meal is on the menu 6 times (twice a month), so I need to multiply each ingredient by 6 to ensure I have enough to make this meal. If another meal also calls for the same ingredients tally that as well. After I had taken the time to hand write all this down I found an awesome website that has an excel format of what I had just done. Figures right? But that’s good news for you, makes it easier and faster. http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-3-three-months-of-normal-food/ Now I have a list of all the ingredients that I will need in order to have a 3 month supply. As I look through ads and coupons online I can reference my list and purchase things when they are on sale or I have a coupon, or better yet BOTH! I have my menu planned for a month at a time and know what we will be eating for dinner way in advance. Don’t forget to include non food items in your 3 month supply as well. Such as laundry soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and diapers(if you have someone who requires them). Don’t break the bank and purchase your 3 month all at once. By gradually getting an extra item here and there you will save money. No more running to the store for one or two items you ran out of and paying full price.  As you use an item from your storage be sure to replace it soon.  I keep a note pad handy with a list of what I need to replace. Top 10 Rules for Grocery Shopping 1.      When you purchase something you are running out of, buy two. The plan is to always have at least one on hand. 2.      Keep your three-month-supply list nearby when you go through grocery ad or coupons. 3.      Make a list of items you are running out of, items you need for meals each week and any three-month-supply items that are on sale or you have a coupon for. Don’t forget to take the list with you to the store. 4.      Don’t go to the grocery store hungry! It will persuade you to make poor choices. ( I know I have done it, that and I’m cranky too.) 5.      Just because you can purchase something in bulk does not necessarily mean it is cheaper. Compare prices before shopping at a warehouse- or anywhere else. 6.      Find out if your grocery store has case-lot sales. Save up for them. 7.      If you don’t know if the price of an item is high or low, watch the price for a couple of weeks. 8.      Buy canned foods that look perfect. Torn labels and dust mean it has been sitting on the shelf too long. NEVER buy dented or bulging cans they may contain botulism. 9.      Shop at off peak hours. Early morning or late evening during the week you can often find meat and baked goods at clearance prices. And the check out line is usually very short. 10.  Categorize your shopping list organize it by what you are getting at each store and then group the items together (i.e. all the frozen foods together, etc.). Get your cold and frozen items last that will make sure they stay……. well cold and frozen.

72 Hour Emergency Kit

 A 72 hour kit is designed to help you survive a disaster until additional help can arrive, which is usually within 3 days. You can purchase pre-made kits from a variety of websites, however most of the things you will need are already in your home. Here is a sample of some of the things in my kit. Feel free to customize your kit for your families needs.


I purchased two carry-on size luggage to keep the adults kit in. You want to make sure that you can move this kit easily if you need to evacuate, so keep that in mind when choosing a container.

Food and water

I have :Mountain House freeze dried meals (3- 2 person servings)

Oatmeal packets (3/person)

Tuna pouch (3/person)

Idahoan instant potatoes (1/person)

Beef Jerky (1/person)

granola bars, trail mix, and werthers hard candy (comfort food)

1 gal of water person plus a water filter

Clothing, rain coat,baby items- diapers, wipes, blanket, personal care items

Flashlight, can opener, spork, knife, lighter, Sterno, matches, axe, kindling, reusable hand warmer

                           Water filter, pocket rocket stove, fuel, duct tape, aluminum pot/pans

Here is the checklist I used to make my kit.

• Update your kit every six months ( General Conference is a great time) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication are fresh (not expired), clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.

• Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and

entertainment during a stressful time.
• Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
• You can include any other items you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
• Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, “flavor” other items, or break open.
Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

Food and Water

(3 day supply of food & water per person

when no refrigeration/cooking is available)
_ Protein/Granola Bars
_ Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
_ Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
_ Canned Tuna, Beans, Meat, Vienna
Sausages, etc (“pop-top” cans might leak/
explode & Jerky can “flavor” other items)
_ Canned Juice
_ Candy/Gum (Jolly ranchers can melt &
mint gum might “flavor” other items)
_ Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters per person per day)

 Bedding and Clothing

_ Change of Clothing (short and long
sleeve shirts, pants, socks, jackets, etc.)
_ Undergarments
_ Rain Coat /Poncho
_ Blankets and Emergency Heat Blankets
_ Cloth Sheet
_ Plastic Sheet

Fuel & Light

_ Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps)

_ Extra Batteries
_ Flares
_ Candles
_ Lighter
_ Water-Proof Matches

 Miscellaneous

_ Bag or Bags to put 72 hour kit items in

(such as duffel bags or hiking back packs carry-on size luggage)
_ Infant Needs (if applicable)
_Coloring book and colored pencils (Child entertainment)

 Equipment

_ Can Opener

_ Dishes/Utensils
_ Shovel
_ Radio (with batteries!)
_ Pen and Paper
_ Axe
_ Pocket Knife
_ Rope
_ Duct Tape

Personal Supplies & Medication

_ First Aid Supplies

_ Toiletries (roll of toilet paper—remove
center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock
bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc)
_ Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer,
soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning:
Scented soap might “flavor” food items.)
_ Immunizations Up-to Date
_ Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
children’s medication, etc.)
_ Prescription Medication (you may not be able to keep them in your pack, just make sure they are easily accessible)

 Personal Documents and Money( I scanned all documents onto a SD card)

(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
_ Scriptures (miniature ones are lighter)
_ Genealogy Records
_ Patriarchal Blessing
_ Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage
Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts)
_ Vaccination Papers
_ Insurance Policies
_ Cash
_ Credit Card
_ Pre-Paid Phone Cards

                                                     

Preparedness Test

Use this test to see just how prepared your family currently is and where you have room for improvement.

Debt

1. Are you debt-free?             YES    NO

(If "yes", skip to section "Food Storage".)

2. Please complete questions indicating what type of debt you have:

a) home mortgage        YES    NO

b) car                          YES    NO

c) credit card                YES    NO

d) recreational vehicle(s)YES    NO

e) other                        YES    NO

3. Are you actively following a plan to become debt-free?

YES- NO                                   

4. Estimate how many years/months before you become debt-free: __________

Food Storage

5. Do you have a functioning home food storage program?    YES  NO  

          

6. Approximately how many gallons of water do you have stored (not including water heater, toilet tanks)? _____________

7. Approximately how many pounds of grain and/or legumes do you have stored (rice, wheat, etc)? __________

8. Are you using your storage items on at least a weekly basis? YES  NO

9. Are you currently storing rotating food supplies? (canned foods, boxed foods, condiments, etc)  YES    NO                             

10. Estimate how many months your family could survive on your overall food storage: _____________

Fuel Storage & Use

Please answer the following as if electricity/natural gas service is disrupted:

11. Do you have an alternative heating source?        YES   NO

(wood burning stove, propane, etc.)

12. Estimate how many days of fuel for such heating you have stored: ________

13. Estimate how many hours lighting you have stored (candles, lanterns, generator, etc.): _________

14. Do you own an alternate cooking device?       YES    NO

15. Do you own a dutch oven/outdoor cookware?  YES    NO

Medical Supplies

16. Do you have a family first aid kit?          YES    NO

Personal Hygiene 

17. Do you have detergent/laundry soap stored? YES    NO 

18. Do you have liquid/bar hand soap stored?  YES    NO    

19. Do you have toilet paper stored?           YES    NO

20. Do you have paper/cloth towels stored?     YES    NO

Alternative Dwelling

21. Do you have an alternative dwelling?         YES    NO

(tent, camper, trailer, etc.)

22. Do you have a 72-hour kit for each family member?  YES  NO

Where to begin

I, like many people I know, knew that I should be gathering my year supply of food and other essentials. I kept using the excuse that we moved all the time, that we were too broke, that we didn't have the space, I didn't know what do to with all that wheat that my family doesn't currently eat, and I just didn't know where to start.
I started with a desire to follow our prophets counsel. My husband and I had family home evening to discuss what meals we liked best and what ingredients went into those meals. I wrote out a weeks worth of meals and I started watching sales for those items. Using coupons and sales I purchased all the items for 1 week of meals. And look at that I had "Food Storage".
I started this blog to help those who also feel overwhelmed at the daunting task of storing a years supply of food. I am here to show you how to start small, use what you store, and have some delicious meals along the way.

Family Home Evening:
Thought: "Perhaps nothing is as unifying in the course of a family's week as to eat together" (Jeffery R Holland, Roundtable Discussion, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Feb 9, 2008)
Song: "A Song of Thanks," Children's songbook, no 20
Scripture: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20)
Lesson: Tell the story of Jesus feeding His disciples at the sea of Tiberias, as found in John 21:1-17
Jesus had a very important lesson to teach His disciples, and He chose to do it during a meal. Julie B Beck, General Relief Society President, stated,
He [Jesus] had a fire there and coals and fish, and He said, "come and dine." Now, that describes quite a bit of preparation. A meal had been prepared- a family meal, you could say- and He invited them to come and dine, not just run in and eat, but to come and dine. And then the scripture says, "When they had dined." He then began to teach them that wonderful teaching about feeding His sheep (see John 21:9-15). There is something about eating together and mellowing out and having that feeling there... He created the setting for that marvelous teaching, and it was a mealtime. And I think that wasn't accidental. (Julie B Beck, Roundtable Discussion, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Feb 9, 2008)

Discuss
1. Why it is important for your family to set a specific dinnertime. Then decide on a time that works best for everyone. Be sure to plan enough time for everyone to help prepare the meal, eat the meal, and help clean up.
2. Get everyone involved, and let each family member have a say in what the family eats. Give each person a piece of paper and ask him or her to write down his or her ten favorite homemade meals. If you have young children, you may want to write down what they say. (If you are worried about hearing "mac and cheese" and "chicken nuggets", give options of meals and have the children choose their favorites.)
3. Have the family vote on the meals and list them in order of popularity, then plan that weeks meals.

Game:
Have family members share their most memorable dinnertime stories by drawing one of the following sentence starters out of a hat and finishing it with a dinnertime memory. You can ask only the person who pulled out the starter to answer it, or have everyone answer it.
When I was five or six or something, I remember dinner being....
My earliest dinner table memory is....
My favorite part about eating together as a family is...
The funniest time at the dinner table was when...
My favorite meal my mom makes is...
If I could have a perfect meal, it would be...