Gabby - Winter - Preparing

  Well, I love being a Nana. Gabby is doing great. She sleeps at times up to 5 hours. And only really cries when it’s time to eat or we change her diaper. She has kept us on our toes. :)

  I need your help. I am looking for a knitted soaker pattern ( cloth diaper cover). A friend gave us some all in one cloth diapers, but I have a lot of the old cloth diapers so I need the soakers for them. And I’m getting ready to start knitting my first sweater (baby sweater). For some reason I have a fear of knitting a sweater. So someone said to start with a baby sweater. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

  The farm is doing good. The house is ok, I rather spend time with Gabby than clean. :) TommieLynn and I are getting ready for school to start, and looking forward to something new. So we have been busy.

I am still looking for new ways to stretch money and make more things at home. More people are cutting back on extras ( turning off: cable, phones-home and cell, internet, etc.) and winter is not here yet. And I have just started preparing for winter. Having put so much information on stocking up and preparing last year on this blog, I am not sure what else is need. So if you don’t tell me what you need, I  will just write about what I am doing now and about things that come to mind.

 Things I need to make/do before winter:

*knit: soakers, baby sweater, house socks for all

*cut and sew more napkins/tissues/baby wipes

*keep a check at thrift stores for wool sweaters on sale, to take a part to make wool socks and soakers. Most times I can get a wool sweater for $1 and it will make 2 pairs of socks plus. And flannel sheets to turn into  napkins/tissues/baby wipes.

*look for ideas/items for Christmas gifts ( that time of year again)

*looking for sales at the grocery stores to keep stocked up. I only buy items on sale. I need to get stocked up on bath paper(not using homemade yet, but can use the flannel napkins if needed).

*need more fire wood. I have a small stock from downed trees in yard. I’ll use for an outdoor fire for cooking if needed, power goes out and I’m out of gas. If not needed, will use for fun fires( roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the summer).

*I am sure there is more to do but I’ll start here.

 Ways I save money:

*I try really hard to go to town no more than once a week, it was every two weeks. But with Gabby doctor appointments it’s once a week now.

*Hang clothes outside to dry. Wash in cold water. Wash only full loads of clothes..

*Turn off everything not being used. TV’s, computers, etc. Lower hot water temperature. This has dropped my power bill by over $70 a month.

*When we do go out to eat- have to have a coupon.

*Only buy on sale items.

*See if I can make it before buying it. Even better, can I do without it.

I’m off to see what I can get into today.

Happy 4th of July. Have a great weekend.

Becky 

Farm Life - 9/15

We received a big box of apples, oh what a blessing, thank you Carol.  I did get all the onion sets planted.  Pulled up my garlic to dry. And the Lord sent a light rain last night. We have built a new chicken pen for the young chickens to go into.

We pulled up the hallway carpet (to many dog messes), and I scrubbed the tile that was under carpet. Now I looking for washable rugs to put down in the hallway. If I can't find what I want then I guess I'll start sewing them.

Our daughter came by yesterday and brought us lunch. This was a treat, thank you Sissy. Hamburgers and milk shakes, mmmmm.

I have also been weeding out the house. Throwing things away I no longer need or use. Tommy wants to take photos, as he says I never throw away any thing. But I'm tired of all this stuff getting in my way. We have an old school bus, that we use for storage. I have gone through things in there too. I already feel lighter. Some called it fall cleaning, I call it weeding the house.

I have frozen more eggs, canned more potatoes and milk.  I'm not sure how much longer the chicken will lay and the cow give milk??? And winter seem to be coming a lot faster this year.

I am working on knitted socks for this winter. And making gifts too. I think this would be a great year to start a nothing but homemade Christmas. With money so tight with everyone, maybe this will happen. And it's so much fun, even my 11 yr. old is thinking up things to make. But my job is to find her what she needs or come up with something else to use.

I have started cutting down on how much meat I put on the table for dinners. And this hit my 11yr. old hardest last night. As we had what she loves most, fried chicken. She usually eats 2-3 pieces, she really likes fried chicken. But I had to tell her it's 2 nights of chicken not 1 night.  I told her she could have more vegs.  She was not to happy, but she handled it pretty well.  Her dad and I tried again to tell her about hard times coming and making things stretch so they would last longer.  Our frozen chicken is very low and the chickens in the yard are not big enough yet to kill.  This is our first time of stretching food, as I use to put 3-5 lbs of meat on the table. We ate a lot of meat when the other 2 kids were home too. We always had enough, and even left over's.  We have always lived pay check to pay check.  But I have never before had to watch/cut back on meals.  All this mess with high prices and no jobs, how do you get your kids to understand??? She never gotten everything she wanted, but even a trip to the park in town cost more with gas prices up. She is use to the simple things in life, but now the simple things cost more too.  Yesterday, her little friend came over for the day. Do you know what they came up with, and had a blast doing? They filled up two 55 gallon steel drums with water, and played in them for hours. You could hear them laughing in the house.  I really love the simple life.

Becky 

Technorati Tags: food prices,food storage,ideas,making do,self sufficiency

Comments:

1. We are having to cut back in ways that the kids are feeling too. There’s a part of me that just hates that but the other half of me knows it’s just the way it has to be. As for meat, my husband was just talking tonight about saving up to get a cow for the freezer. But at the same time, that’s a lot of money. So we’ll just have to see how it goes. Hope you have a good week, Mrs.. D.D. Comment by D. | September 15, 2008 |

2. I think the “weeding” bug has hit me too! I’ve been purging through my house for the past several days, listing stuff on Craigslist, BluJay and Free cycle. I have also been trying to get through my “Fall To Do” list. Yesterday I finished making up the last of my mixes. I also recycled some towels that were given to me into dishrags. I just have to hem three more and I should be set for a while. I was down to just 3 dishrags…definitely needed more and instead of buying them I made them! I’m learning this self sufficient stuff one step at a time!  I have been trying to cut down on food at mealtime too. My DH and DS have noticed, but whatcha gonna do? Something has to give and the food budget is the easiest thing to stretch. I am really, really dreading this winter. Our winter gas/electric combined bill sometimes hits $400/mo. I can’t imagine what it is going to be now. Speaking of which, I have GOT to get that denim quilt finished for the family room! Hopefully we can all snuggled under blankets/quilts and keep the house a little cooler. Keep the posts coming…you are inspiring me and giving me the little “kick” I need to prepare! Thank you,Linda  Comment by Linda | September 16, 2008 |

3. Becky, have you seen the book, THE MAKERS DIET? We are have to stretch our meat too, I am able to get enough meat from the breast meat for hubby’s work lunch and then we get at least two other meals out of the remaining meat on the carcass. The most health giving thing about the way I cook the chicken is the broth. I detailed this method in a post on my blog titled PUPPY TRAINING. If you type that in the search box on my sidebar you can get the recipe. The gelatinous broth will help Tommy heal. Love your mozzarella post, and the milk cow post also, people always think we are crazy for having a cow, but I think they are crazy for not having a cow. Comment by matronofhusbandry | September 21, 2008 |

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another week on the Farm - Winter is Coming Fast

I have stayed busy. Tommy has had a bad week but thank God, I think he's getting better. I have canned more potatoes, froze more milk and cream and eggs, and made a big batch of mozzarella cheese for the freezer. The mozzarella cheese photos and recipe, I will post in a few days.

I have 3 lbs. of onion sets that need to be planted. I could not get any this past spring. So hopefully they will have enough time to grow this fall. I have never grown onions in the fall, so this is my something new this year. We eat a lot of them. And two weeks ago at the store they were $2.?? for 3 lbs., used to be less than a dollar.

I am at the point were I hate, hate going to the store (any store). The prices on everything are up to unbelievable. Enough to make all sick. Thank God for my food barn, milk cow and chickens. I know a lot of you don't have these things, and I am racking my brain on tips and hints for you. For right now, my tips are buy very wisely and learn to cook from scratch. I'll be posting some easy from scratch recipes soon.

The chicken are slowly slowing down on their eggs. But I'm freezing a lot too. The milk cow is down to 3 gallons a day, and should keep going down now. We have a cow in the freezer. Chickens to kill this fall when it cools off more.

Winter is on the way. And I'm almost ready, or should I say as ready as I can get. This summer has flown by. There are leaves all over the ground here. At times, I would love to put a hold on the winter coming, Saying I need a little more time to get ready. But the good Lord knows what's He's going, so I pray I'm putting up enough for the winter. And if not, He'll find a way to supply what we need, not want. I have felt like the ants in the Bible, more this year than ever before. And we have lived like this for years. Does anyone else feel like the ants this year?? I feel we all are in for the longest, hardest winter world wide.

I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and your prayers. These blogs have been such a blessing to me in more than one way. To be honest, I didn't think I would be able to help any one. But the overwhelming numbers are unbelievable. The canning potatoes post has reached 497 hits. Are there any potatoes left out there? Thank you all again. I am just here to help you all any way I can. There are so many people looking for ways to make it through all this mess. And my heart goes out to you all. I wish I could give you all a big hug.

Well it's time to start another day. May God bless you all to overflowing today.

Becky

Technorati Tags: canning,eggs,food storage,food prices,freezing,homemade cheese,making do,self sufficiency,winter

Comments:

1. Oh I am definitely feeling a push to “get my house in order”. I just don’t have enough hours or enough energy to do everything I want to get done. At the same time my job is getting very busy. Since I am self employed I really need to take advantage of the abundance of work and earnings right now. So time is my biggest problem. This weekend I really want to cook up all of the chicken leg quarters I have in the freezer and pull the meat off and freeze in portions that we use for “comfort food” in the winter like chicken n’ dumplings and casseroles. The next time I go to the butcher I will try to get even more chicken leg quarters. They sell them at $.19/lb with a $15 purchase. I will also use the bones to make a large supply of chicken stock for my freezer. I have never learned to can food and really wish I knew how. I did buy a water bath canner last year but haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it. Now why am I so hesitant? I even have a bunch of strawberries in my freezer…just need to take the plunge. Thanks once again for your encouragement. Linda Comment by Linda September 12, 2008

2. Linda,
   What a great deal on chicken!! Here the cheapest leg quarters (on sale) is $1.09 a lbs. I might have to come and visit you. The water bath canner is easier then the pressure canner, you just can’t can as many things in the water bath. But it’s a great place to start. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 13, 2008

Amanda said... I had no idea you could freeze eggs. How do you use them after they've been frozen? Can you still scramble and fry them or only use them within recipes?

September 12, 2008 7:58 AM

Becky said... http://jordansfarm.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/freezing-eggs-farm-fresh-and-store-bought-with-photos/ here is were you can get answers September 12, 2008 10:53 AM

Garlic braiding and Big box of seeds and saying good bye to friends

I have not harvested my garlic yet, but soon. I found Michelle's Garden blog. She does a post about how to braid garlic with photos, which is great. Here's the link: Braiding garlic with photos. I have always wanted to do this, but well I'm a show me person ( that's why I post so many photos, photos just help). I can't wait to braid my garlic.

Super friends of ours, Scott and Ann, came over last night. They bought me a really big box full of seeds. Seeds: vegs , herbs , and flowers. What a blessing, thank you Scott and Ann.  I'll have the prettiest yard next year and loads of vegs. Getting that box made me want to plant them now but well I'll have to wait till next year now. Oh what a great blessing.

Scott and Ann told us they will be moving for a while. You see this area has very,very little work. So they are going where there is work, about 5 hours away. They will come back, when they can. I wish them God speed, but boy they will be missed. Since Tommy has been sick they have been a blessing to us. They are good friends.

This was just a cute photo. Not often do you see cats and chickens getting a long or even sharing food.

Hope you all have a great day.

Becky

Technorati Tags: blessings,food storage,garden,ideas,self sufficiency

Low Income - Disability Check - Recession

This year is hard on everyone with the recession : high gas prices - high food prices - job cut backs - no jobs - etc. I wanted to share how we are making it on just a disability check of $996 a month for 3 people. This is our second month living off of it, and it was a little hairy last month but better this month.

With this check, we first pay the rent, power and phone bills. And we are left with $ 211. The $211 is used for: food, gas for the truck, truck ins., soaps and etc., and animal food. And this can be tricky and overwhelming, but so far we are doing it.

The rent bill, we can not lower.

The power bill: is high in the summer due to having to run a AC in the food barn (which holds a years supply of food) , in the winter: we use gas to heat with so power bill will drop but then we have to add back the gas bill. Everything is turned off when not in use.

The phone bill: is a little high but it includes- free long distant and a toll free number ( for family and friends to call), and our Internet which is used for school and to find new ways to save money.

Some ways we are saving money, not spending money, doing without wants, new ways of doing things:

1. We started last year storing and stocking up on food and other house hold goods. Which I am so thankful we did because we would be having a hard time now if I had not. And we put a beef cow in the freezer a few weeks ago. So our meat is good and will last 1 1/2 to 2 years.
2. Our milk cow is giving us 21+ gallons of milk a week, chicken give us eggs ( 80+ a week) and meat, and vegs from the garden. You can do a lot with milk and eggs including feeding cats and dogs.
3. We only go to town twice a month. I'd like to get it down to once a month but I'm not there yet. A trip to town cost us $30 in gas round trip.
4. Bought power strips to plug in the TV, VCR, etc., so as they can be turned off all the way when not in use.
5. Lower watt light bulbs
6. Home school books left over from older kids, another 4 years worth left before I need to buy more.
7. We do not eat out, and our sweets are homemade. I do buy cereal as I have not learned yet to make it. The good, low sugar kind- the good for you kind.
8. I make a lot of my cleaners, clothes soap, monthly pads, dish clothes, cloth napkins, socks ( I buy wool sweaters from the thrift store, and take them apart for the wool.)
9. I do use my dishwasher but I don't use my clothes dryer. I chose to give up using the dryer so I could use the dish washer. And it is only ran once or twice a day.
10. I chose to have Internet over dish/cable TV. We have air TV and get 3 channels (ABC, NBC, CBS), we think that is enough for us.
11. We fix things when they break not buy new. I love DUCT tape, but hubby does not. Oh, well I still sneak it in once in a while.
12. We save for things that are needed. We don't rent to own, where you end up paying twice. Now there is nothing wrong with people who choose this, as I know it's their only way. But we chose not to.
13. When I go to the store, I only buy things on sale. I plan my menu on what I have on hand. And at times it's been hard, as you ladies know sometimes you just want something you don't have on hand.
14. You really have to learn to give some things up but not everything. We have all of our needs meet and still have a few of our wants. It's hardest on the kids. But I have been giving mine a choose of things. I just don't say no. I ask her, "Would you like this or that? or Do you want to do this or have that?" Recently she wanted to go to the pool, well we did not have the gas money. Which I told her, she said ok and went out side to play. She came back in a while later and asked," Mom, can I use that big roll of plastic to make a water slide?" I said sure. She found a way to have fun with out spending a penny. I am so proud of her.
15. Read a lot. There are so many ways to learn something new.
16. Pray a lot. Count your every blessing both big and small.
17. Remember this earth is not our home. I say, Earth and living here is our boot camp for heaven.

I know it's going to be a long hard winter for everyone. And we might have to give up some things for a while. But the sun will come out again, this I know. I know some of you are working with a income lower than ours. Some of you may not be able to pay your rent or buy food. And I'm really sorry, I wish I could be of more help to you, but I'll pray for you. Maybe some of my ideas will help you, at least I pray they do.

I will list more things as they come to mind on saving money, etc. And I'll let you know when I find great web sites, too.

Well I better go for now, work to do. Hope you all have a blessed day.

Becky

comments:

Becky - You are such an inspiration. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I agree with you that we are in for a long hard winter. Thanks to your blog I am starting to prepare. Thank you. Comment by Linda August 28, 2008

Wow! That’s amazing! You are a good woman!! Comment by Darce August 28, 2008

I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve linked to you on my blog. I’m really enjoying my time here and it’s nice to see others who live this type of lifestyle. Can you share where you purchased the laundry spindles that hold the socks and underwear? I’m planning my laundry drying for the winter months. Thanks!! Comment by D. August 31, 2008

D.
No, I don’t mind at all. And I got the spindles a Rose’s Dept. Store, here. But I have seen them from time to time at the dollar trees, and Dollar General. I payed about $2.50 for mine and they work great. God bless and have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

I a beyond inspired here. I have always been a live more basic/frugal kind of person, but I come across truly wonderful blogs from time to time like yours here, and I sit in awe at how little I’ve actually done to make my life basic and simple.
Thank you so much for sharing. This large family deeply appreciates it (we have 11 here). Our prayers will be with you and everyone who will be pinching those pennies this coming winter, whether they planned to or not. It will be a rough road ahead, but if we can all share some tips and encouragement it certainly won’t be a lonely one!
I’ve linked you on both my blogs (http://plainhomesteading.blogspot.com/) Prayers and Blessings,Deanna Comment by Deanna September 2, 2008

Deanna,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. We will all need each other to make it though this coming winter. I am glad I could help some. With a 11 to feed, I know you have your job cut out for you. And thank you for linking here.
Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 3, 2008

Becky,
Wow, you sound just like me! I have lived much as you are living for most of my life. You have most of the things I learned and practice, figured out and applied to your family’s lifestyle. And you’ve done it successfully, which is not an easy task. My newest ‘cost cutter’ was the propane. When the propane for the house became more than it cost for gas in the car, it had to go. We just finished building and installing a solar hot water collector and it’s doing well. On a cloudy day, it heated up well enough to shower in without teeth chattering. We heat with wood and cook with wood in the winter, to save on the propane bill. In fact, I had the propane company remove their 250gal tank last summer. I didn’t want to pay rent on it monthly when I couldn’t afford to fill it. Keep up the good work and the blog. More and more people are going to want and need to know how things are done… the old fashioned way that will help them cut costs and still live well. Most of it is attitude and a ‘can-do’ approach. Instead of saying to yourself how bad it is and how it won’t work, try thinking of finding a way to make it work.. your way. I try to look at something that isn’t working and see what has to happen so that it does work. Then I try to make that happen. It can lead to some interesting associations and paths in my mental workings and often leaves me laughing. In the end, most things give up and work for me because I just never give up. Ha! Laugh a lot, it helps. Remember that there’s a larger power out there that can help when you really get stuck and let that power work in your life.Keep up the great blog, I’ll be back to read more and maybe put in 2 cents worth every now and then. Comment by Lisa September 25, 2008

Lisa,
Nice to meet you. We would like a wood stove but with Tommy’s COPD, we can’t. We have thought of solar too, but we rent and can’t. I agree with your can-do attitude. Please feel free to add your 2 cents anytime, as I need all the cents I can get.
Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 25, 2008

Becky,
I am actually inspired by your post. I am a Filipino and haven’t been in the US but I may say I even speak with at least 150 Americans Everyday. I am a debt collector by profession in a Specific Bank there in U.S. I know we have bad impression as a debt collector but not all is Heartless. I can really feel your situation and it helps me more understand people from U.S. I will pray for you and your family and to all families who experience hardship. Comment by Daphne February 15, 2009

Canning Potatoes

You can use garden or store potatoes to can. Our potato plants died to soon, so we did not get the crop we usually get. So when potatoes go on sale, I will buy a bunch and can them.

These are our new potatoes dug this year. The small ones, I wash really good and can. These are good when it's cold outside.

The above canned potatoes are from this year. The below are from last year. The starch (the white coating on potatoes below) is just washed off, and potatoes are good. The chopped potatoes are used in : beef stew, put in a pan and fried with butter and onions, in a pan and eaten as boiled potatoes, drained over night and used in potato salad, and more.

To pressure can Potatoes:

Small ones: just wash well and pack loosely in jars.

Large ones: Peel and cut into a brine water ( 1 teaspoon salt to a quart of water) , then rinse and pack loosely in to jars.

Then add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart and fill with water.

Process 40 minutes for quarts at 15 lbs.

Happy Canning!

For those of you who do not have a pressure canned, the potatoes can be froze, put in the cool part of your refrigerator. But please do not use a hot water bath canner as it is not safe.

See comment #25 below on how to freeze potatoes.
( more answers can be found in the comments here)

Becky

Comments:
becky. when canning potatoes can you use table salt or do you have to use canning salt? also do you have to cook the potatoes before putting in jars or do you just wash , peal, and pack then pressure cook? thanks kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,I use table salt in the potatoes and in the brine.And no, you do not have to cook the potatoes before putting them in the jars. I just wash, peel, pack LOOSELY in jars and can them. Hope this helps, if not let me know.Becky Comment by jordansfarm August 31, 2008

Becky,Thank you for your response on the salt. I done just what you had said and now I have another problem. After I took my potatoes out of the pressure cooker their were some jars that like half of the brine is gone. We made sure that all the seals were on good and tight and filled all the jars the same before putting them in the canner. What happened? Can I break the seals on the jars that the brine is gone in and put more brine in them and reprosess or are they ok like they are or do I just need to go ahead and fix those to eat soon. Only had like 4 jars out of 44 jars to do this. They all look good. Thank You again for all your help. We will be praying for Tommy and your family.Kathy Comment by kathy August 31, 2008

Kathy,Your potatoes are fine. The potatoes soaked up the water and some times the water leaks out. But if they have a good seal, they are fine. Mine do the same thing, and it’s ok. And great job, 44 jars is alot of peeling. Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

BeckyI had always heard you could can potatoes, but I have never tried to do them. This year my brother gave me a good supply of potatoes and since it is just my husband and me know I wanted to can them. How long to you process pint jars?I grew up on a dairy farm, seven kid in the family and still can a lot. My boys are grown and moved on but I still can some things for them and they love the cost savings on their food bill.Thanks for your siteSandy
Comment by Sandy September 1, 2008

Sandy,Pints are canned for 35 mintues. And thank you very much for stopping by. Please let me know how your potatoes turn out, ok. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 1, 2008

I do not have a pressure cooker, so I would like to know if anyone has used the cold bath method for potatoes. Also, has anyone ever made salsa and either cold bathed or froze the salsa. Sure am glad I found this site!!!Rochelle Comment by Rochelle September 4, 2008

Rochelle,It is not best to cold bath the potatoes, it’s not safe. They need to be pressure canned. Can you borrow a canner from a friend? I am not sure about the salsa as we do not eat it. But hopefully one of my readers will know. And thank you for stopping by. Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 5, 2008

Becky….I would have never guessed that you can can potatoes…..such a good idea as I don’t use very often and the bag usually goes bad.Thanks for the idea. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Rochelle,Yes, last year I cold bath canned and also froze salsa. Tomatoes are acidic so it’s safe to cold bath can. Hope this helps ya. Comment by plantinthings September 6, 2008

Becky,Do you cook the potatoes before you can them or just pack them in jars and process? I have seen a few other recipes that require you to boil them for ten minutes first and then pack and process. Comment by Lee Snyder September 7, 2008

Lee,I do not cook my potatoes first. I pack them loosely in jars and then can them. And have done so for 10 + years. Yes, I too have seen those recipes and know people who boil first. But for us, when you are looking at a few 100 lbs. of potatoes, to us that’s just extra work. So I canned some with out boiling them first and it worked, and the canned potatoes lasted well over a year. So I guess it’s up to you which way you want to do it. We try and find the fastest, safest way to do things here on the farm, as there is so much to do. I hope this helps you. Maybe some of my readers will put in their thoughts on this. Hope you have a great day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 7, 2008

Becky,Do you fill the jars with cold water or boiling water? Thanks for your wonderful tips. I’m canning for the first time and came across your site. It’s been very helpful.Blessings,Kimberly
Comment by Kimberly September 7, 2008

Good morning Kimberly,I fill the jars with hot tap water. More and more people are canning now. good luck with your canning and if you have any more questions, just ask, ok.Have a wonderful day.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 8, 2008

Good morning Becky,Thanks for the great information. So far I’ve put back 200+ jars of canned goods, not counting what’s in my deep freeze. I’m not done yet. Not bad for my first year. Anyway, I canned the potatoes last night, just guessing about the water. I ended up using hot tap water just like you said. My potatoes went from being white to having a yellowish gold color. My husband purchased a 50 pound bag. These were russets I believe. Is this okay? Yours still look white and I was wondering what the difference might be. Thanks again…I’m sure I’ll be visiting your blog often.Kimberly Comment by Kimberly September 8, 2008

Hi Becky-Found your website and it is so good to read-just like having a neighbor and friend next door talking to me. Thanks for the great information on canning the potatoes. We have more in our garden than we could keep good for the winter so decided to pressure can them. They ended up having the milky looking water. Glad to know it’s just starch and no problem with the canning. My husband and I also canned sweet corn and green beans for the first time this year. Scary but fun. I followed the directions to a t in the canning book for time and altitudes, etc. so they should be good. Take care-I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless-Marlys Comment by Marlys Zimbelman September 9, 2008

Hey Becky, It’s Cammy here. I am wondering about how many pounds of store bought potatos it would take to can 7 quarts. I have been running crazily and would like to just do one canner at a time. Thanks, and by the way would this work for Sweet potatos you think? You are such a wonderful person to help out all of us “newbies” to canning. Thanks and God bless you and yours! Comment by Cammy Harbison September 12, 2008

Cammy,Good morning. I think it’s about a pound per qt. but the little bit let you could cook for dinner. Or put in pint jars and put another canning rack on top of the qts. and put 4 pints and top. BUT make sure your canner will close. Only one of my canners can I do this with. YES, you can do sweet potatoes in a syrup, but I’ll have to check the time on cooking them. Have a great day. Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 12, 2008

Thanks so much for what you are doing! I have been canning for years, but have never canned potatoes–this will be a first. Your information is very helpful! Since I’m so visual, it is so wonderful to have pictures! There is nothing better on a cold January evening than to serve dinner from your own canned goods. A full cupboard of canning jars is a beautiful sight…a testimony to God’s goodness! Blessings to all! Comment by Linda Johnson September 15, 2008

Hello, fellow Becky!!I have been canning for a few years now but this is my first year trying potatoes. I did my first 7 quarts - used Yukon Gold and they looked beautiful when I pulled them out of the canner. When they cooled and we were putting them away, we noticed that the water had gelled - probably from the starch. Just wondering if this has happened to you and if the potatoes are still good. P.S. Love your website!! Comment by Becky S. September 16, 2008

Becky S.The potatoes are fine. Just wash off the gell/starch before eating/ using. It’s not harmful, I have always just washed it off. You did a wonderful job. And thank you for stopping in.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 17, 2008

Hi Becky,I don’t have a pressure cooker, but have been processing my dill pickles and salsa in boiling water in large stainless steel pot. Can I do this for the potatoes. I have never had a problem with my other canning goods. Thanks for your time. Great website!
Comment by John Szedlak September 18, 2008

John,It is NOT SAFE to process potatoes without a pressure cooker,they must be pressure canned. Can you borrow a pressure canner from some one? Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 18, 2008

I want to can my small potatoes whole. I do not have a pressure canner. I accept your advice about not being safe to can without pressure but I was wondering if I can a few and keep the jars in the refrigerator until I am ready to use them, would that be safe.
Comment by Nancy September 19, 2008

#25: Nancy,Potatoes are a low- acid food that must be pressure canned to destroy all bacteria and etc. I looked up an other way to store them safely.
freezing them:wash thoroughly, can peel. blanch 3- 5 mintues, depending on size. drain. cool. pack potatoes into can or freezer jars or plastic freezer boxes/ bags. seal, label, freeze.
Or they will stay in the cool part of your refrigerator longer than out. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 19, 2008

I loved your nice pictures of canned potatoes. We have a great crop of red and also gold potatoes this year so I wanted to preserve them somehow besides just in bins. Your information is very helpful. It’s great to know that I don’t have to blanch them first.It’s great there are others who believe it’s important for mom’s to be able to be home with their children. My last one of six just graduated this year and I have loved being home with my children (and doing all the neat homemaking stuff as well)God bless you,Helen R. Comment by Helen Robinson September 20, 2008

Becky,Well, I put up 20 Quarts of potatoes for the first time. Hope they come out. I tried reds, whites and russets. Also had some small onions, garlic, beans, peas and corn left from the late plantings so I did 10 quarts with some of the veggies in the potatoes. Also made a beef stock and used that as the canning liquid. Hope to have a nice soup base for this winter. Will let you know how that works out. Friend gave me a recipe for salsa, and it is the best I have ever had. If you want it, let me know. My family uses more salsa than anything else so I had to put up 68 pints. 30 hot, 20 med, and 18 mild. Well, back to preparing the garden for next year. Thank you for your help and will check back later to let you know about the soup. Comment by Lee September 21, 2008

HI,
All the recipes i have found say you have to peel the potatoes as they will produce a bacteria, but i see you can without peeling some. What are your thoughts on this? Comment by Kim Barth September 22, 2008

Kim,If you wash the potatoes really good first before canning, you should have no problems. I never have. Just wash them well. hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 22, 2008

Thanks to all your good advice I have put up many many quarts of Yukon Gold Potatoes! I left the skins on - washed them really well and cut off any bad spots. The Yukons seem to have more starch than the reds so most of my jars have “gelled”. Last Sunday we had to try a jar before I made the decision to can what’s left in my garden. I drained the jar and rinsed them well with cold water. When they were done draining (after the rinse) I fried them. My family absolutely loved them! Even my finicky 6 year old!! It’s so wonderful to “live off the land” and not rely so much on processed food. God Bless you and your family. Happy Fall!! Comment by Becky S. September 23, 2008

Becky S.,I am so glad you all like the canned potatoes. Try allowing them to drain over night after rinsing them, then deep fry them like french fries. We really like them this way. Or after draining over night - make potato salad, prefect potatoes salad every time. And thank you for letting me know about your canned potatoes. Have a wonderful fall.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 23, 2008

Becky,I, too, am reporting in that canning my red potatoes went well! Thanks for your help and insight.The tomatoes are about done and now it is on to applesauce–my favorite!! The whole house smells so wonderful! Thanks, again. You are in my prayers. Comment by Linda J September 23, 2008

Linda J,Your welcome. I am so happy they turned out right for you. How did the applesauce go?I made apple butter, apple jelly, both for the first time this year. Boy, there is a lot of work in both. But I like to try some thing new every year. I started apple sauce about 4 years ago, now mine won’t even look at the store bought stuff.Thank you very much for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 25, 2008

If I freeze my potatoes wont they go mushy when thawed out?
Comment by sharon d September 25, 2008

Sharon D.,I have never froze potatoes. I always can them. The freezing potatoes came out of the Ball canning book, for those who don’t have a pressure canner. I was giving another safe way to put up potatoes. Sorry I could not be of more help on this.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm September 27, 2008

Hi..this willl be my first time canning potatoes. I am very excited about it..Thanks for all your tips.
Comment by Joyce September 29, 2008

Joyce,Please let me know how your canning goes.Have a great day.Becky Comment by jordansfarm September 29, 2008

mami wand to can potatoes but do not want them cooked. i like to fry them later. i like them hard when i fry them. is this possible?lil Comment by dale stratton October 2, 2008

Lil,Once the potatoes are pressure canned, they are so what hard. I fry the canned potatoes in a pan, and deep fry them, and they do not fall a part. And they are hard enough for potato salad.Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 2, 2008

Hi Becky, love your site - love to see someone milking by hand too! We milk goats by hand, raise our children and our food here on our farm in Michigan too! God Bless you for what you are doing for our next generation. I love the blogs from you and all of your visitors about canning. I am going to do potatoes for the first time. I have been told by several people to wash them in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Ever heard of this? I was also wondering about the draining them overnight for potato salad. Do you just leave them out in a strainer at room temp, or what exactly. I got the point loud and clear about pressure canning so I wil be borrowing a pressure canner. Thanks again and prayers for Tommy and your family.Sherry Comment by Sherry October 4, 2008

Sherry,Nice to meet you. Sounds like you have your hands full too in Michigan.Never heard of useing the washing machine, sorry, I just wash them by hand.Draining the potatoes for potato salad: Leave potatoes in the strainer and put potatoes and strainer in your ice box over night to drain. Happy canning, let me know how they turn out. Thank you for your prayers.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 4, 2008

Well I was just given a couple hundred pounds of potatoes Give or take. SO I guess I will be canning potatoes for my first time. Its been awhile since I canned anything. My question is how much water do you put in your pressure cooker. I kinda forgot. I am also from Michigan and greatly appreciate your time and effort you have put in your web site it’s a god send. I think allot of us would be lost without people like you helping out…..Thank-you Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

It’s more like 400 -600 pounds lol of potatoes too bad you did not live by me I could give you a couple hundred. Comment by Becky October 5, 2008

Becky,What a wonderful blessing you got.With the jars in the canner, then fill with water until the canner is half full of water. Hope this helps. Please let me know how many quarts you get? That is a lot of peeling.Happy canning. And thank you for stopping in.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 5, 2008

help I don’t have a pressure cooker i only have cold pack
Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Beckythank you for helping I don’t have a pressure cookerand would like to use my canner to do potatoes Comment by cindy October 8, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if when you bottle potatoes do you have to put the salt in. I’m doing the red potatoes. My husband can’t have salt on his food. But I really want to do them. Thank you Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne October 10, 2008

Cindy,Potatoes have to be pressure canned. Please see if you can borrow one from someone, as this is safest way. Or see comment #25 here for freezing them and storing them.
Jeanne,I am not sure about not adding the salt. I don’t know how safe that would be. I’m sorry I can’t answer this question for you. Maybe you can freeze him some (see comment #25 here). Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 11, 2008

Becky,I was wondering if you could give me insight. I canned my yukon golds with the directions you gave. The potatoes are very soft. They are great for mashing but not fried or salads. Is there a reason that you might know of? Is it because they are yukons or maybe because they are home grown? Any help would be great! Thanks again for you input! Blessings, Melinda Comment by Melinda October 15, 2008

Melinda,I am not really sure why your potatoes are soft. For I can the Yukon golds potatoes that are homegrown for years. How old were the potatoes? But I’m not even sure if age is reason. I am sorry, you have me stumped. Mine have never been soft. Could you have cooked them too long?Sorry I could not be of more help.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 16, 2008

Hi BeckyI love your web page. I have been canning for 6 years now. This will be the first year that I try canning potato. I have alot of sweet potato (yams) to do but I don’t know how to do them. Please help. The red and white one I will start working today. This year I have put up about 300 quarts of green beans, 30 quarts and 15 pints of tomato, 34 1/2 pint of strawberry , blackberry jam plus bags in the freezer, froze 15 bags of cabbage, made sauerkraut and apple butter for the first time, froze hot and green pepers, canned hot peppers and make cabbage rolls for the freezer. I canned beets,froze turnups and dried my onions, so all I have left is these potatos. Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice, you have been busy.
Sweet Potatoes canned:Boil first for about 5 min. so as the skins will rub off.Leave small ones whole/ or cut,pack into jarsFill with water or med. syrup( med. syrup: 3 1/4 cup sugar and 5 cups water= 7 cups syrup)leave 1 inch head space, remove air bubbles`Pressure can 10 pounds for:pints: 1 hour 5 minutesquarts: 1 hour and 30 mintuesHope this helps. Please tell me how you freeze your cabbage.
Thank you for stopping in, have a wonderful weekend.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm October 18, 2008

BeckyI cut mine in 1/4 and blench it for 10 minutes. let it drain. pack it in bags. I like leaving it in 1/4 what way I can cut it up anyway I want when I get ready to use it. 1/4 you can use in roast, chop or shred is great in soups or fry. The secret is let it thaw and drain the water before using it.thanks for your help
Comment by Alice October 18, 2008

Alice,You are an amazing woman!! 300 Qts. of beans!!
Becky,Thanks for the Sweet Potato idea…I’ll need to watch for sales. Linda J Comment by http://valleyvisions.blogspot October 18, 2008

Becky I’m canning with large mason jar some deer meat.I can’t remember how long to cook them to seal the lids.I could use some help thank you for last time with trying to bottle some potatoes with out salt.Jeanne Comment by Jeanne October 19, 2008

Hi Becky,
I was reading on another website that forcing depressuring (manually letting the steam off quicker) could spoil your canned goods. Do you have any comments on this? This is my first time canning with a pressure canner. I have always did the water bath or hot pack methods.Thanks,Myrna Comment by myrna October 23, 2008

Myrna,I have never heard of this. I always let the pressure cooker cool by itself. Which usually takes about an hour, I’m for safety first. Now in my 4qt.pressure cooker when I’m cooking corn on the cob in it, I do run it under cool water to cool it down faster. But I would never do it with canned foods I’m going to store.hope this helps,Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 25, 2008

Becky,Our local market had 2 boxes of small red potatoes marked $2.00 a box. I am guessing there was at least 25lbs to a box. How could I resist. So we canned the potatoes for the first time.I cut them into 1/4s and placed them in the quarts with water and salt. Processed for 40 min after the giggle at 15lbs. Some of the bottles in each batch lost about 50% of the liquid. The potatoes looks soft and are falling apart. We had 1 jar that did not seal so we tried them for breakfast this morning and they were great fried. They were kind of like using the leftover potatoes from a roast, that kind of soft. Just think it is strange that some lose the liquid and why they seem over processed. I hope you have some ideas. Thanks for the help. Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

opps guess that would be jiggle not giggle but that is fun too.
Comment by Karen October 26, 2008

I have canned for over 20 years..I put up around 1500 jars of food this summer and filled up 3 deep freezers..I have a large family..(expecting my tenth)..and gardening/canning is no hobby for me but a necessity!!..You should never try to “cool” your pressure canner down quickly by releasing some of the pressure…Your jars never seal in the canner until after they have cooled..by releasing the pressure you can lose some of your fluid inside the jar and can also take a significant risk of breaking your jars by decreasing the temperature too rapidly!!..I have 2 stoves and 3 pressure canners I use in the summer..and I ALWAYS just turn off the stove eye and let my canners cool on their own..Some people suggest moving them to a table or counter-top to cool off..but the least amount of jiggling the contents can break your jars!! Patience will pay in the end!!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Also, I have had tremendous luck canning sweet potatoes, but have never liked white/gold/or red potatoes after canning them..They have always been too mushy for me. Sweet potatoes however are a different story and do very well!! Comment by jana October 26, 2008

Karen,I’m not sure about the soft potatoes, as mine are always hard enough for potato salad. And it times some of the water comes out of my jars. And once in a while a jar will not seal, and I’m not sure why. At times I think it’s just a bad lid. What a great deal you got on the potatoes. Sorry I could not be more help. Thank you for stopping in. Have a great day.
Jana,I thought I can a lot, 1500 jars is a lot. I too, fill 3 freezers. But my family is no longer that big. Now there is just 3 of us. I agree with you about cooling down the pressure cooker, as this is what I do. And Tommy loves the sweet potatoes canned. Thank you for stopping in and your comment.Becky Comment by jordansfarm October 28, 2008

What is the shelf life of canned potato’s.
Comment by Marcy November 6, 2008

Marcy,I know mine last for a year, harvest to harvest. We have never had any left longer than that. Hope this helps.Becky
Comment by jordansfarm November 7, 2008

Becky,
You have answered all my questions from past comments.I’m really nerves on the pressure cooking. I (My father and step mother) used my pressure cannier (canned beef) for the first time but I had my family’s help. But still nerves to do it myself. I have had a garden for 2 years now and it sure is a good feeling when the finish product is sitting on the self. My Aunt Ada would be proud of me!!! I’m putting you on my favorites so if I have any questions I know where to coming (HERE).I also stay home with my kids.
Thankyou and God Bless,Amy Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Sorry wrong email address. This is the right one
Comment by Amy November 14, 2008

Amy,The more you use the pressure canner the better you will feel. Just give it a little time. It’s the best thing you can learn to do, and will help you out the most. Please keep me updated on how you are doing with it, ok. Have a great week end. Thank you for stopping in here.God Bless you and your family,Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 15, 2008

I canned potatoes last year, they look great and pretty as yours! BUT…I didn’t know about the pressure cooker and just water-bathe them for 45 minutes. What do you think? Should I just discard the 20 jars of it or try them and see? I’m afraid now! Comment by Marcie November 16, 2008

Marcie,This is what I would do, but you need to do what you feel is right and safe for you. I would open a jar and smell them if they did not smell bad or look bad, I would reboil them GOOD before using/serving. Then taste one, to check taste. I am sorry I can’t just come right out and tell it’s ok, because I am not sure on this one. Trust yourself on this.Hope this helps you some.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 16, 2008

I have finally finished my potatoes. 167 quart jars. It feels so good, and so reassuring. Thank you for posting this. It was exactly what I was looking for. I have almost bottled 500 jars of fruit, and veggies this year.
My husband will need to have surgery on Monday for a ruptured disc in his back. I will be living on our food storage for the 6-8 weeks that he is out. It is nice to know that it is there. The reduced paycheck will only pay for bills and now I will still be able to feed my family. thank you and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Comment by christie November 20, 2008

I noticed you left the red peels on do you have to peel russets or can you leave the skins on? Comment by Laurie November 25, 2008

Laurie,You can,if you wash the skins VERY well. I only leave the skin on the small potatoes, as peeling them would not leave much potato. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by jordansfarm November 26, 2008

Becky,
I just wanted you to know you’ve inspired me - I canned 7 quarts of potatoes for the first time today. ) I’ve canned lots of other things, but never thought about canning potatoes until I found your blog several months ago. Thank you! I have so many other things I want to try canning (cheese sauce, dried beans, etc.), and I feel like time is running short. I really appreciate all of the information you’ve shared on your blog. It is truly so helpful!
Continuing to lift you, Tommy, and your family up in prayer.
Stacie Comment by arksoaper December 9, 2008

Stacie,You are more than welcome, I am glad to help. I have been reading your blog and you are doing a great job with everything. My best find this year was the canned cheese sauce and the clothes soap. Thank you very much for all your prayers for us.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Becky Comment by jordansfarm December 10, 2008

Becky, Just got done canning 7qts of potatoes, Looks like they are over cooked, (soft) When you talk about processing for 40 minutes. Is that once the canner starts to jiggle. Or Do you start timing when you put the canner on the stove? Thanks Cara Comment by Cara January 3, 2009

Cara,Yes, you start timing when it starts to jiggle. Hope this helps.Becky Comment by Becky January 7, 2009

Love this site, first time here, will can next year. here is a tip for potatoe fry lovers. Cut the taters as you wish raw, soak in in sugar water, for a hr or so before frying. You will never make french fries again with out this method I’d bet.YUMM Lots of sugar,sweet water. Rod Comment by Rod January 7, 2009

This is excellent; I like knowing how many pounds to quarts. Thank you! Comment by Prudent Homemaker January 19, 2009

Gave my wife a pressure cooker for Christmas and I ended up wanting to play with it. I thought potatoes would be a good first start. I’ve got a question if you don’t mind. I thought I’d experiment with just 15 lbs. of potatoes but ran out of time after my first batch. I’ve got the unprocessed potatoes in their jars with no water in them. Would it be alright to put them in the fridge overnight and start the process up again another day? I’m sure I need to let the jars warm up before just putting them in hot water. Will this work or should I try something else in the future? Again, this was meant as an experiment so if I need to start over, that’s fine. Thanks, Bill Comment by Bill February 2, 2009

Bill,I am not sure about this. I always make sure I have time set aside for canning, usually a whole day. I would think that just putting jars in fridge with no water in them would turn the potatoes colors. I , myself, would not pressure can them. Maybe you could cook them for a meal, but add water so as they don’t turn colors. I really hope this helps some.Becky Comment by Becky February 2, 2009

Store bought goods: What I have and what else is needed for at least 1 year.

With the list below and our garden food, cow meat, our milk cow, chickens(meat and eggs) will give us over a years supply of food. I'll buy things here and there, but not much. I cook from scratch, so you may or may not use what's on my list. Over the years I have found lots of ways to make different things, with a little in store. Example: elbow noodles can be used in soups,mac and cheese, spag. I have other things stored, but this is our MUST HAVE list. And I have been stocking up now for over a year, so please don't let this overwhelm you and you feel it's to late, because it's never to late. Just start slow and easy, buy a few extra things here and there. Some stored food is better than none.

Yeast: 3 lbs. ( this should last us over a year, used to make bread)

Flour: 35- 5lbs. bags ( we don't have a grain grinder yet, but it's on my wish list, so for now I buy flour. And I will most likely need to buy more before years out, due to not lasting for more than a year.)

Sugar: 42-5lbs. bags ( yes, this is a lot of sugar, but not really when you start making jellies and will most likely need more before the year is out.)

Lard: 50 lbs.

Salt: a full 5 gallon bucket ( we try and keep extra, in case we need to salt down meat to keep it good. I would like one more bucket, well it's on list.)

dry powered milk: 10 big boxes= 50 made gallons (there is so much you can do with this, and we LOVE the hot cocoa mix.)

instant oatmeal packets: a full 5 gallon bucket (you say instant? Well they were on a great sale and well mine like a little flavor now and then)

rice: 60+ lbs.

elbow noodles: 30 lbs. ( use this for mac &cheese, soups, spag.)

fruit cocktail: 10- #10 cans ( these were a blessing from someone)

tomato sauce: 15 oz. cans- 30 ( used in homemade spag. sauce, chili, pizzas, soups)

lemon juice: 9- 1qt. bottles (use in making cheeses, putting fruit in, making jams)

mixed vegetable: 14 oz cans=30 and #10 cans=4 ( we love beef veg. soup, so in late fall I make big batches of soup and can it for the winter. I use our beef ribs as meat for soup, as we like the pork ribs better. And the beef ribs take up more room in the freezer. I use these veg's. to save a little time, and it still works out cheaper then buying soup in cans.)

tomato juice: 18= 46 oz cans ( for drinking and adding to soups)

pork and beans: 20 cans

kidney beans: 24 cans ( just for chili, hubby is only one who eats it.)

molasses: 6- 12 oz jars ( cooking)

cocoa: 8 lbs.( for homemade brownies, hot cocoa, cookies, cakes)

cans of fruit(peaches, pineapples, etc.): 29 cans

tomato paste: 2-#10 cans and 6 little cans ( used in soups, spag. and sauces)

bisquick: 16 lbs.( I know a boxed a mix, but hubby makes breakfast and he like using this for only pancakes and a chicken coating. And if I can come in from milking to hot cakes, it's ok.)

ketchup: 4 bottles

pancake syrup: 9 bottles

rolled oats: 25 lbs. ( used for baking, eating and cookies)

peanut butter: 17 jars ( life is good if you have enough PB&J)

spag. noodles: 20 lbs.

baking soda: 15 lbs.

corn starch: 12- #10 cans ( someone gave us, but stores just about forever, I will not use this much in a year, maybe not even 5 years.)

powder sugar: 8-#10 cans (someone gave us, and will not use this all in a year, but stores a long time.)

BBQ sauce: 15 bottles ( on sale at $ .50 each, this was all that was left. Used for BBQ - Ribs.)

honey: 3 qts.( cooking and eating)

can potato slices: 24 cans ( if you drain them, then fry in butter and onions, on very good. a good sale on them.)

pop corn: 10 lbs.

grits: 5 lbs.( should last a year, hubby is the only one to eat them.)

barley: 2- #10 cans ( used in soups, and side dish)

spag. sauce: 15- 26 oz cans ( this is the smaller can and we always doctor it up and add more, it's used a a base.)

pizza sauce: 9 jars ( time saver. I make the Mozz. and crusts for homemade pizzas. The jar is only a dollar and makes 3-4 pizzas)

hash browns: 4-#10 cans

instant potatoes: 2-#10 cans

chocolate pudding instant: 4- #10 cans ( someone gave us, and it's ok)

can peas: 10 ( the only way to get my family to eat peas is in soups and to make cheesy peas( using my canned cheese sauce).

mayonnaise: 5 jars

sweet relish: 3 jars

can mushrooms: 7

evaporated milk: 18 cans

both vinegar: 8 gallons

veg. oil: 10 bottles

shortening in cans: 6

vanilla: 6 bottles

baking powder: 6 cans

onion powder: 8 bottles ( we use powders instead of those mixed with salt, you get more for your money. And we use them daily. I might have to buy more. To spice up a grilled cheese add the onion and garlic powder, it's a great change.)

garlic powder: 8 bottles

cinnamon: 8 bottles

seasoned salt: 5 bottles

spray Pam bottles: 6 ( don't usually buy, but they were on a great sale)

Hershey's syrup: 5 bottles

dried potato slices, instant mashed potatoes: 14 boxes ( used on busy nights )

box cake mixes: 15 ( these were on sale too)

tubs of frosting: 6 ( I have not master this from scratch yet, and will need to buy more)

powdered Gatorade( big cans, makes 6 gallons each): 7 ( this is so great for everyone, for when their sick or out in the sun)

Between these two list, has help me to really see what we have and need. And it's been a while since I done it. For some reason if it's on paper it goes in brain better than just looking around. Please only stock what your family will eat, even if it's a great sale. And the more you can make from scratch the better and will save you more money. Try and learn to cook at least one new thing a week from scratch. Happy stocking.

Hope this helps.

Becky

Technorati Tags: food storage,self sufficiency,stocking up. stockpiling food

Comments:

1. Well, I’m truly in awe of you, Becky Thank you for a very comprehensive list. I must admit, it makes me feel rather inadequate. At this point, I’m still working on a three month supply of what we eat on a regular basis. Your list gives me a lot of inspiration and renewed motivation to achieve my own goals. Thank you! Joyce Comment by Joyce July 23, 2008

2. I keep a similar list of my home canned goods and store bought goods. It really helps out when you are stockpiling to know how much you have on hand and what your goal amount is. I also date each item so it makes for a good revolver system. Comment by Caroline July 23, 2008

The Foods You Stock Up

Please make sure the foods you stock up on, our foods you will eat. Why buy 50 pounds of rice, if no one will eat it.  I stock up on foods that can be mix and match with other things,  and am able to make more than one kind of meal with it.

Elbow noodles, cheese sauce, spag. sauce, mixed vegs( in #10 cans), canned meats( or just meat)= can be made into: mac and cheese, spag. with elbow noodles, Soup made with noodles-mixed vegs-a little meat, cheese spread on bread or crackers.

Flour: makes breads, noodles, breadings

Rice: make rice and gravy with meat, add to soups, as a side dish, if you run out of chicken food- cook some up for them-I have done it for weeks

Meats: have some home canned and/or store canned ( no power, ets, already cooked), some in freezer.

Think about your  most ate meals, and try to stock those things. Check the dates on everything you buy! Start off small, buy  few extra things at a time, Or at least a meals worth and /or days worth.  The extras you get put up, out of sight until you get a supply going as you might be tempted to use it.  Everyone is having hard times. And I know it’s harder now to stock up, but this mess is not going away any time soon. Think of the cheapest meal you can get by with, this is not the time to stock up on T- Bones, etc.  If you are used to buying name brand things, try a few off brands, sometimes  you’ll be able to get 2 off brand ideas for the price of a name brand. I know some off brands are not good, but some are. Stocking up is the best thing you can do for your family. I try and prepare for the worse and pray for the best. We are not eating all the meals , we were eating last year. We get a lot of different foods, and the amounts are cut some. I used to make sweets daily and now I only make them 3 times a week.  Instead of cooking a whole chicken for dinner, I cook enough for a piece a person, they eat more vegs and bread. The steaks (our cow meat) cut up for beef stew, and get two meals out of one. I know this will not work for every one out there, but pick and choose what will or you think will work for your family. I have just been doing it so long, it’s now a habit. If you need any help just ask. If you have a meal you want to stretch, or come up with some other meal with same stuff in it, just let me know. And I’ll try my best to help. I hope this helps every one out there.

Becky