Sunday, December 12, 2010
Pantry Secrets
I just wanted to let you all know about a great bread making class I was able to attend. I learned how to make yummy bread in only 1 hour from start to finish! So in 1 hour from start to finish, I can be eating my yummy bread, and have most of the mess cleaned up!
I learned how to make pizza dough, cinammon bread, rolls, soup bowls, italian breads, buns, etc. with the same dough!
It really is so easy! Click on the link to see how it's done! http://www.pantrysecrets.net/
There is one simple product that makes this bread possible. And the best part is that it is cheap, and lasts indefinately!
Please let me know if you'd like to have more information!
Happy Baking!
Crystal
435-764-8694
Ward Assigned Canning Dates for 2011
Texas East Stake Cannery Assigned Dates For 2011
January: Tuesday 4th, 6-9 Summerwood
February: Tuesday 1st 6-9 Eagle Springs
March: Tuesday 1st 6-9 Pasadena 2
May: Tuesday 3rd 6-9 Liberty
June: Tuesday 7th 6-9 Baytown 1
August: Tuesday 2nd 6-9 Baytown 2
September: Tuesday 6th 6-9 Pine Trails
November: Tuesday 1st 6-9 Fall Creek & Lake Houston (YSA)
December: Tuesday 6th 6-9 Baytown 3 (Spanish branch
Be sure to mark your calenders and make arrangements to attend the canning date for your ward;)
Thanks!!
Crystal
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Cannery Times!
I just received some information about the cannery. They have new hours for buying bulk and pre-packaged items and they will no longer be closed down every other week for the peanut butter shifts.
From now on, the cannery hours are (every week):
Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday through Friday - Open 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Saturday - Open 9 A.M.-Noon
If you are wanting to pack a LOT of food and you are not planning to go when the stake has scheduled to go, then just call to make sure going does not conflict with another stake canning day.
Also, I recently was informed that children under the age of 16 ( but not under the age of 12) can come to help IF there is an adult per child to supervise them.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Crystal
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Updated Cannery Ordering Process!!
Cannery order forms are located in the binders each Sunday. You can also go to http://www.providentliving.org/, to the left of the page, click on “Family Home Storage”. Then on the next page look to the right and click on “Home Storage Center order form.” There is also a link to the side of the food storage blog at http://letusbeprepared.blogspot.com/. You can either print the form and fill it out manually, or fill it out online and print it out from there.
After filling out your order form, you will choose from the 2 packing options below and follow instructions from there.
Option 1:
Canning items on Stake Canning night-
We have times scheduled for our stake members to go to the cannery to can, or pouch food. The times we have set for the remaining of the year are as follows:
2010 Houston Tx East Stake Canning Night Dates and Times
May 29th 10:00-3:00 Saturday)
June 9th 6:00-9:00 (Wednesday)
July 17th 10:00-2:00 (Saturday)
August 21st 10:00-2:00 (Saturday)
September 8th 6:00-9:00 (Wednesday)
October 16th 10:00-2:00 (Saturday)
November 13th 10:00-2:00 (Saturday)
December 18th 10:00-2:00 (Saturday)
PLEASE let Alisha Ashton, alisha.ashton@gmail.com (the current food storage specialist) know which night you plan to attend the cannery and what you are planning on packing. She sends all orders to me (Crystal Petersen) a week prior to the canning night so we can make all necessary arrangements and to make sure they have the items of food you are wanting to pack.
You will bring your order form filled out under the can column or the pouch column. Please note you are paying for the food, and the packaging so there is no need to order packing materials.
You will need to be prepared to come on time, work with all others that night to fill everyone’s orders, and then clean up. You’ll never be unassisted, so you don’t need to know anything about the cannery to come and pack food…there is always someone there to help. After everyone is done, you’ll pay for your food just packed.
PLEASE remember a check (blank)!! They do not accept credit cards and if you have to pay with cash, it has to be the EXACT amount, no exceptions.
Option 2:
Buying bulk from the Cannery –
Call the cannery 281-537-1785 to make sure they have what you’d like to pick up and to make sure someone will be there to assist you in checking out.
Drive to the cannery, taking your order form filled out under the bulk column on the order form. Don’t forget to order all the packing materials such as cans, pouches, oxygen absorbers (which go in everything but sugar), and lids, etc. Just like stake canning nights, don’t forget to bring a blank check or exact cash to pay for your food. No credit cards will be accepted.
Then you are responsible for packing it on your own. We do have a sealer in our ward, but we are not able to pass it around, so if you are interested in packing your bulk food in pouches, you can contact Alisha Ashton to discuss bulk-packing options.
Whether you decide to go to the cannery for stake canning night or if you go there to pick up your bulk good, you’ll need the address for the cannery.
Houston Cannery- 16333 Hafer Road, Houston, TX
Preparedness Pictures From Open House!
Thanks Danielle for all your help putting this together:)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Getting Organized with The Can Organizer!
My Food Storage Pics
1..I believe anyone can find somewhere to store their food and supplies
2..It's not as fancy as everyone thinks:)
3..Having a picture in your mind helps you picture your own food supply in your home and it doesn't seem so scary.
Here is my pantry/closet in my kitchen (which is tiny!)
To help stay organized, I also have a spreadsheet with the following information: Item of food/supply/water, how much/weight, and I have each item split up by how it is packed (# of pouches, buckets, cans, or original container). I tried to post that too, but couldn't:)
Well, that's it! I am still working on my food storage for my family. Right now I'd say I have plenty for how much my family eats right now, but as my children grow, I will need to get more. It's a lot of work, but so worth the effort!! Good luck with your own food storage!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The winds of change...
With that said, I would still like to help anyone in need of assistance in any area of food storage you may have questions in, but I will not be holding meetings or classes within the ward as I had planned.
I am still trying to get settled in my new calling as Stake Home Storage Specialist and hopefully I will still be able to help everyone be prepared at a stake wide level.
I am still going to be working on my own food storage and learning new things, so I'm sure there will be opportunities for me to share some fun food supply things with you, that will help in reaching your food supply goals!
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve you! I loved it! Thank so much for all your support:) Hopefully I helped someone learn something!
Crystal
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Food Storage Activities
Just thought I'd keep you updated on what will be happening in the next year with food storage activities.
Because of some changes made in RS, we will only be having about three days next year for food storage activities. So what I have decided to do is take advantage of those three dates available to learn something about food storage, and combine a few activities into one night, so we can learn multiple things at once.
Therefore, there will be no binder class in Dec. We will still be putting together food storage binders, but we will be doing it in the next few months, along with other activities:)
Sorry about any inconvenience. I am still really excited to give the classes! I'll keep you updated as I get dates and more information!
Thanks, Crystal
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Cheese Waxing Instructions
Cheese wax can be purchased at: http://www.blendedwaxes.com/ This is my 5 pound block of cheese I bought for $20.00 and $12.62 for shipping (since it's so heavy). We may have an opportunity to order wax for wholesale so we can get a better price, so I will keep you informed on that.
It is important to use cheese wax. Paraffin wax does not work adequately. Paraffin is stiff and will crack when it cools allowing for the penetration of air and mold causing bacteria. Cheese wax is made specifically to coat cheese. It is formulated to be more pliable, and does not crack as easily.
Cheese wax melts at lower temperatures and should be melted in a double boiler. It’s best to get a double broiler that is fairly deep to give you plenty of room for dipping cheese. Dedicate a pan or bowl to this because the wax will claim the container as its own. The temperature of the melted wax can be between 160 and 220 degrees. The cooler the better. The wax should be melted just until there are no lumps and then turn the heat off. If the wax becomes too hot it will bring the oils of the cheese to the surface preventing the wax from adhering. Don't let it cool too much because your wax will start to get thick and your layers will be really thick and uneven.
Do not over handle the cheese with your bare hands. The oils from your hands can compromise the seal between the cheese and the wax. You also do not want to introduce any unwanted bacteria. Purchase some food grade disposable gloves from your local grocery store if you would like.
Any cheese that is firm enough to form a block can be waxed. The cheese should be cool, clean, and dry. I dry my blocks of cheese with a high quality paper towel before I dip them to soak up any excess moisture or oil. Cut the cheese into sizes that your family will use within a few days. I cut the cheese into the portion called for in a given meal; that way I am assured freshness.
Cheese is not rigid and will therefore bend and misshapen under it's own weight. As that happens it will pull the wax away from the cheese and cause air pockets. This is another reason why it is better to wax smaller lighter weight portions of cheese at a time.
Remember to heat your wax using a double boiler. You will read on the Internet that you can melt your wax in a #10 can. That is not a good practice. Number ten cans are not manufactured for constant water applications and will rust. The only double broiler I could find that would work was at Walmart for $30.00. That was the most inexpensive one I could find that would be deep enough. It is a one time investment that will last a life time. If you have more than one color of wax, use ceramic bowls or some other rust proof container that will fit on top of your boiler and can be heated.
1. Use a potato peeler to shave wax from the block of wax and then after you get a good amount, add it to the broiler. When the wax has melted and there are no lumps, turn off the heat and wait a few minutes to start waxing so the wax isn't too hot.
2. Dry the block of cheese you will be waxing well, with a paper towel or lint free cloth. Flour sack cloths work well. I found that it was easier to handle the cheese if it was cold, and not setting out long.
3. Quickly dip the block of cheese half way into the wax. Allow the wax to dry slightly and dip the other half of the block, overlapping your 'dips'.
4. Allow the wax to cool before you set it on any surface otherwise it will stick. When you try to move the cheese it will pull away from the block just waxed. Set your finished blocks on the paper side of freezer paper, which has a paper side and a waxed side. (It will stick to the waxed side)
You may also use a natural bristle brush to coat the cheese. If you decide to use the brush method, a boar’s hairbrush is recommended for the smoothest application, and can be purchased at the same website as the cheese wax.
The wax should form an intimate bond with the cheese, hermetically sealing the cheese including any holes or crevices. This process protects the cheese from mold spores and unwanted fungal invasions. It also locks the natural moisture of the cheese in, preventing it from drying out and hardening.
Repeat the waxing process so that there is a minimum of three layers of wax. It is best to apply the second and third layers of wax while the previous layer is still slightly warm. You may choose to apply a fourth layer of wax for added strength.
Label the cheese, type and date, before the last dipping so that the label is embedded within the wax and will not fall off. I use a self-adhesive sticker and a permanent marker.
The cheese should be stored in your coolest room (or even a mini fridge set around 60 degrees) stacked with like cheeses. Do not seal the cheese in additional containers, as the cheese requires air circulation.
The cheese will continue to age over time, especially cheddar, so start with more mild cheeses. Parmesan, Swiss, Colby Jack cheese are also good. The harder and typically the more expensive the cheese, the better. Don’t try Mozzarella cheese because it spoils easily.
Although you will find that cheese wax is expensive, about 5.50/lb, it can be reused. Simply peel the wax off the cheese being used and wash it in warm soapy water. Allow the wax to dry and store it to be used in your next cheese waxing session.
You will need approximately three pounds of wax to cover ten pounds of cheese. I bought a 5 pound block of wax and I waxed about 8 pounds of cheese and I still have a ton of wax left over! I really didn't use much of it. I simply let it dry and kept it in my broiler and put the lid on to keep it dust free. All I have to do the next time I want to wax cheese, is slowly melt it again and repeat the waxing cheese process!
The experts say that cheese can be stored this way for twenty-five years. Of course if you are rotating your cheese, it will always be fresh!
If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call or email me: Crystal
Friday, October 16, 2009
Cheese Waxing Class!!
Order for Gripper Jars
1-gallon (jar and lid) gripper jars give you a whole new handle on wide mouth jars. Spin off the large cap and fill these up with anything! I use mine for my food opened from pouches, such as rice, wheat, sugar, etc.
They are coming from Salt Lake City from the same company that supplied the jars 2 years ago, as these bottles are thicker and more resistant to breakage.
Questions: Contact Crystal Petersen, 435-764-8694 or crystalcangel@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wheat Taste Test Night Canceled!
Monday, October 5, 2009
October Emergency Essentials Order
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Farmers Market!
Monday, September 14, 2009
September Emergency Essential Order
#10 can Egg Bowtie Noodles - 12 + $5.00 each
#10 can Freeze Dried Strawberries - 12 + $16.00
#10 can Taco Mix TVP - 6 + $10.00
Hand Grain Mill - 4+ $50.00 regularly $69.95
Clear Mist 100 Hour Emergency Candle - 24+ $3.00 regulary $4.95
Leather Gloves - 20 + $2.50 regularly $3.95
Burn Free Gel - 24 + $3.00 regularly $4.95
If you'd like any of these items or anything else from Emergency Essentials, please let Carrie know via e-mail as soon as possible. She will be collecting checks by the 27th of September.
Also, please note that if we do not achieve the minimum number of items to get the group discount on at least one item, we will have to pay shipping. Therefore, please wait to write your checks until we have all orders in and have met at least one minimum. If we do not have the minimum then we will play it by ear.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail Carrie! Thanks Carrie for coordinating these monthly orders.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Yummy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
BREAD PARTY #2
*
***Keep in mind that this is not church sponsored. Karen is just sharing the things that works for her and her family.
Friday, August 21, 2009
How To Video On Canning #10 Cans
So all those that would like to learn, here is the video.
http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2009/08/20/how-to-use-a-dry-pack-canner/food-storage-recipes
If you have any questions on how our cannery works or what canner we have available, let me know and I'll fill you in:)
Crystal
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Coupon Code For Shelf Reliance
http://www.shelfreliance.com/
Thanks Sara, and happy shopping!
Crystal
August Emergency Essential Orders
Freeze Dried Strawberries are again on group sale this month. We need 12 minimum to get the discount. Also, Taco flavored TVP is on special as well. There is also several other items on sale this month like Scrambled Egg Mix, Dried Peach Slices, Egg Whites, and other emergency preparedness items. Go to http://www.beprepared.com/ to check it out.
Also, if you haven't already picked up your items from last month's order from Carrie's house, please remember to go in the evening because of her new work schedule.
Thanks!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Dehydrating Food With The Excalibur!
Thanks!! Crystal
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bean Recipes and Pictures!!
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 tsp. cilantro
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 (4oz.)can chopped green chilies, drained (beware that some canned chilies are spicy)
3 tablespoon olive oil
2 (15.8oz)cans of Great Northern white beans
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth
1 1/2 cups cubed or chopped cooked chicken breast
In large skillet, cook onion in oil for 4 minutes or until transparent. Saute chicken until cooked. Add chilies, and cumin; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add beans and chicken broth bring to a boil. cook until hot.
BEAN DIP
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Bean Taste Test Email
There are many who ask to know how to do things with their food storage and we are trying hard to make it possible to learn new things and get you prepared, but it's up to you to sacrifice your time to come to food storage events we have put together. We'd love to see more people participate!!
It's great to see the ward progress in their food storage efforts. Keep up the good work!!
We have some great classes coming up in the next 6 months, so I'll keep you updated:)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Taste Test Night!!
Please keep in mind that you DO NOT have to make something to come. If you would like to come but you would rather not make something, then just come! We would rather have you come than not:)
There will be loads of info on everything there is to know about beans/legumes...and of course stuff to eat!!
Hope to see you there! If you are planning on coming contact Carrie at cbear1230@gmail.com
Thanks!!
Crystal