Many have said that they don't get any wheat because they don't have a grinder or that they don't make bread. Let me give you some information that may help you realize that wheat is a good thing to have and that you don't need to have a grinder to use it and benefit from it's goodness.
I'm sure you've heard that wheat is the staff of life. This is because wheat has many nutrients to sustain life. The leaders of the Church have been telling us for years to store wheat. Wheat is the basis for many food items such as breads, pasta, cookies (mmm), pie crust, cake just to name a few. Yes, you could store white flour, but white flour only has a short storage life, where wheat will last, if properly stored, for almost ever. Wheat flour has better nutritional value than white flour as well. There is more protein and less carbohydrates in wheat flour than in white flour. Not to mention the vitamin and minerals that is lost when wheat flour is processed and made shelf stable. I'm not saying not to store any white flour, I'm just saying that wheat is a great way to not only sustain life, but to live a healthier life.
Okay, so now that we have the nutritional and storage life out of the way let's talk about how to use the wheat. Of course you can make bread. Now let me say about bread making that I think every one should at least try to make bread. I mean really try, not just try it once, have it not quite work like you think it should and give up. Give it a few tries. Be sure you have a good recipe and good ingredients to begin with. Don't think you are going to make great bread with old, out dated ingredients. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Okay, with that said, I also believe we all have talents. Some of us are good at some things and some of us are good at other things. If you've really put your heart into trying to make bread and it just doesn't turn out as an edible product, I firmly believe in the barter system. Store your own wheat and other bread making necessities, find a friend who does make good bread and make a deal with her (or him, not to discriminate) that you will do something in exchange for their bread making abilities. Does this idea make anyone feel any better? Good.
What else can you use wheat for, especially if you don't have a grinder? You can make the most delicious blender pancakes and waffles. All you need is a blender. You can also make popped wheat, which is kind of like making popcorn. You can turn it into bulgar wheat, which is really a pretty easy process, and use it as a meat extender.
If you don't have a grinder and really want to start using wheat as part of your diet, I'm sure you know someone who does have a grinder who would be happy to let you go to their house, and grind up a bunch of wheat for you to store for use. Keeping fresh ground wheat flour in the fridge or freezer will help maintain its nutritional value as well as keep it from going rancid since the wheat germ has a lot of fat, the flour will go rancid if not kept cool.
Once you get some wheat ground, you can begin to introduce it into your families diet a little at a time. Whole grains and beans are items you want to begin feeding your family a little at a time. The reason is because in a colon that isn't used to a lot of bulky fiber, those foods can cause gas. If there is a lot of gas, there is a lot of pain. You don't want to do this to your family. Even small amounts once or twice a week is a good start.
Be sure to store spices and leavening ingredients, too. You can't do much without leavening, unless you don't mind flat breads, cakes, cookies, etc.
In the next post I'll post some great recipes you can use with and without ground wheat.
Be brave. Try some new things. If you have a good attitude about your basic storage items, the more likely your children and hopefully spouse, will too.
Keep up the great work,
Michelle
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Lower prices at the cannery
I found out recently that there are lower prices at the cannery as of late. If you want to know what the prices are at the cannery just go to providentliving.org, click on "Home storage order form download" on the right of the screen. Call me if you have issues.
Michelle
Michelle
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No more barf bowls!
I don't think I've mentioned before about how to not have a barf bowl. If I spelled barf wrong, sorry, I don't like that word anyway.
Okay, so what do if you have a child who is sick if you don't give them a bowl to be sick in? Here is a trick I learned years ago when my oldest daughter would get car sick if we went more than 10 miles in a car. You get a paper bag and you fold down the top about an inch to give it some stability. Then you put it in a plastic grocery bag. When the child gets sick they throw up in the paper bag. When they are done throwing up, you simply roll up the paper bag, tie up the plastic bag, and throw it all away. No muss, no fuss. The germs, as well as othe mess, is all contained in the bags.
For a small child, suggest keeping on hand the large grocery bags so it's easier for them to get it all into the bag. Older children can use a smaller lunch bag, if you're concerned they might not quite get to the toilet in time. Better safe than sorry.
If you're like me, you'll love this idea, because I would rather clean up almost anything but throw up. But, unfortunately if you have children, it's going to happen. Happy no cleaning!
Michelle
Okay, so what do if you have a child who is sick if you don't give them a bowl to be sick in? Here is a trick I learned years ago when my oldest daughter would get car sick if we went more than 10 miles in a car. You get a paper bag and you fold down the top about an inch to give it some stability. Then you put it in a plastic grocery bag. When the child gets sick they throw up in the paper bag. When they are done throwing up, you simply roll up the paper bag, tie up the plastic bag, and throw it all away. No muss, no fuss. The germs, as well as othe mess, is all contained in the bags.
For a small child, suggest keeping on hand the large grocery bags so it's easier for them to get it all into the bag. Older children can use a smaller lunch bag, if you're concerned they might not quite get to the toilet in time. Better safe than sorry.
If you're like me, you'll love this idea, because I would rather clean up almost anything but throw up. But, unfortunately if you have children, it's going to happen. Happy no cleaning!
Michelle
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Pandemic: Do You Know?:
Do you know how the flu is spread? According to the CDC "the main way that flu viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby" (eeewww). "Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands"(again eeewww).
May I make a suggestion to possibly help us all fair better in the fall and winter with the flu virus, whether it's the swine flu or seasonal flu. Start now encouraging your little children to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze with their upper arm. Also, for those of us who were taught as children to cover our mouths with our hand, change to covering with a tissue, which you would not ever reuse, or your upper arm. Then as quickly after the sneeze or cough as possible, clean hands with either hand sanitizer or soap and water. Obsession is not always a bad thing. Also, don't forget to wash hands after being at the store. You don't know what kind of people have been touching anything at the store.
Let me tell you a story to prove my point. I was at Target one day, in the book area. I was looking down an aisle when I saw a woman holding a book, which she proceded to cough several times on, using the book to "cover the cough"and then put it back on the shelf. If someone were to come along within even 24 hours later and tough that book, what ever germs this woman had that caused her to cough, would then get on the other person's hands and then on any thing they touched.
Okay, I think you get the point. Now really is the time to start planning for the fall and winter season. The easiest way to prepare is to make a list and then get a couple of things a week until the list is finished. Have fun getting prepared!
Michelle
May I make a suggestion to possibly help us all fair better in the fall and winter with the flu virus, whether it's the swine flu or seasonal flu. Start now encouraging your little children to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze with their upper arm. Also, for those of us who were taught as children to cover our mouths with our hand, change to covering with a tissue, which you would not ever reuse, or your upper arm. Then as quickly after the sneeze or cough as possible, clean hands with either hand sanitizer or soap and water. Obsession is not always a bad thing. Also, don't forget to wash hands after being at the store. You don't know what kind of people have been touching anything at the store.
Let me tell you a story to prove my point. I was at Target one day, in the book area. I was looking down an aisle when I saw a woman holding a book, which she proceded to cough several times on, using the book to "cover the cough"and then put it back on the shelf. If someone were to come along within even 24 hours later and tough that book, what ever germs this woman had that caused her to cough, would then get on the other person's hands and then on any thing they touched.
Okay, I think you get the point. Now really is the time to start planning for the fall and winter season. The easiest way to prepare is to make a list and then get a couple of things a week until the list is finished. Have fun getting prepared!
Michelle
Menu Planning Activity July 28th 7:00 at the church
Hey everyone,
I've been getting some comments from people about how they are having a hard time making a menu plan for their storage because they don't know what meals to plan. So, I thought it would be a good idea to do some brain storming together to not only share ideas on meals, but to also see how really not hard it is to do. And just in time for the fall case lot sales. Anyone, including those not in our ward are invited, and men too, are invited to come to the church on Tuesday, July 28th at 7:00. I hope you will plan to come, invite friends and family and a notebook to write everything down. I think it will be a very helpful activity.
I've been getting some comments from people about how they are having a hard time making a menu plan for their storage because they don't know what meals to plan. So, I thought it would be a good idea to do some brain storming together to not only share ideas on meals, but to also see how really not hard it is to do. And just in time for the fall case lot sales. Anyone, including those not in our ward are invited, and men too, are invited to come to the church on Tuesday, July 28th at 7:00. I hope you will plan to come, invite friends and family and a notebook to write everything down. I think it will be a very helpful activity.
Grocery Shopping-There's An Easier Way
FYI: SMITH'S IN AMERICAN FORK IS CLOSING! 20% OFF THE WHOLE STORE-EVEN IT IS ALREADY ON SALE!
I have always been a person that like to find the best deals. I have spent my time online an pouring over the paper to ensure I get the greatest value for my dollar, but now I have found an easier way...
I log onto http://www.grocerysmarts.com/. When you put in the password g84ckc you can pull up grocery lists for all the local stores. The grocery lists have information on how good of a deal an item is and where to find coupons. (In many cases there are links to online coupons.)
I know many of you probably found this site long ago, but in case any of you are still spending your time pouring over ads instead of spending time with your family...there is an easier way!
Danielle
I have always been a person that like to find the best deals. I have spent my time online an pouring over the paper to ensure I get the greatest value for my dollar, but now I have found an easier way...
I log onto http://www.grocerysmarts.com/. When you put in the password g84ckc you can pull up grocery lists for all the local stores. The grocery lists have information on how good of a deal an item is and where to find coupons. (In many cases there are links to online coupons.)
I know many of you probably found this site long ago, but in case any of you are still spending your time pouring over ads instead of spending time with your family...there is an easier way!
Danielle
Sunday, July 5, 2009
HEALTH CHALLENGE
HEALTH CHALLENGE JULY 6-AUGUST 16
Every day you need to do each of the items below. For each one you do, you get 1 point. You can earn up to 11 points a day for a total of 77 points a week.
POINTS:
1. Eat 5 servings of fruits & vegetables. A serving can be a fruit or vegetable, a half cup of cooked vegetables or 2 cups of leafy green vegetables.
2. Drink 5-8 glasses of water a day. You can add Crystal Light if you want to make it easier, but make sure half of it is plain water. (Minimum 40 oz)
3. Get 7 hours of sleep a night. If you come up short, you can nap during the day- the 7 hours do not have to be consecutive.
4. Exercise 30 minutes a day. Make sure it is more than a leisurely walk. (You always get the exercise point on Sunday as long as you go to church.)
5. No soft drinks or alcohol. None.
6. No sweets. No cookies, candy, cake etc. (A little brown sugar or honey in oatmeal is fine.)
7. No unhealthy food choices; fries, chips, Cheezits, Ritz and other snack crackers and processed cheese. (Baked chips and Wheat Thins/Triscuits are okay, but try snacking on fruits, vegetables or nuts.)
8. No eating after 8:00 p.m.- unless you work out for 2 hours or burn 1500 calories.
9. Eat 2 servings of whole grains or legumes per day.
10. One-on-one family connection. Spend quality one-on-one time with your spouse, child or other family member.
11. Study your scriptures for at least 15 minutes.
During the week you get 3 free points. For example, one day you can use a free point for one normal size dessert or use another free point for missing exercise one day. These points do not accumulate. Use it or lose it.
Report your points every Monday to Danielle Cahoon at sdcahoon@hotmail.com or (801) 768-8125. You get one extra point if you report before 1:00 p.m.
If you are the weekly winner, you get 1 extra free point the following week. All 6 weekly winners and the 4 people with the top total points will be entered in a drawing for a grand prize.
You have 1 free day during the 6 week period where you can get all 11 points without having to follow any of the rules. Use it wisely!
Every day you need to do each of the items below. For each one you do, you get 1 point. You can earn up to 11 points a day for a total of 77 points a week.
POINTS:
1. Eat 5 servings of fruits & vegetables. A serving can be a fruit or vegetable, a half cup of cooked vegetables or 2 cups of leafy green vegetables.
2. Drink 5-8 glasses of water a day. You can add Crystal Light if you want to make it easier, but make sure half of it is plain water. (Minimum 40 oz)
3. Get 7 hours of sleep a night. If you come up short, you can nap during the day- the 7 hours do not have to be consecutive.
4. Exercise 30 minutes a day. Make sure it is more than a leisurely walk. (You always get the exercise point on Sunday as long as you go to church.)
5. No soft drinks or alcohol. None.
6. No sweets. No cookies, candy, cake etc. (A little brown sugar or honey in oatmeal is fine.)
7. No unhealthy food choices; fries, chips, Cheezits, Ritz and other snack crackers and processed cheese. (Baked chips and Wheat Thins/Triscuits are okay, but try snacking on fruits, vegetables or nuts.)
8. No eating after 8:00 p.m.- unless you work out for 2 hours or burn 1500 calories.
9. Eat 2 servings of whole grains or legumes per day.
10. One-on-one family connection. Spend quality one-on-one time with your spouse, child or other family member.
11. Study your scriptures for at least 15 minutes.
During the week you get 3 free points. For example, one day you can use a free point for one normal size dessert or use another free point for missing exercise one day. These points do not accumulate. Use it or lose it.
Report your points every Monday to Danielle Cahoon at sdcahoon@hotmail.com or (801) 768-8125. You get one extra point if you report before 1:00 p.m.
If you are the weekly winner, you get 1 extra free point the following week. All 6 weekly winners and the 4 people with the top total points will be entered in a drawing for a grand prize.
You have 1 free day during the 6 week period where you can get all 11 points without having to follow any of the rules. Use it wisely!
Bulk Buy- Wheat
If you would like some wheat at a good price, here's you chance. I will be picking it up Monday, July 6th and I need your order before then.
DETAILS:
50 lb bag of Hard Red Wheat- $11.00, harvested last fall
(You could use our stake's drypack canner to package this wheat)
or
45 lb bucket of Hard Red Wheat- $18.50, harvested last fall
Danielle
DETAILS:
50 lb bag of Hard Red Wheat- $11.00, harvested last fall
(You could use our stake's drypack canner to package this wheat)
or
45 lb bucket of Hard Red Wheat- $18.50, harvested last fall
Danielle
You Can Start Early Too!
I have always started my canning in the fall. I love having a variety of apple, pear and peach items in my pantry along with the homemade salsa.
This summer I have activity looked for places to get free or very inexpensive fruits to preserve. One of the fruits people just give away are mulberries. Mulberries grow on trees and are not hard to harvest; you just set tarps on the ground and shake the branches of the tree. I have never seen anything like it! Pie cherries (sour cherries) are also ready to be picked right now. Perhaps you know someone that will not be using the fruit on their trees, please let me know and we will see if anyone in the ward could use it.
This has resulted in many jars of jams, syrups and preserves in the past couple weeks. You can find a lot of recipes online at www.fooddownunder.com or at the local extension office. If you have not canned before or are not an experienced canner, Michelle or I would be happy to show you the basics. (Since we are at a high elevation, remember to process your jars for long enough.)
This week I will be using pie cherries to make canned cherries and cherry pie filling. I will also be trying a vegetable Antipasto recipe soon. (I have made canned bing cherries, cherry syrup, bing cherry jam, cherry raspberry jam, mulberry syrup, mulberry apple syrup, mulberry cherry apple syrup, mulberry jam, raspberry mulberry apricot jam, mulberry peach jam and raspberry apricot jam.) If any of these recipes interest you, let me know!
Danielle
This summer I have activity looked for places to get free or very inexpensive fruits to preserve. One of the fruits people just give away are mulberries. Mulberries grow on trees and are not hard to harvest; you just set tarps on the ground and shake the branches of the tree. I have never seen anything like it! Pie cherries (sour cherries) are also ready to be picked right now. Perhaps you know someone that will not be using the fruit on their trees, please let me know and we will see if anyone in the ward could use it.
This has resulted in many jars of jams, syrups and preserves in the past couple weeks. You can find a lot of recipes online at www.fooddownunder.com or at the local extension office. If you have not canned before or are not an experienced canner, Michelle or I would be happy to show you the basics. (Since we are at a high elevation, remember to process your jars for long enough.)
This week I will be using pie cherries to make canned cherries and cherry pie filling. I will also be trying a vegetable Antipasto recipe soon. (I have made canned bing cherries, cherry syrup, bing cherry jam, cherry raspberry jam, mulberry syrup, mulberry apple syrup, mulberry cherry apple syrup, mulberry jam, raspberry mulberry apricot jam, mulberry peach jam and raspberry apricot jam.) If any of these recipes interest you, let me know!
Danielle
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