Getting Prepared and Having Peace of Mind

July 2010

Food for Thought: The Home Storage Center (Cannery) will eventually be doing away with self-canning. They are already discouraging mylar bags and will be discontinuing them soon as some of the bags are not sealing properly and because a simple pin-prick will store the food as if in the open air and be totally useless. These changes will allow better quality control and deal with some of the health issues that have come to the forefront. It will take some time to change over, however they are already in the process of bringing in prepackaged items in cases. This means we will only be able to purchase cases of items or buy in bulk and can ourselves. So as inconvenient as it is to go across town to the HSC now, perhaps we should try and take advantage of this great facility so that we can store the amounts we want cheaper. I’m only guessing that some of the rates may go up a little for packaging and shipping. It’s so much easier to can there than all over your kitchen, especially if you have little ones around.

Upcoming Preparedness Events:

Cannery: Only 3 more Cannery dates left this year! Stock up now!

Wed., July 14 6 pm – 8 pm / Tues., Sept. 21 6 pm – 8 pm / Wed., Oct. 6 6 pm – 8 pm

New Date for CERT TRAINING: Sat., Sept. 11 and 18, 6am-2pm.

Call June Ranck at 269-1807 to sign up for our new reserved dates. Must be able to attend both days. Don’t miss out!

Did You Know: For radiation exposure, put 2 cups baking soda and 2 cups salt in warm water tub. Soak for 20 minutes. This draws out and neutralizes radioactive material. Cranberries kill flu virus because of quinine. Must use unprocessed fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried cranberries. Stimulate heart and open pores with a ginger bath of 3-4 tablespoons of ground ginger in bath water. Cayenne pepper is the #1 first aid herb: stops the effects of shock, stops internal and external bleeding, stabilizes heart attack victim until help arrives. Take 1/8-1/4 teaspoon internally, put on wounds, or on chest or back.

Helpful Hint: For better flavor, always serve prepared powdered milk ice cold. Store in a glass container to keep colder.

Recipe of the Month:

Sweet Potato Pancakes

1/2 c. sweet potato puree } per 1 c. pancake mix

¼ t. cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional) }

Add puree and spice to your favorite pancake mix to sneek in some extra nutrition for those who don’t eat their vegetables. Make ahead and store in the frige so it’s ready for breakfast in the morning. Hint: Puree leftover vegetables (like cauliflower) and freeze. Add to your favorite recipes. Kids won’t even know.