Sadly Ignored

Technically it is now March, as it is past midnight. I have neglected this new outlet of mine in favor of sleep...ahhh, sleep. On the other end of the sleep spectrum, here is a very fun and informative website on caffine! I happened upon Energy Fiend, and got a kick out of the 'death by caffine' tab...I can drink almost 1611 glasses of chocolate milk before the caffine would kill a person my size. What a hoot. So all you friends of mine with your favorite beverage - you know who you are - see how much it will take to kill you. :) Happiness is random information.

Buckets

Just a note on buckets...great way to store wheat. I have ordered from United States Plastic Corp., and have been very pleased. Great prices. I decided to store my wheat in 2 1/2 gal. buckets instead of the traditional 5 gal. because I can move them myself! If anyone is interested in learning how to use buckets for canning, let me know and we will do a class!

Tricia

My goal - fun with food storage

Food storage doesn't usually evoke any emotion in me, make my mouth water, or give me a sense of purpose to be honest. It more often fills me with a sense of dread or at least drudgery. I am motivated despite this! Tera Shepard sent on this site : http://funwithfoodstorage.net/. This is it! FUN with food storage - my new goal. I may end up making wheat sand castles to get there, but by golly, I'll get there! Awesome site, Tera. Thanks!

Gardening

Oh, gardening. I have no green thumb. I rely strictly on others instruction and information. Thank goodness there are those willing to share what they know.

Jennifer Williams forwarded the following links on to me - schedules and calendars!

This one lists fall and spring planting guides along with which varieties of vegetables are recommended for the area.http://williamson-tx.tamu.edu/PubCat.cfm?COUNTY=Williamson&CatID=2858

This one is a month by month calendar of garden and landscape to dos. http://www.centraltexasgardening.net/

Thank you, Jennifer!

The following yummy bread recipe and suggestions come from Tera Shepard’s sister-in-law. Thanks!

You can make dough for two loaves in a Kitchen Aid Mixer and six loaves in a Bosch Mixer.

Dough Enhancer really makes a difference in your bread. I use Blue Chip Baker Dough Enhancer.
Use the recipe on the back of your dough enhancer. My recipe is:
1 1/3 cups warm tap water
2 tsp dough enhancer
3 Tbsp oats
2 Tbsp dry milk
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp gluten
3 cups whole wheat flour
2tsp yeast

Always start with water in a bread maker. Flour should be second last. Yeast is always last. This is important in a breadmaker.
Add 3 Tbsp of rolled or steel cut oats for added nutrition if you like. You can not taste it and is a way to use up some of that food storage.
Measure your honey after the oil to prevent sticking to your measuring spoon.
Mix the gluten with a cup of flour before adding it to your breadmaker. Gluten is what will keep your wheat bread from becoming crumbly. It also will make lumps of chewy spots if you do not mix it with some four. You can purchase gluten online at www.cooksquarters.com/consumables.htm.
Roll your dough out flat on a plastic cutting board to prevent sticking. I got mine at Sam’s Club for $10. Then roll dough into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan.
Let dough rise for 30 minutes covered with a towel.
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes at 350°. If your crust is too hard lower the temperature of the oven.

Here We Go!

Well, off we go, like a herd of turtles! Check out the "to do's" on the side bar for a quick update on the goals for the month.

January is here, and we are all starting fresh. So let's take inventory to see where we are, and do a little planning to find out exactly where we want to go. Then we can take the steps to get there.

Inventory what food you actually have in your home - throw out the bad and keep the good. Go online to a food storage calculator, or use the sheet from the binder to see what your family will need in long-term storage for the year. After this, take one step - get that cannery order and order something! One thing, or two or more if you are feeling like you are up for the challenge!

Check out the ward website for canning order dates and event information!