Basic Pantry Prep

This is the time of the year that most of us are busy working in our yards and gardens, and preserving the fruits of our labors.  We are all trying to be productive, yet stay cool.
This is all wonderful, as all the fruits and veggies we are preserving, will be wonderful nutrition for our bodies this winter.

BUT, we need to prepare our pantry with other things as well.  Sometimes we just need some items that are fun, we need our spice mixes to add flavor, and we need some yummy basics to add to our meals.
I'd like to start a feature, giving you ideas for home prepared basics to keep in your pantry.  Home prepared, means no chemicals and preservatives, and they are healthier versions of store bought.  It is also cheaper to make your own.

Mixes can be put into any type of jar.  You don't have to use your canning jars - but they are great if you have extras.  During the coming weeks, think about keeping and using old mayo or olive jars, or spice containers.  Think about all the containers you have, and how you can re-use them, instead of throwing them out.


RICE-A-RONI KNOCK OFF
3/4 C uncooked rice
1/2 C uncooked broken spaghetti (little pieces)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
Mix all these ingredients into a jar.  It should all fit into a pint jar or a quart storage bag.

TO COOK
1 recipe of knock off
2 Tbsp. butter (or coconut oil if wanting dairy free)
2 C chicken/beef/veggie stock
Lightly brown the mix in the butter.  Add broth.  Cook until rice and pasta are cooked through.
****************************************************************

CHILI MIX
3 C dried kidney beans
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. minced onion
1 Tbsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne
Adjust seasonings on your desired level of spiciness.
Mix all together and store in a quart jar or a storage bag.

CHILI
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 recipe CHILI MIX
6 C water
2 C diced tomatoes
TOPPINGS IF DESIRED - shredded cheese or sour cream

Brown ground meat and place in a slow cooker with the other ingredients.  Cook on high for 8 hours or until the beans are tender (great workday dinner).  Serve warm with toppings if desired.
*****************************************************************

CREAM OF SOUP MIX
2 C powdered milk
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/4 C chicken bouillon
2 Tbsp. minced onion
Mix all together and store in a large jar or storage bag.

CREAM OF SOUP
1/2 C above MIX
1 1/4 C water
Combine the mix and water.  Stir until it slightly thickens.  If you need it thicker for a recipe, just stir and heat a little longer.
Cr. of CHICKEN - add some diced chicken pieces
Cr. of MUSHROOM - add 1/4 C diced mushrooms
Cr. of CELERY - add 1/4 C finely diced celery or 1 tsp. celery seed
Cr. of POTATO - add 1/2 C mashed potatoes

This will make adding a cream soup to a casserole easier and cheaper!
******************************************************************

I think it is just so handy and much healthier to have these mixes on hand.  We don't ever have to feel the need to run to the store for an added ingredient or something for a side for dinner.
Times MAY get quite difficult in the future.  We may have economic downfalls, job losses, trucker strikes, heath issues ........ the list goes on and on.  BE PREPARED for anything.
(This would be a great rainy day project)

The more prepared and complete your pantry is, the better off you and your family will be.
I WILL BE POSTING MANY PANTRY BASICS TO MAKE AHEAD IN THE COMING WEEKS.
Keep watching!

HAVE A GREAT DAY