Next, cheese and butter are something many of us think we can’t keep much of on hand. I have frozen cheese, which is ok, but leaves the cheese crumbly when thawed. But I have learned there are several alternatives.
I discovered these bad boys several years ago, and am using them quite regularly now. They are good. My cheese-loving children (only 2) will eat it like normal cheese. It works great in casseroles and even in scrambled eggs. The retailers of this cheese claim it melts. Well, it does, but it’s definitely not the normal melting of cheese. It is made from cream and is called “processed cheese”. Though it isn’t like Velveeta- it is sliceable and grateable and has real cheese texture. Though it doesn’t taste like real cheese to me, it will do. It tastes more like American cheese.
I have also learned you can wax your own REAL cheese and keep it for years. This lady give the 411 here .
I WILL do that if we ever live somewhere we can buy bulk cheese. (no Sam's or Costco in this little town).
Butter:
These are AMAZING. Ingredients- cream, salt. Made in New Zealand. It is super creamy and a little sweeter than our butter here in the US. But it is REAL BUTTER! I’ve stored mine for over 4 years now, and it is perfectly fine. I would definitely keep this up in my storage. With all that wheat, we are making a LOT of bread- we need butter to go with it! I did have a friend who didn't care for the taste. So, it may be wise to try it before you stock up on it. Most of the sites I've browsed sell a sample can, 1/2 and full cases. Same for the bega canned cheese.
As for the kids and I, we are baking a lot. We are down to one loaf of frozen bread. I am totally utilizing my bread machine. It makes amazing dough, which I can bake in a normal bread pan, if I wish or us to make bread sticks, scones, rolls, etc.- all of which, my children have thoroughly enjoyed making (making a mess:)). This is Adelle and I watching something bake (I don't recall what at the moment).
Household items:
Several years ago, I decided I would buy our household items in sets of 12. One trip I bought 12 shampoo bottles (various brands, types). The next, 12 conditioners. Another time, I bought 12 packages of toothbrushes. Next 12 boxes of toothpaste. Etc, etc. Thus, we are pretty well stocked in that department. I haven't had to buy shampoo & conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes for years! We are almost of out of kid toothbrushes. I have had to replenish our toothpaste several times as well as floss. Bar soap keeps FOREVER. Just make sure you LOVE your bar soap b/c you might get sick of it:).
Diapers were a big concern for me. Several years ago, I made my own cloth diapers, and purchased several as well. I use them. Not on a daily basis- but I a lot myself so many disposable diapers a month. Usually by the last week, we are using cloth. Sometimes I use them more often. Definitely stretches the budget.
Paper Products:
TP- IMPORTANT! I don't want to use leaves. Though if you keep newspaper or magazines- they could be substituted if absolutely necessary:).
Paper towels- I utilize these tremendously. They are NOT a necessity though. I could just use rags if needed, but I do keep at least 1 bulk package on hand.
Soaps:
Laundry detergent- I have 12 small bottles of SUPER concentrated liquid soap. I ordered them actually by error on Amazon on time, but have been grateful for them. They will keep us CLEAN:). They can also be diluted as various cleaners.
Dish soap- we would run out of this in a matter of months. I only keep a few bottles on hand. we go through about 1 bottle a month. BUT would go through more if we didn't use the dishwasher. Dish washer detergent may run out this week:) Joy.
Hand soap- I only keep a couple bottles of liquid hand soap refill on hand. We could use the bar soap if that ran out.
Heat Source:
We recently purchased a kerosene burning portable heater. It is killer cold here in the winter, and KNOW we would really be in a bad situation if we lost electricity. So, we purchased a heater and a few gallons of kerosene. We've tried it, and it's great. Heats super efficiently. Next, we need to stock up on kerosene.
Next months challege: 72- hour kit
6 comments:
What great info Cami. So useful. I definitely need to stock up in the dish soap area - we ran out this week and had to go a few days without. I swear that's a picture of Cade wearing a purple shirt. The resemblance is amazing.
you go girl. that is all i can say. you. go. girl.
You are freakin' AWESOME Cami!!! Amazing girlfriend! I'd love to know about some of your other brands you're using. Especially your powdered milk. I think ours is GROSS! Can't wait to hear more!!! Good luck!! :)
You don't need a sprouter to sprout grains! All you need is a mason jar and some kind of screen over the top - like a piece of old nylon, and arubber band to keep it on.
Just put 1/4 cup or so of wheat berries (or whatever grain you're sprouting, you'd have to experiment with the amount) and let soak overnight. In the am, rinse with cold water;repeat rinsing at least two more times during the day. Keep covered with a towel in a cool place.
With wheat you have to experiment to see when you like it the best. I haven't done it for a while, but I think when the sprout it 1 - 2 inches long it is sweet and if you let it go too long it gets pretty starchy.
You should try it just to add something different during your last stretch.
Good luck and good job!
All I can say is WOW. I am amazed that you did this. Now you know you will be able to take care of your family in an emergency. I had told myself a few weeks ago that once we get back to the states, food and personal storage was going to be top of my list.
Cami - this is GREAT! Thanks for being so brave as to put your family through this so you can educate all of us! We love you.
- Dad
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