Sunday, October 30, 2011

Christmas Countdown Printables--Get Organized Now

This has nothing to do with food storage, but I love it so I thought I would share.  Every year I use the Organized Christmas Printable to plan my holiday.  I love that if I follow the calendar than everything is done but the first week in December.  No last minuet shopping.  No hectic December.  It has allowed my family to really enjoy and celebrate the Christmas season.    It also helps me and my husband talk about what we really want to get out of the season.  

 You can find the calendar here and other printables like budgets here,  If you are looking for ways to have a better holiday season go check it out.  You'll love it. 


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Where do I put my food storage? Autumn’s Basement Food Storage


Autumn is lucky to have a good sized area in her unfinished basement where she stores her food storage.  The room she has houses her washer and dryer, a large chest freezer, a Harvest #10 and 5 shelves she purchased from Sam’s club  and 5 shelves she purchased at Sam's Club (for their durability for the price).


Autumn began couponing a long time ago, and she has built up a stockpile of food that she has purchased using coupons that were free or nearly free.  Autumn likes couponing because there are so many things she uses on a regular basis that she can get for pennies. 


Being frugal at the supermarket by using coupons takes quite a bit of time; at home, before the shopping trip, and once you're at the supermarket. Time is something this crazy-busy moms like Autumn, just doesn't have a lot of these days! Autumn thinks she will probably always be a thrifty, coupon-user, but she says “I love how much time Shelf Reliance and the Q has given back to me and my family.



  Autumn's one and only Harvest shelf.  Her dream is to some-day have enough Harvest #10's to give each veggie a row of it's own. Because of her lack of space one Harvest is doing all the work.

Are of some of Autumn's cansolidators.  She has 4 cansolidators divided between 2 half-shelves (We took a full shelving unit and built two half-size shelves to keep the windows free).



Autumn has one large shelving unit that holds all her home-canned products. 


Autumn has two smaller shelves (purchased at Walmart) set against the wall  that the stairs are on. She has just enough space to get between the shelves. These shelves have  toiletries (which are all divided into individual totes-purchased for .99 at Walmart, and labeled), dry cereal, snacks and baking products.

Autumn's final smaller shelf against my only remaining wall, next to my chest freezer. This holds my condiments, noodles and any other odds and ends. It's a little sparse right now, because of the lack of good sales at the supermarket lately.

Thanks for sharing Autumn!  If you would be willing to share where you put your food storage please e-mail me heather@teamshelfreliance.com.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Food Storage Butter Cream Frosting



I’m a frosting snob.  I’ll admit it.  I like really good frosting.  I have tried making frosting with some food storage ingredients in the past, but I was not daring enough to use all food storage ingredients until now.

Tips:
In the recipe it just calls for milk.  It does not matter if you use instant or non-instant which ever you choose it needs to be reconstituted BEFORE measuring.  You are adding it as if it were fresh.

This frosting “sets” a little bit quicker than my regular butter cream recipe.  So if you are going to add sprinkles or candy make sure to be quick so your toppings will stick.

When handling this frosting it seems a little more viscous, almost sticky, than traditional butter cream, but when you eat it the consistency is correct.

Food Storage Butter Cream Frosting
 ¾ cup butter powder plus
1/2 cup shortening powder
¼ cup water
3 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. corn syrup
2 tsp. milk 
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Mix butter powder, shortening powder and water with hand mixer until creamy.  Gradually add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Add corn syrup, extract and milk. Beat until smooth.

Monday, October 24, 2011

3 month 2 person Food and Water Package On Sale through 11-14



The three month (2 person) food and water package (Catalog ID #25357) is on sale! The cost is $945.19 (regularly $1326.99). On Sale  through 11/14. This package is NOT available online so please contact me directly.  heather@teamshelfrealince.com 
Package contents include:
  • 6 Hard White Winter Wheat
  • 4 Potato Chunks
  • 6 Elbow Macaroni
  • 6 Six Grain Pancake Mix
  • 3 Cornmeal
  • 3 Quick Oats
  • 6 Instant White Rice
  • 6 Sweet Corn
  • 6 Green Peas
  • 3 Broccoli – Freeze Dried
  • 3 Raspberries – Freeze Dried
  • 2 Strawberries – Freeze Dried
  • 6 Apple Chips
  • 3 Carrot Dices
  • 3 Mixed Bell Pepper
  • 3 Potato Beads
  • 6 Non-Fat Powdered Milk
  • 4 Chocolate Drink Mix
  • 2 Cheddar Blend
  • 2 Bacon TVP
  • 2 Beef TVP
  • 2 Chicken TVP
  • 2 Taco TVP
  • 2 Pinto Beans
  • 2 Black Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Whole Eggs
  • THRIVE™ Orange Drink
  • Deluxe Wheat Grinder
  • 55 Gallon Water Container
  • Water Pump
  • Bung Wrench - doubles as a gas shutoff tool
  • Water Treatment Solution

New Winner--Cansolidator

It makes me sad when I announce the giveaway winner and the prize is never claimed.  But I’m pretty sure it is going to make someone very happy. 
The NEW winner of the Cansolidator giveaway is….. Jess

Who said:
Jess said...
I follow the blog.

Jess please e-mail me (heather@teamshelfreliance.com) within 48 hours to claim your prize. 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Food Storage Shout Outs

Recently I've spotted a bunch of recipes made with food storage foods.   I think you will like them.  

 1. Cookie Dough Dip from Chocolate Covered Katie
I am so excited about this recipe.  First of all I LOVE cookie dough and second I love that this is a "healthy" version.  
 It is made mostly from chickpeas (garbanzo beans) which I definitely store in my food storage.  If you don't store chickpeas think about it.  They are by far my most favorite bean, very versatile, and delicious.  You can get them dry or canned.  
I think this will soon become a favorite after school treat served with apples for dipping and milk for drinking.  



2.  Giant Cherry White Chocolate Sweet Rolls from Chef Tess Bakeress
This awesome sweet roll is whole grain and low fat.  Did I mention it is as big as a dinner plate?  Awesome! 


3.  Hearty Hunter's Stew with Ghost from the Sisters Cafe
Just in time for Halloween this recipe can easily be made from food storage ingredients. Very festive and fun.