Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I need your help

 source: marc falardeau

I need your help.  Over the past few months I have been working really hard to make this blog better; easier to navigate, cleaner, and more users friendly.  

I am to the point where I need some feedback.  If you would take a couple of minutes and answer the following questions I would be so grateful.  You can leave your answers as a comment to this post or e-mail it to me heather@teamshelfreliance.com

Thanks
Heather

 The Questions:

1.  What are your favorite things about cookingwithmyfoodstroage.com?

2.  Have you ever recommended cookingwithmyfoodstorage.com to a friend or colleague?  How did the conversation take place? What was said?

3.  If you owned cookingwithmyfoodstorage.com what would you change about it?



Monday, August 29, 2011

Can I Make Home Made Yogurt From Freeze Dried Yogurt Bites?

Photo Source: kthread
**Update:  One of my readers told me that this post is confusing.  I'm sorry. Let me clarify.  This post is about using freeze dried yogurt bites as a starter to make home made yogurt.  If you are a little bit "granola" like I am and make your own yogurt, than it would be AWESOME to use freeze dried yogurt bites as a starter or culture to make your own yogurt. Sadly it does not work well and is not a safe  practice.  If you just want to reconstitute the yogurt bites and eat like fresh yogurt (which is how they are designed to be eaten) well that is a wonderful way to use them and totally safe.  I hope that clarifies things.


The short answer
NO, making yogurt from freeze dried fruit flavored yogurt bites does not work, and is UNSAFE.

The long answer
I have been making my own yogurt for years.  When freeze dried yogurt hit the food storage market I tried it and liked it.  Immediately I thought “I wonder if I could make my own yogurt with this as a starter?”  But I was concerned that the fruit added to the yogurt bites would somehow make the home cultured yogurt unsafe.  I decided to give it a try anyway using my tried and true yogurt recipe, substituting yogurt bites for the fresh plain yogurt.  I was hopeful that it would work.  I turned my yogurt maker on and after the appropriate time went back to check.  Sadly the yogurt did not set.  But I thought sometimes yogurt will thicken after refrigeration. So I put it in the fridge and waited.  Still no set. 


I contacted Becky Low from the Utah Nevada Dairy council.  I asked her if there was a reason you needed to use plain yogurt when culturing your own yogurt.  It turns out that there is.  Here is her reply. 


“When incubated at room temperatures the live active cultures in yogurt start growing and create the desirable yogurt taste and consistency in the new batch.  When flavors and fruit are added before the culturing process (or using flavored yogurt) it may introduce bacteria and/or enzymes into the milk which may:  1) grow at the incubation temperatures causing food spoilage and potential food safety concerns;  2) interfere with the desirable cultures and prevent the yogurt process.” 

No yogurt should not be made from fruit flavored freeze dried yogurt bites.  The yogurt will not set properly and it is potentially unsafe.  Yogurt should only be made from PLAIN yogurt.  I am unaware of any freeze dried plain yogurt on the market.  


My Recommendations:

Purchase yogurt starters from a reliable source and store them in your fridge.  I have been purchasing mine from The NewEngland Cheesemaking Supply Company.  They have a quality product, although a  little pricy.
 

Yogurt can also be made from PLAIN yogurt with live active cultures purchased from your grocery store.  Once you have made yogurt successfully you can save a start from it and culture more yogurt. 

Friday, August 26, 2011

Shout Outs: What I would be making today

I'm sick.  I hate summer colds. 

If I wasn't sick  but if I wasn't here is what I would be making today:

Pineapple Coconut Bread Pudding:  From Deals to Meals
I know I"m obsessed with all things coconut, but you have to admit that looks AMAZING. 

Aebleskivers: from Thrive Sisters

My mom makes aebleskieves with a lemon mascarpone cream filling.  YUM is all I have to say. 

 

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: from Whole Family Fare 

 I am in love with no bake cookies.  I have been wanting to make no bake peanut butter cookies for a while and this is the recipe I think I'll make (as soon as I can breath again)

 

What are you making today? 


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Food Storage Friday Link Party

A link party is a chance for everyone to share a favorite recipe.

Recently I have had a LOT of questions about link parties and why you would want to participate in one. 
  • If you have a blog it is a great way for you to drive traffic to your best posts. 

  • If you are a reader it is a great way to see the best of what is out there. 

I personally love to link parties, I get a lot of great ideas from other peoples posts and it is a chance to get my material in front of a new audience.  I have not hosted a link party in a while and thought I might try it again. 
If you don't have a blog and would like to add a recipe, just add it as a comment to this post. 




(hint, hint: There is a give away coming soon. One lucky commenter will randomly be chose to receive some of my favorite emergency supplies, so link up and leave a comment.)

Are yor preparing for a hurricane? Tips from around the web

Hurricane Norbert at 2045Z on Oct 10, 2008

photo source: CoreBurn
Many of you are bracing for the upcoming storm, and even if you are not in the path of the storm this is a good time to make sure your emergency plan and supplies are up to date.

There have been a slew of great articles about how prepare and what to do.  Here is a list of the best from around the web and a tip from me. 

1.   Safe Guard Your Personal Records:  from Montclair Patch

The sum up:  Make sure you have your valuable documents (tax returns,  car titles, etc.) stored in a secure place.

My take:  I cannot overstate the importance of this.  If you have not taken steps to ensure you vital documents will be safe then do it now.  I suggest making a financial paper work binder.  Storing it in a safe place and taking it with you when you evacuate.

2.  Identify Information sources:  From CBC News Canada

The Sum Up:  Make sure you know the best information sources for your area. Remember that often in a hurricane internet and television may be out of service.

 My take:  Everyone should have an NOAA emergency radio.  I recommend the kind that has several ways to charge the battery (hand crank, solar cells, battery etc).  I also really like the kind that has an auto alert feature, this will tell you when a weather or other alert for your area has been issued.  I personally have this radio and love it. An extra bonus is you can charge your cell phone from the radio.  Nice! 

3.  Things not to do during a hurricane: From Associated Content (okay this article is an oldie but a goodie)

The Sum Up:  You are not superman and a hurricane is dangerous use your head and don't put yourself or your loved ones in danger.

My take:  It is surprising to me that every time there is a natural disaster I see you tube videos featuring people doing stupid things.  Do you remember the videos of people surfing in the Japanese tsunami?  It doesn't not take a genius to know that is a bad idea.  Be cautious and stay safe.

4.  My Tip:   Let Your People Know.

In everything I have read recently about hurricane preparedness I keep hoping I’ll see this mentioned but since none of them do I will.  You have a plan, you know what you are going to do, so let the people that care about you know in advance.  This will let your mother sleep at night and keep every member of your family from calling you ever hour.  My sister used to live in hurricane country and every time there was a forecast that the hurricane might hit her state my mom, grandmothers, and everyone else started worrying.  If you are in the path of the hurricane or even if you are sort of close.  Let your family and friends know that you have a plan and when they can expect to hear from you.  A quick e-mail will save a lot of worry for “your people.”     Here is the emergency plan that my extended family uses.  We have each family member fill it out and then print it off and store it with our emergency supplies. 
What would you add to the list? 

Monday, August 22, 2011

Product Training: Shelf Reliance’s Fruits


I was talking with Elise a while ago and she suggested that I do more training and reviews on the THRIVE food line.  She really liked the product review that we did during the last team training call.  Here are my recommendations and usage suggestions for the fruits. 

Things to know about Shelf Reliance Fruits:

  • Fruits rehydrate  well  cold  water  or  room  temp  water

  • When re-hydrating delicate fruit there is no need to do not submerge, instead mist with water from a clean spray bottle and let sit.      

  • All Shelf Reliance Fruits are GMO free.

Fruit Description, recommendations, and re-hydration

Apple Chips  –  thin  like  potato  chips,  thinly  slices  no  peel,  great  for  tarts.  Apple chips have a sweet apple taste and are best used for baking, but they do make a nice snack.   




Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Apple Chips
1 c.
1 ½ c.
1 ½ c.
Add boiling water and let set for 15 min.

Apple  Slices  –  organic,  dehydrated  slices  with  peel  (which means more  fiber), the slices are thicker than the apple chips.  When re-hydrated they are brown.  Best used for snacking but can be used for baking.  Apple slices are made from Granny Smith Apples and are a little bit tart.   





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Apple Slices
1 c.
1 ½ c.
1 ½ c.
Add boiling water and let set for 15 min.

Freeze Dried  Apricots --  small  pieces,  tangy  and  sweet,  with a strong apricot taste.




Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Apricots
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add apricots to cool water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain.

Banana  Chips --  are  dehydrated  and  fried  in  coconut  oil.  They are  much like the banana chips found in trail mix.  

Bananna Chip Re-hydration Instructions:  
Banana Chips do not re-hydrated and do not work for many recipes.   The only one I have found that works if from Lindsey Mote, the author of the blog:  http://whyjusteat.blogspot.com
Smash them with a meat mallet or a rolling pin and make banana bread oatmeal packets. In a small baggie, put: 1/2c oats, 1/4c smashed banana chips, 1/2t ground cinnamon, 1T instant milk powder and 1T brown sugar. To cook, add 1c water and microwave for 3 minutes.

Freeze Dried  Banana  Slices  are  light,  airy, with a clean banana taste.  I always think that bananas have a weird aftertaste these banana slices do not.  There is nothing  added,  no  sugar, no preservatives.  They are great in smoothies, perfect for babies and  baby  food.




Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Bananas
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add FD bananas to cool water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain.

Freeze Dried  Blackberries  –  gigantic!  These blackberries, much like fresh, have a lot of seeds.    




Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Blackberries
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Place FD blackberries on a plate.  Spray with cool water until thoroughly damp.  Let sit for 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain of any excess water.

Freeze Dried  Blueberries  –  rehydrate  quickly,  sweet,  tangy.   




Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Blueberries
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add FD blueberries to hot water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain.  Alternatively, blueberries may be simmered on the stove to rehydrate.
Freeze Dried  Mandarin  Oranges  -- Look  like  Cheetos,  very  delicate,  very  tangy
    • Only  sold  in  #10  cans  because  they  are  so  fragile  

    • My Favorite Recipe:  Orange Creamsickle Smoothie:  

Shared by Katy Whelan in the Consultant Discussion Forum  
¾ cup Orange or vanilla yogurt bites
1 1/2 cups of mandarin orange slices
2 tbls of orange drink
ice
water
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend well.  Serve immediately.





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Mandarin Oranges
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Place FD Mandarin Oranges on a plate.  Mist  with cool water until thoroughly damp.  Let sit for 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain of any excess water.

Freeze Dried  Mangos  –  My personal favorite!  Medium sized pieces,  tangy, sweet   





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Mangos
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Combine FD mangoes and water in a sauce pan, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes or until soft. Drain and rinse in cool water.  Drain and pat dry.  

Alternatively  place Mangoes in hot water and allow to sit 10-12  minutes until soft.  Drain.  

  • Freeze Dried  Peach  Slices  –  white  peaches,  tart  and  sweet.  The peaches are in big pieces maybe a quarter or an eighth of a peach.  Very nice.    





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Peaches
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Combine FD peaches and water in a sauce pan, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes or until soft. Drain and rinse in cool water.  Drain and pat dry.  

Alternatively  place peaches in hot water and allow to sit 10-12  minutes until soft.  Drain.  

Freeze Dried  Pears
    • Tend to clump quickly  but  make  great  baby  food!   

    • Delicious





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Pears
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add FD pears to cool water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain.

Pineapple  
    • dehydrated,  like  candied  Christmas  cakes,  sugar  added

    • Heat  extracted  citric  acid  and  sugar,  needed  to  be  added  

    • Texture  changed  dramatically

    • Dehydrated Pineapple does not rehydrate well


Freeze Dried  Pineapple  Chunks
    • light,  airy,  tangy,  no  sugar,  salt,  citric  acid,  or  preservatives  

    • Best  seller  

    • Use  these  2  products  as  a  contrasting  example  of  dehydrated  vs.  freeze  dried  in  a show   

    • My favorite Recipe:  these are so good I seldom cook with them.  I do really like to use the powder at the bottom of the can to make to make Pineapple Butter Cream Frosting, I also like  Pineapple Ice Cream






Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Pineapple
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add FD pineapple to cool water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain.

Freeze Dried  Raspberries
    • amazing  color  and  flavor , a burst of raspberry flavor





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried Raspberries
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Place FD raspberries on a plate.  Spray with cool water until thoroughly damp.  Let sit for 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain of any excess water.

Freeze Dried  Strawberries





Makes
Amount
Water
Instructions
Freeze Dried  Strawberries
1 c.
1 c.
1 c.
Add FD strawberries to cool water and allow to sit 7-10 minutes until soft.  Drain. do not allow FD strawberries to soak for an extended period of time.  I find that if you let them sit they absorb too much water and turn to mush.