Eat and Shop Well

I know we have all been posting a lot about stocking the pantries - but it is very important.
The purpose is important - and we see ever-present reminders each and every day in our daily life.  Don't get left behind.
Today we look at it all in a little different view - but still all about stocking.

1.  Buy things that can be used in many ways.  The more versatile the item the better.  It will help when you need to get creative.
Examples:
Tomato products can be used in so many ways
Flour - bread, biscuits, gravy, baking, pancakes.....
Beans - so many uses.  Eat as a side or main meal, they are protein, mixed with other things - filling
Oats - eat for breakfast, mix in breads/muffins, grind into flour......
Think of new uses for everything!!!

2.  Build that pantry/freezer - add, add, add ALL the basics.  Basics are so important.  All baking goods, canned/frozen meats, veggie & fruit, dry goods like pasta and rice

3.  Always have eggs.  They are a huge protein.  Keep eggs in dehydrated form, fresh, frozen and even boxed egg replacement if necessary.  If you aren't allergic - eggs are very important and can be added to or become so many meals.

4.  MAKE bread, biscuits, scones, tortillas, etc. from scratch!!!!  LEARN - it isn't that hard to do.  No need to depend on the grocery stores - and homemade taste so much better

American biscuits

5.  Buy no drinks - except milk and maybe juice.  Pop and all the sugar laden drinks are not only bad for you, but they are expensive and cause a lot of trash.  Stay simple and drink water, tea, coffee and maybe Kool-Aid.  Work with flavoring your water if you have a problem drinking it plain - a splash of fruit juice or infuse with fruit!

6.  Make your own broth and stock with bones and scraps!  This is so easy and has so much more flavor and nutritional value than the stuff you buy premade.  Cook those bones down - cook down veggie scraps and make something else that you can use!   USE IT - DON'T WASTE IT!
Keep bacon grease - great flavoring for about anything
Make schmaltz - rendered chicken skins for the fat!  This stuff is gold.  Render down and jar and refrigerate.  So many uses for any meat fats (great flavoring)

7.  Have a supply of spices and herbs for flavoring.  You can flavor and supplement even the blandest of dishes/foods to taste good.  Keep all the basics and add a few that would be used on occasion.

8.  Use older veggies in soups, casseroles, grate them into breads or smoothies or soups, sautee them, roast them.  Know that you can soak many limp veggies in ice water and they regain their vibrancy.  Don't let veggies go to waste.  Figure a way to use the less desirable looking ones.  You can trim off parts (and compost that) and use the rest.  Waste is not acceptable in hard times.

9.  Shop seasonal!!!!!  Buy, grow, and partake in seasonal foods.  If you have an abundance - dry, freeze or can for later.  Seasonal is always cheapest.  Oranges in July are much more expensive than oranges in December (in U.S.).  Strawberries in May/June are cheaper than in November (in U.S.). 
Veggies can liven up even the most basic of foods such as rice or pasta.  Fresh is healthy.  Enjoy the seasons while you can.

10.  Your freezer and pantry is your FRIEND - USE THEM!!!!  Stock up when possible - buy things when they are cheaper and on sale.  Look for clearance goods
Cook once and make more than one meal.  Freeze extra meals and be prepared when you have less time.
Pre-cook things like bacon or ground meat - it is handy and ready to use (freeze or can)
Use up all odd pieces of meat and scraps in soups, stews, and casserole,  Stir fry is an option for odds and ends as well.
Cook ahead - beans, lasagna, soups, etc.  You will be glad to have these things on hand at a later date.
Have some jar mixes on hand - things you can simply add water or broth to and cook.  Great to keep jar recipes in the pantry.  You can have all kinds of things ready to go.

11.  ADD something every week.  Maybe add a bag of dry beans or rice, canned goods, meat or canned meat.  Make jelly or jam.  Can pickles, kraut, tomatoes, beans, whatever you will need and use later.
Also add to your medicinal supplies, pet foods, canning supplies, canned foods, health and beauty, ANYTHING that you and your family regularly use.  You will be glad you did.

12.  Keep plain yogurt on hand.  There are so many uses for it.  You can add whatever you want to flavor it, you can make dips - use in cooking/baking.  It is very useful.

IF you turn on the news - it sounds like the zombie apocalypse is soon to be upon us!!!!!  The world is all crazy and upside down right now.  Common sense & courtesy seems to have totally disappeared. 
ONLY YOU can prepare your home for you and your family.  It is a wise thing to do in these times. 
Stay vigil and ALWAYS be ready for whatever may get thrown in your path. 

SPREAD love and peace when you can.  Be prepared.  Be vigil.  Stay safe.
Blessings to you all!