.
.
While I had purchased what I needed for food storage this month, I went ahead and went one step further. I ordered enough grains and legumes for a year. That is only one small part of getting the total supply of food needs but it is a significant chunk. It may even be the most expensive chunk. Well, almost. The next piece of gear I need is a solid grain mill. Those range from $450~$650, before taxes, title, shipping, handling, and whatever else can hit a shopper. Still, it is on it's way, being at the top of the list. Next I need to go back to the checklist and begin hitting the other things. Some things need to be slightly altered for me. Rather than sugar I will go with Splenda. Thankfully Splenda comes packaged in a sealed container (the larger ones). Though I am not sure how long it truly lasts. I will add some sugar, some honey, and some of the other sweeteners. But my primary will be Splenda. Most of my other goods will be just fine as they are listed from what I can tell. After that, the only real gear I need is a pressure canner, a hot-water canner (though maybe a good pressure canner can also be used for a hot-water canner by having the pressure reliefs open?). The rest of my needs are food based.
It wasn't just a comment posted that got me to revisit my prep purchase this month... I am beginning to... have concerns. I won't say a major problem is months away, but I won't say it isn't. It could be years away. Maybe it was like in August, when I sensed winter. While I don't know if that means anything either, it did make me wonder. I am wondering about... how much time is left before real problems hit. Much as a squirrel, if it felt winter like I did, even in August, it might begin prepping much more diligently. So... sure, I have become a squirrely squirrel. I'd much rather be safe than sorry. Do what you will, but be thinking... if all fails, who would feed you if you can't feed yourself? And, why should they? What do you offer? I don't have a thing to offer. Besides, remember that video about luck the other day? Assume you have no luck, make your own. Which... is exactly what I am setting out to do. If it all goes down, don't knock on my door, you... ain't that lucky.
That will be all until after my mother returns home, I have new tires, and I have that gift for my lady friend and my mother's Christmas wrapped and sent. Well, and maybe a little breather to let the coffers build again. Yikes but the natives strip it to the bone. Well, thankfully I have games to play and beans to eat, lentils to boot! :p
Good day.
Just leave the lid loose after adding enough water up to the neck of the jars, and you have a water bath canner.
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about some water bath canners is the basket that lifts all the jars out together. But a pair of jar gripper tongs works just fine.
ReplyDeleteA separate water canner isn't all that expensive. But I am thinking just the cutting of clutter would make an all-in-one easier. I do have room for both. I suppose if I ever get to some level of usage where I need both, then maybe an addition would be in order. Jar grippers I can do for now.
ReplyDeleteOh, do you use Vaseline as the "gasket" for the pressure cooker you have? I know it says there is no need, but I have heard a lot of people say they do use something between the metal/metal contact.
I wonder how long vaseline or whatever lasts, how long it's shelf-life is? I'll look that up shortly.
Okay, the manufacturer suggest Vaseline has a 2 year shelf-life, at room temperature, minimally.
ReplyDeleteVaseline will last damn near forever for that purpose. Yes, I do use a very thin smear on the mating surfaces.
ReplyDelete