Pantry Prep Recipes 3

Today will be a few more recipes to have mixed up and ready in your pantry.  No matter what the future holds - world or economic problems, illness, job loss, financial problems, etc. - ONE THING IS CERTAIN - prices will only continue to go UP!!!!!
There hasn't been much that I can think of over the past few years, that has come down in price and stayed down.  Groceries cost more every week.
Being prepared now - is like MONEY IN THE BANK in my opinion.

Even if you have to buy some of  the ingredients to make some of the recipes now, you will be saving money in the future.  I love that I can save time as well with my mixes that I keep on hand.  They are also great for those moments you realize that you need a gift - because as we all know - everybody has to eat!
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Here is a recipe that is good for a quick, yet hardy lunch, great for the office or school, or just for a quick dinner with a nice hearty sandwich.

POTATO SOUP MIX
1 3/4 C instant potatoes
1 1/2 C dry milk
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. seasoning salt
Combine all the ingredients, mixing thoroughly.  Place in a quart jar or in a secure baggy.  Makes 6 servings.
Place 1/2 cup mix in a bowl and add 1 cup boiling water.  Stir until smooth.
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INSTANT REFRIED BEANS
3 C ground dried beans*
2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. chili powder
*To grind the beans, place a small amount at a time in a food processor, blender, flour mill, or coffee grinder.  You should know if your blender or processor will handle the beans.  I prefer using the coffee grinder for mine.  I do about 1/2 cup at a time.

Mix all the ingredients together and store in a quart jar or large zip lock bag.

You can rehydrate beans to extend the meat in tacos or any other recipe. 
Heat 2 1/2 C water to boiling, add 3/4 cup BEAN MIX, 1 Tbsp. butter.  Still until it thickens and is combined with water.

BEAN DIP
3/4 C BEAN MIX
1 Tbsp. butter
2 1/2 C water
1 jalapeno diced
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne

Mix BEAN MIX, butter and water in a saucepan.  Simmer until beans are rehydrated.  Add jalapeno and simmer a while longer.  Remove from heat and add the other ingredients.  Serve with chips!
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RANCH DRESSING MIX
(I mix up enough to fill a jar to keep on hand.  We use it a lot)
5 Tbsp. minced onion
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. black pepper
2 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. celery salt

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together.  Store in a sealed container in a cool dark place (pantry).  1 Tbsp. of the MIX equals one Tbsp. of store bought.

RANCH DRESSING
Mix 2 Tbsp. MIX
with 1 C sour cream
1 C. mayonnaise
1/2 C milk
Stir together until well blended.  The longer it sets in frig before use, the better it tastes.

RANCH DIP
1 Tbsp. MIX
1 C sour cream
Stir until blended.  Make a few hours ahead of time.

RANCH BAKED VEGGIES
3 lbs. potatoes (or any similar veggie).  Peel and cut into smallish pieces
Mix 1 tsp. MIX and 1 Tbsp. oil together and toss veggies in the mix and shake until well coated.
Bake at 400* for 30-40 minutes (when potatoes are tender).
This would be good with carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, or any other root veggie.
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ALWAYS  make sure that you make up a card or label to attach to the jar or baggy with the instructions for preparing.
These are great basic recipes to have in your pantry and they all will make a FUN gift.
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My plans are to have my pantry in EXTREMELY good shape by the fall season
None of us know how this election "thing" is going to turn out - (not good on either count) - there could be rioting and unrest in the towns and cities.
Winter will be arriving at about the same time - and we never know what weather conditions we will have to tolerate.
The banks and financial markets will probably be chaotic as well at this particular time.
THEREFORE - this girl wants to be completely prepared to stay home and take care of my little family to the best of my ability.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
WILL YOU BE READY?

Get busy my friends - you are the only ones that can make your pantry ready!!!!!!
GET READY, GET SET...........PREP!