September

If you have not yet accumulated your 3 month supply of food you normally eat, as
advised by the First Presidency, I encourage you to not procrastinate any
longer. Our world is becoming more unstable by the day. It takes little
imagination to see the "stormy times ahead", spoken of by President Hinkley.

Use the Internet to help find preparedness items, and research any topic. There
are many great preparedness sites available that cover almost all related areas.

I will be glad to help any way I can. If there is something in particular you are interested

in, let me know.

 

Tips for Those Staggered by Rising Grocery Prices

By Lyle and Tracy Shamo

Here are some tips for Latter-day Saints who find that grocery prices are on the rise

Recent news clipped from an English newspaper and mailed to us by one of our missionaries indicates that grocery prices are on the rise with fruit prices 10% higher than last year, fish 7.8% higher and vegetables up 4.7%.  The bad news is that food prices are expected to increase in the near future.  The bottom line is that shoppers are paying up to 58% more for basic food items than they were just three years ago.  (Jonathan Prynn and Dick Murray, “Shoppers hit be record rise in price of groceries”) Wherever you live, we expect the news is the same.

In that spirit and with fall approaching, now is time to bring the harvest into your home and attempt to hedge those rising prices.  Keeping a well stocked pantry is the key to keeping down the cost of food.   With the harvest in full swing, this is the time to stock up on basics.  Let’s look at the deals available to the savvy shopper. 

Potatoes  Are you aware that potatoes are a very healthy food choice?  Though many blame potatoes on their expanding waistlines, potatoes can actually become the centerpiece of a great low fat- low calorie meal—just watch the butter and sour cream.  One medium-sized potato weighs in at a mere 100 calories, and that is only the beginning of its benefits.  That same potato does not contain any fat, cholesterol, or sodium, but it also provides 4 g of healthy protein, 3g of healthy fiber, and 45% of our daily need for vitamin C, 2% of calcium needs, and 6% of our daily need for iron.  It must be said that for those who need to watch their sugar intake, that a basic potato only contains 3 g of sugar per serving.  Nonetheless, for those who are not diabetic, it is an inexpensive, healthy, and very filling meal.  At harvest time, our family buys sufficient quantities of potatoes to last through the winter season.   Find your potatoes for storage not at the supermarket, but from a garden or produce supplier—direct from the farmer if you can arrange it. 

Onions  Large bags of onions can be obtained at this season for a fraction of the price.  Like potatoes, buy sufficient to last the winter.  Some have found that used hose with knots separating each onion provides adequate protection against spoilage.

Squash  Are you aware that If your home has a cool, storage area, you can store squash in a reasonably cool, not freezing, but dry and well- circulated area for up to six months?  Squash are very nutritious and filling.

Tomatoes and other vegetables and fruits  Provided you have the time and inclination, you can home can or even freeze crates of fresh fruits and vegetables which can be conveniently and inexpensively purchased at this time of year. If you don’t know how to preserve fresh vegetables and fruits, there are many books and Internet sites to instruct you.  I learned the art of home canning myself 39 years ago from a simple manual I purchased near the canning jars at my local grocery store.

Grocery Store canned fruits and vegetables  Just prior to the year’s harvest, many stores deeply discount their canned fruits and vegetables and sell them through case lot sales.  Corn, peas, beans, and mushrooms are very versatile and don’t forget the legumes.  Black, red, pinto, navy, and garbanzo beans form the basis of many nutritious and inexpensive recipes and, as an added benefit, they are a rich source of protein.

Dried legumes  It is far less expensive, and it actually requires less storage space to store dried legumes than the canned variety.  Legumes are versatile as we told you above.  They can be added to many a recipe and are excellent in soups, stews, and casseroles.

Flour, sugar, honey, salt, shortening, oils, spices, oatmeal, and other baking supplies  From late October on through until Christmas, shop the sales for baking supplies and stock up for the year.  I buy a year’s supply of shortening, flour, sugar, etc. in November and December.

In addition to these harvest deals, keep the limited stock in your pantry filled with ample supplies of creamed soup (mushroom, chicken, and tomato), pasta, rice, stock (bouillon cubes will do), cocoa powder, peanut butter,  and vinegar.  From these foundational ingredients, you can eat bountifully and inexpensively.  The Internet is awash with blogs and recipe sites to utilize your harvest-stocked pantry.  You are now prepared to slash your food budget in half.

Fresh produce  A family member recently informed me about a service available in her area which supplies her family with all the fresh produce you need at just a fraction of the price.  It is called Bountiful Baskets   These produce baskets can be purchased on a weekly basis and there is no on-going commitment.  Buy them as often as you need or can afford it.  The typical basket costs $15.00 along with a $1.50 handling fee.  You can also buy tortilla packs and/or organic baskets.  The produce is of high quality and your shipment is filled with an assortment of melons, berries, grapes, apples, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, egg plant, or whatever is currently available to the supplier.  Our family reports that it is easily utilized.  In fact, grocery shopping trips revolve around the shipment of the produce basket.  All menus and shopping lists revolve around the weekly shipments.  After a recent trip to the store for some comparison shopping, this family member discovered to her great astonishment that she was saving literally hundreds of dollars a year from off her regular food bill just by utilizing this service.  Inquire about this and similar local services through word of mouth and internet sources.  Neighborhood food cooperatives save money because basic foods, such as those provided by Bountiful Baskets, are purchased by the supplier in bulk at considerable discounts.  That is how such buying groups can afford to offer such drastic savings. 

Buying food doesn’t have to be a fixed expense.  With a little creativity and adherence to gospel principles, you can save money even at the grocery store.  In addition, we love the security of a harvest-stocked pantry.  Bring the harvest into your home this season.

For anyone interested in learning more about self reliance, I ran across a web site that might interest you.

Also, some of you have in inquired about growing sweet potatoes. I have put together a file that has some information on it. Hopes it helps.

Dale

http://www.safeharboralliance.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index

 How are hurricanes measured?

http://www.almanac.com/video/weather-wit-and-wisdom-september-video?email=*%7CURL:EMAIL%7C&utm_source=Almanac+Companion&utm_campaign=5c96562d6e-Companion_September_21_2010&utm_medium=email

Storing Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

Here are tips from The Old Farmer's Almanac on how to store your vegetables, fruits, and herbs, especially at harvest time!

Apples

Apples keep well for about 6 months at temperatures between freezing and 45°F. If you don't have a root cellar, a double cardboard box in a cool mudroom or cellar can approximate the conditions. Remember to give apples an occasional change of air. Apple cider may be frozen after first pouring off a small amount for expansion.

Beans, Dry

Store in a moisture–proof, air–tight container. Beans will stale and toughen over time even when stored properly.

Berries

Never rinse before storage. It washes off the thin, protective epidermal layer. Store berries in a cool, dry place; refrigeration promotes mold as a result of condensation on their surfaces.

Herbs

Dill and parsley will keep for about two weeks with stems immersed in a glass of water tented with a plastic bag. Most other herbs (and greens) will keep for short periods unwashed and refrigerated in tightly–sealed plastic bags with just enough moisture to prevent wilting. For longer storage, use moisture– and gas–permeable paper and cellophane. Plastic cuts off oxygen to the plants and promotes spoilage.

Mushrooms

Keep them in the refrigerator in a paper bag. The bag absorbs some of the moisture and keeps the mushrooms from spoiling.

Onions and Garlic

Mature, dry–skinned bulbs like it cool and dry—so don't store them with apples or potatoes. French–braided onions and garlic are handy and free to get some ventilation as well.

Pumpkins and Winter Squash

Squashes don't like to be quite as cool as root crops do. They like a temperature of about 50°F to 65°F. If you have a cool–ish bedroom, stashing them under the bed works well!

Root Crops

Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, and other root crops should be brushed clean of any clinging soil and stored in a cool, dark place. Never refrigerate potatoes—it will turn their starch to sugar. Don't store apples and potatoes together; the apples give off ethylene gas that will spoil the potatoes. Clipping the tops of parsnips, carrots, beets, and turnips will keep them fresher longer.

If you have an overabundance of beets, make homemade borscht, the classic beet soup, and freeze. To grate the beets more easily, cook them first. A little vinegar intensifies the color.

Spices and Dried Herbs

Store in a cool, dry place, not above the stove or right next to the burners where heat and steam will cause them to lose flavor dramatically.

Tomatoes

Store at cool room temperature out of direct sunlight. Never refrigerate fresh tomatoes. If you have an abundance of tomatoes: for variety, dry tomatoes and/or marinate them in oil; or can them as salsa, ketchup, or juice.

Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits do not keep well in the cold. Store bananas, avocados, and citrus fruit, as well as pineapples, melons, eggplants, cucumbers, peppers, and beans at about 50°F if possible.

Other Tips

§  Baby lima beans (not the big, starchy ones) freeze nicely and are much tastier than commercial brands.

§  Rhubarb, petite peas, sweet corn, and diagonally sliced or French–cut green beans are easy to blanch and freeze—and still taste great when thawed.

§  Tomatoes, rhubarb, cucumbers, beets, cranberries, and virtually all fruits (especially peaches) are well–suited to canning, and their subsequent taste tends to be worth the added trouble. As folksinger Greg Brown put it, "Taste a little of the summer . . . Grandma's put it all in jars."

ENJOY!

Baked Mashed Potatoes

10 lb bag white potatoes, peeled and cut up

2 sticks of butter

2 16 oz sour cream

2 (8 oz) cream cheese

3 Tablespoons dried chives (in the spice section)

Salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes and cook until tender, drain and mix with remaining ingredients immediately.  Pour into a lightly greased FOIL 9 x 13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Vegas Potatoes

6 or 7 large potatoes

10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom, (or cr. of chicken) soup

16 oz. sour cream

1 & ½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cube butter, melted

bunch of green onions, (thinly sliced)

crushed potato chips, (for the top)

Boil potatoes in a large pot of water.  Allow to cool.  Meanwhile, mix butter, sour cream, soup, cheese, (set some aside to top potatoes) and green onions in a large bowl.   Peel and slice potatoes.  Mix with the other ingredients, cover with cheese and chips.

Bake, uncovered for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

Bacon Scallion Mashed Potatoes like Applebee's 

Prep Time: 0:30
Serves: 4

2 Lbs. potatoes - peeled, cut into 1" cubes
4 cloves garlic - peeled
5 strips bacon - cut into 1/2" pieces
1 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/2 cup low-fat milk - warmed
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

-In a large pot, cover potatoes and garlic with lightly salted water.
-Boil until potatoes are fork tender.
-Fry bacon in skillet until crisp; drain on paper towels.
-Pour out all but 1 tsp. bacon grease from pan.
-Add scallions to grease, sauté until soft, but not brown. Add bacon.
-Drain potatoes and return to pot.
-Mash potatoes with milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in bacon and scallions.
-Reheat, if necessary, before serving.

Puffy Potato Pudding

1 large onion, minced

6 Tbs butter

4 cups hot mashed potatoes

1½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

4 eggs, beaten

 Sauté onion in butter until onion is just lightly browned. Stir into hot mashed potatoes; add seasoning. Fold in beaten eggs. Turn into well greased 1½ quart baking dish and bake for 45 min at 400°, until puffy and golden brown.

Oven-Baked Potato Pie
Recipe from Paraguay. Serve with ham, steak, or chicken.

2 pounds potatoes, washed
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped green onions
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350º F.
Boil whole potatoes in salted water. Drain, peel, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Beat eggs. Add milk, onions, cheese, salt, and potatoes. Pour into a buttered and floured 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serves 8 to 10.

Oven Fries

2 1/2 pounds russet or other baking potatoes (not peeled)
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

1. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a crisper and spray the crisper. If using a baking sheet, spray the foil well with a mister. (Because of the sugar, these fries will stick. Grease well.)
2. Cut the potatoes into 1/2 inch thick fries.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes in the mixture. Spread on the baking sheet or crisper in one layer.
4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and browned. Serve immediately.

Catching Up With the Truth About Expiration Dates and Butter

http://www.preparednesspro.com/blog/catching-up-with-the-truth-about-expiration-dates-and-butter/

To see the butter article I was referring to, click here: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/butter-in-the-fridge-or-safe-to-leave-on-the-counter.html

Good info from our Weston friends:

Ah, Publix, what great deals can we wrest from you this week?? The answer is A LOT. You know there aren't ever any coupons during holiday weekends...they just don't put them out on holidays. They made up for it the week after in this case. I have 4 pages of things to get this week and that is very unusual for me! Canned fruit, veges and tomatoes can be had for 44 cents and 54 cents per can. Granola bars, Ronzoni pasta, campbell's select harvest soups, peanut butter, oatmeal and all KINDS of staples are on sale this week. Go to Southern Savers and see how to best reap the bounty! Remember, sales start Thursdays at Publix.

DEAL ALERT...did you see the back of the flyer in the mail today? THIS Saturday and Sunday only ALL Kelloggs Cereals are 50%

off at Publix. You can use coupons with this deal too!

Let me tell you how I HATE (I know, it's a strong word) clipping coupons and how many years I have told myself many things to avoid it; examples follow...

1. I think manufacturer's should give deals instantly while saving paper and time from consumers so I will refuse to use them in hopes they will change! HAH, they won't change and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

2. I only buy whole foods so I can't really save using coupons.

I actually heard someone else use this line last week and it reminded me of how I use to think that. Pasta, rice and bagged lettuce have tons of coupons available, not to mention yogurts, ricotta, sour cream and cream cheese, juices and tons else. ALMOST ANYONE can benefit from couponing. Even if you don't eat grocery store food, why spend so much on toiletries, paper products and household cleansers? You can get spot treatments for free or almost if your timing is right. I must have saved hundreds of dollars already on laundry detergent and I use HE...for people who don't there are even MORE deals available. You can give as little or as much time as money you are willing to save.

3. I can save more money using a wholesale club.

This was always my favorite. I could feel at ease buying something from a wholesale club, thinking that I wasn't throwing away our hard earned dollars. What a joke! I have reasoned that if I buy 3 gallons of milk a week, that is $78. a year ($1.50 less on each gallon of milk) that I save MINUS the yearly fee and the gas it takes to get there. Sam's takes a loss on milk just to get us in the door so we spend on everything else. Don't fall into THAT trap. KNOW your prices. There is no safety in buying from wholesale clubs randomly. You can almost ALWAYS save on food if you buy it bogo with coupons over wholesale clubs. Milk and eggs are probably the only exception.

If you've read all this, what's the point? HERE is a page on couponing and it is well worth your time. Last week the checkout girl couldn't wait to see how much I had saved. I told her I had spent 2 hours working to save that money and I hoped it was worth it...I had saved $135., so we both surmised it was well worth it. It's a part time job with BIG returns! Plus the longer you do it, the more efficient you get, the quicker it is and the more you save.

EXAMPLE from "learning to coupon" follows...

1. Sales Cycles and Stocking Up

Most people make a list of the groceries they need and head to the store. What you have just done is make a list of everything that is not on sale at the store. We need to step back and realize that groceries go on sale. They all have a "rock bottom low price", and we want to focus on only buying groceries when they are at that rock bottom price. Don't worry it's pretty easy, in most areas they follow a cycle roughly 6 weeks long. That means if we see a rock bottom price this week then buy enough of that item to last 6 weeks. That way you don't have to go back and pay the full retail price in between. MORE TIPS? go here...

FREEBIES: Here is a link to Carefree Panty Shields for a $1.00 coupon which makes them free right now! Here is a link to a FREE can of pringles extreme..when you "like" them on facebook. They send you a coupon in 4to 6 weeks. FREE cards for change of address, new baby or even Christmas cards early through SNAPFISH...you design and get 15 cards free but pay 5.99 shipping. Sounds all good to me...use code BABIES at checkout. These deals are so fun to get in the mail later on. I did a free photo BOOK through Shutterfly using the TREK pictures that Bro. Mueller took.  It turned out so well, the price was right and it was so fun getting it in the mail!

Have you wondered about RSS feeds and how they work? THIS is the symbol for RSS feeds which, when you click on one, will give you the opportunity to subscribe to the feed for that particular website. Why tell you this in a food storage newsletter? If you go here...to the National Hurricane Center and scroll to any hurricane you're interested in...JULIA for example...and click on the RSS feed icon (example shown to the left here) whenever there is an update to that hurricane, new tracking information for example...you will be informed. It is a GREAT way to use new technology to stay informed about hurricanes, or anything else for that matter. The church uses RSS feeds to let you know when a part of our site is updated or if there is a new podcast available. Get on the techy bandwagon ladies!

HURRICANE PREDICTIONS right on...Way to GO, Univ of Colorado! With Igor and Julia both at CAT 4 (temporarily) today, was the first time since 1926 there were two storms at CAT 4 or higher in the Atlantic at the same time. 1926, remember, was the year of the GREAT MIAMI HURRICANE in September too...eek! We are so lucky that none are aiming at us so far...REMEMBER...prepare for the worst and expect the best...

Google ALERT...have you heard about them? Google alert is a GREAT way to hear current news about ANY topic automatically to your inbox. Here's the scoop: CLICK on the blue link to create your first alert. I have two alerts right now, one is for "Ft. Lauderdale Mormon Temple" and the other for "Ft. Lauderdale LDS Temple", now I will get a notice to my email whenever the news says something about our new temple. When Tyler was playing football, I also did an alert for his name and high school. You can also do alerts for the names of your kid's schools, etc.

Google Alerts are emails sent to you when Google finds new results -- such as web pages, newspaper articles, or blogs -- that match your search term. You can use Google Alerts to monitor anything on the Web. For example, people use Google Alerts to:

• find out what is being said about their company or product.
• monitor a developing news story.
• keep up to date on a competitor or industry.
• get the latest news on a celebrity or sports team.
• find out what's being said about themselves.

Here's how it works:

1. You enter a query that you're interested in.
2. Google Alerts checks regularly to see if there are new results for your query.
3. If there are new results, Google Alerts sends them to you in an email.

For general queries like [ football ], you can get a summary of the new results every day. For specific topics, like [ cardiovascular atherosclerosis ], you might not get an email every day, but you'll find out when something new and relevant is published. See more examples of how Google Alerts are used

LDS Church Online International Video Contest

For the first time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced an online International Video Contest. The theme of the contest is “Make Your Own Mormon Message.” The contest is open to Church members around the world, ages 14 and up.

The purpose of the contest is to give Church members an opportunity to strengthen their testimonies as they share their talents with worldwide members and to “join the conversation” in sharing the gospel with the world.

While Church employees are not able to submit videos, we encourage you to help us spread the word to your friends, families, and ward members.

Members can submit their videos online from October 18 through January 31, 2011.

Videos can be entered in one of five categories that include professional, amateur, and ages 14 to 17. Up to two awards of $500 (USD) will be given in each category.

Members will be able to view finalist videos online and vote for their favorite. Winners will be announced April 13, 2011.

For full details, please visit videocontest.lds.org

Honey Remedies
Folklore lists honey under remedies for arthritis, asthma, bed-wetting, constipation, coughs, sore throats, and weight control.
• Stir a spoonful of honey into a hot drink to promote relaxation and sleep.
• Chew a bit of honeycomb if your body is overheated.
• Use a touch of honey on chapped lips as a healing balm.

Cooking With Honey
• Store honey at room temperature. If it crystallizes, stand the jar in a pot of hot water until it liquefies again.
• Before you measure honey for cooking, oil the measuring cup—and the honey will pour out easily!
• Substitute honey for sugar, and your cookies and cakes will keep much longer.

Think about where our food products come from.... Just because we have "nice" weather here in the south does not mean we will have access to all the good food we need all year long. Extreme weather will make a difference to us!

 

A Winter of Extremes? Maybe, Thanks to La Nina

Paul Yeager Contributor

AOL News

(Sept. 11, 2010) -- Weather extremes occur across the United States virtually every season, but the presence of a La Nina means that weather forecasters have a better idea of what those extremes might be during the upcoming winter.

La Nina winters often result in flooding and avalanche problems in the Pacific Northwest, drought in the Southwest, the start of drought conditions in the Southeast and bouts of unseasonable -- perhaps record-breaking -- warmth in the South and East.

The current La Nina, which is a cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, is expected to last through the winter and peak at a moderate or strong intensity, increasing the likelihood of those events.

During a La Nina winter, an active northern Pacific storm track is likely, with a less active southern Pacific storm track. Persistent storminess in the Northwest and Northern Rockies results in the threat of flooding in lower elevations and enough mountain snow, when combined with temperature fluctuations, to result in a deep and unstable snow pack.

The general lack of storminess in the southern tier of the country means less precipitation than during an average winter. The desert Southwest, which depends on winter rain for most of its yearly rainfall, is vulnerable to drought even after just one season of dry weather.

The dominant northern branch of the jet stream often floods much of the nation with mild air from the Pacific, resulting in unusual warmth in the South and East at times.

The overall expected conditions associated with a La Nina in the coming winter are much different from last winter's weather, which was influenced by a moderate El Nino, a warming of the sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that sets up a stronger-than-normal southern storm track.

Last winter was wet across the southern part of the country and dry in the Northwest. Record-breaking amounts of snow fell in the Mid-Atlantic region, while the Southeast had bouts of extreme cold.

While extreme events are more likely to occur during a La Nina year, it's not as if La Nina gives long-range forecasters all of the answers to the winter forecast.

Although periods of warmth are likely in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, very cold air will also not be too far north of these regions, so occasional periods of extreme winter weather there are still possible. This is true particularly for the upper Midwest, which will be on the boundary between persistent cold to the west and persistent mild air to the south. The winter could go either way or fluctuate back and forth depending on the precise location of the dominant northern jet stream.

Unusual Uses For Alka-Seltzer

These fizzy little pills will help you unclog the sink, polish jewelry and more.

Alka-Seltzer tablets and their generic equivalents are useful for more than just relief from indigestion and heartburn. From cleaning your toilet to attracting fish, these little pills pack big power when used in other ways.

Clean Your Toilet
Drop two tablets in the toilet, wait 20 minutes for the citric acid to loosen the grime, scrub and flush. Your toilet will look as clean as it would had you used conventional cleaners.

Unclog the Sink
A great natural solution for unclogging the drain! Drop 3 tablets down the drain, followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the hot water run for 5 minutes and you'll have a clear drain. This will also work to deodorize the drain.

Clean Burnt Food Off Glass Cookware
Burnt the casserole again? Even with a good scrub, sometimes the food seems to stay. Enter Alka-Seltzer. Drop 5 tablets in a sink full of hot water, soak your cookware for an hour and the burnt food will come off with ease.

Clean a Glass Jar, Vase or Thermos
For difficult to clean vessels with intricate design and hard to reach places, a wash cloth or scrub brush just won't do. Instead, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets in, add hot water and swish it around until the tablets are dissolved and let it sit for an hour. Rinse, and the glass jar, vase or Thermos will be as clean as new.

Polish Jewelry
Drop two tablets in a bowl of warm water. Let your jewelry soak for about 20 minutes. It will look new again! (Note: This is not safe for pearls or opals.)

Clean a Coffee Percolator
Fill the water chamber and drop in two tablets, then run a cycle. This will clean out all the internal components. Run through another plain water cycle before using the machine again for coffee.

Go Fishing
Fish love bubbles, and dissolving Alka-Seltzer is very bubbly. Put a tablet inside your tube jig and cast off. The fish won't be able to resist the stream of bubbles.

Soothe Insect Bites
Drop two tablets in warm water, then soak a cotton ball in the solution. Apply it to the infected area for 30 minutes for relief from the insect bites.

Aside from these great Home Ec. solutions, Alka-Seltzer tablets have been attributed medicinal benefits beyond those listed on the box. Here are two of the rumored benefits:

Manage Nicotine Addiction
Take two Alka-Seltzer tablets three times daily to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.

Cure Urinary Tract Infections
Take two tablets in a glass of water as soon as you notice symptoms. Results are almost immediate. Keep in mind that Aspirin is a main ingredient in Alka-Seltzer so those with Aspirin allergies shouldn't use it.

 

Peanut Butter Brownies

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (I used margarine)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 8×2 or 9×2 inch pan with vegetable pan spray.

In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter and sugars with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, add vanilla; mix well.  Add flour mixture, mix until well combined. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake 30 -35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

Peanut Butter Fudge Icing

• 1- 1/2 Cup sugar
• 7 Tablespoon milk
• 2 Tablespoon Shortening
• 2 Tablespoon margarine
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 Cup creamy Peanut Butter

Combine sugar, milk, shortening, margarine, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil in a heavy saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Once it reaches a boil, let boil for one ot two minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and add vanilla and peanut butter. Beat until smooth and quickly spread onto brownies.

Good info from our friends in Weston. Thanks Karen.

This is a short video filmed by Good Morning America about a coupon mom that focuses on getting everything FREE or nearly FREE in her grocery and drug store shopping. It was AMAZING! She bought nearly $300 worth of groceries and ended up paying 5 cents. WOW...I thought I was good with a dime! WATCH HERE (http://wimp.com/momfamily/) and notice her backup pantry. She is not a member, she just stockpiles from personal wisdom! Food storage is do-able on very little money. I know that the same saving opportunities aren't available in paradise...(tourist country) where coupons are never doubled...but we can still get food for really good prices if we are willing to make the effort.

Publix-a few great deals this week...

WISK $1.49 with coupon and sale...YES, they have HE washers type!

COMBAT ANT BAITs...never used them but you can get them FREE and even make a profit at Publix this week. GRAB an advantage flyer, they are also on the turnstile with the flyers, combine that $3 store coupon with the manufacturer coupon that is out right now and see how this stuff works. Gatoraide is also an excellent storage item and PICKLES...bogo this week.

Healthy Hurricane Cookbook link below in .pdf format

Can’t figure out how to eat healthy during hurricane/disaster conditions?

Under hurricane/disaster conditions, we often struggle with the question: What will I eat during hurricane/disaster conditions?

This recipe book is your guide to making better food choices. We are all looking for good ways to provide our families and ourselves with nutrient dense, tasty, safe, and non-perishable meals.

Most of the ingredients in this recipe book are canned goods with the exception of fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits can be kept without refrigeration for a couple of days, so consumption during hurricane/disaster conditions is safe.

Students from the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, C(lass of 2006, combined the recipes in this book during the fall of 2004, under the supervision of Dr. Marcia Magnus. The book itself was put together by the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in coordination with the University Health Services, and edited by Dr. Marcia Magnus and Ms. Mariela Gabaroni.

We hope you enjoy these recipes. We recommend that you experiment with some recipes as you start hurricane preparation.

Good health to all!

FIU University Health Serv

www.healthyokaloosa.com/hope/Documents/HealthyDisasterCookbook.pdf