Worried about the upcoming frankenstorm and the power
outages that may result from it? Well
here are a few kitchen tricks to keep your food from spoiling and your family
well fed should that pesky electrical magick go out...
1. Frozen Assets!
While the power is still on, take a few empty 1-1.5 gallon
water jugs (with secure tops), fill them up with water and freeze them before
the storm! These helpful little guys can
then be distributed through your freezer and refrigerator when the time comes
to buy you 1-2 extra days before your food goes bad. Remember that your refrigerator and freezers
are insulated much like a cooler and if you limit opening and closing them too
often and add in these giant and free! Cooling sources they can buy you precious
time and keep the temps from rising.
Make sure to keep those easy to spoil foods/beverages towards the back
and near to the ice jugs for added safety.
2. Creative Kitchen Witchery even in the Dark!
We've still got the power today ladies and gentlemen, so I
encourage you to use it!! Get in your
kitchens and fire up those ovens, stovetops, and rice cookers!! Make the best of today by creating some easy
throw together meals that are best served hot, cold, or even at room temp. Remember that with a little forethought and
creativity you won't have to survive on cereal and dry goods when the lights go
out. Plus a home cooked meal from mom's
kitchen by candlelight can be a fun and memorable affair for the whole family
and will give those little ones in the house that might be a bit afraid by all
the wild wind and rain going on outside the perfect distraction of homey loving
comfort. Here are a few things that can
be prepared to ahead of time to last the duration and use up some of those easy
to spoil foods…
Rice-Cook up several cups of brown rice, put it into gallon
size Ziploc baggies and throw it in the frig for later. This is great at room temp and when paired
with the roasted veggies and marinated chicken I’m about to suggest makes and
filling yummy meal.
Roast those Veggies- Turn that oven up to 425 and pull out
you cookie sheets!
Carrots and Sweet
Potatoes can be roughly chopped, tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, brown
sugar and cinnamon to make a mouth wateringly sweet and tummy warming (cinnamon)
treat.
Cauliflower just needs a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and
your choice of spices to get you through those tough times! A bit of curry powder added if it’s in your
families taste is a great way to heat you up on a dark and cold night.
Brussel Sprouts or Cabbage tossed in oil, lightly salted
and peppered, and maybe even paired with a bit of turkey bacon is a great bit
to eat and can easily be added to the already steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Potatoes! Need I say
more, the possibilities are endless!
Eggs-Quiche anyone?
Use up those eggs by baking off a couple quiches and using up some of
the extras from your frig. They are
wonderful at any temp and just get better in flavor as the days go on.
Chicken-Marinate several chicken breast and broil them off
to use in sandwiches, rice dishes, or even use up the lettuce quick salads. You can never go wrong or find a lack of
creative dishes to accompany a simple tasty chicken breast.
Waffles and Pancake- Silly as it may sound these are easy to
make ahead of time and when served cold with cut up fruit from the melting ice
box can be just what the doctor ordered.
Granola, Pies, and Cookies- Don’t forget the sweets! Who says you can’t have desert when the
lights go out, in my opinion that is the very best time ;)! Bake them off and stock that pantry, nothing
is ever quiet so terrible when you add a little bit of sugar!
The list can go on forever, just remember to have a little
fun with the kids and bring them into all the preparations. It keeps the nerves down and gives everyone a
sense of “being ready” and it sure does help not having to worry about what to
do next…
I hope these little tidbits help and wish you all a safe and
well fed journey through the storm!
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