Five Overlooked Items to Include in your Food Storage

Five Overlooked Items to Include in Food Storage

by Miriam Caldwell

Here is a list of five overlooked items to include in your food storage.

1) Salt is on most lists that have been recommended, but many lists neglect the need to store pepper and other spices. You may want to include cinnamon, chili powder, and other common spices that you use in your everyday cooking. You can buy bulk spices that will last for about year at Sam's Club or Costco.

2) If you are planning on baking a lot of your meals at home you will want to include leavening agents. This includes yeast, baking powder and baking soda. You may want to store slightly more than you would normally use because if you are relying heavily on food storage you will likely be baking a lot more.

3) Other items, which may be considered luxury items, include nuts, and chocolate chips. You may also want to include coconut on this list. These items are often used to dress up baked goods. I also use nuts in salads and other recipes to add protein, and as a fairly healthy snack.

4) If you have pets you will want to consider storing a good supply of food and water for them as well. It would be awful to watch your pets suffer or to give them away because you couldn't afford to continue to feed them.

5) You may want to save enough money and set it aside for the sole purpose of eating out once a month. This can help to reduce the stress during a time when you are relying on your food storage. It may also help your family if they are adjusting to eating all of their meals at home.

Recipe time!

Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad  (Gluten Free)



Perfect for summertime!

Ingredients:
1 medium seedless watermelon, chilled & chopped into 1" pieces
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 limes, juiced (+ zest from 2 limes)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese

Directions:
For dressing, whisk together the oil, lime juice, zest and seasonings. Set aside.

In a large bowl, add watermelon, mint and feta. Pour dressing over and lightly toss. The dressing will cause the watermelon to release it's juices, so be sure to use a slotted spoon to serve.

Note: Prepare this salad just before serving

Gluten-Free Corn, Mango and Black Bean Salsa

MAKES 6 TO 7 CUPS

Here's a cool dish for a hot day - and could it be easier or healthier? This recipe keeps you from turning on your oven yet it's loaded with protein and fiber. No mango? Try using a firm, ripe peach instead. Can’t tolerate corn? Try substituting edamame (if you can eat soy). Pair this salsa with lettuce and tomatoes and boost it with cold, grilled chicken for lunch or a light supper. Serve with homemade tortillas.
2-3 ears corn, cut corn off the cob
1 medium-size mango, cut into small dice
1½ cups black beans, cooked or canned, rinsed and drained
½ small red onion, minced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and minced
1-3 small jalapeño peppers, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
¼-½ bunch fresh cilantro, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Mix all the ingredients together until well blended. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Each cup contains 113 calories, 1g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 5g protein

Recipe reprinted with permission from Kitchen on Fire! by Olivier Said and Chef Mike C. Courtesy of DaCapo Lifelong Books.
Have a great week.  Stay cool! It's hot out there!