Honeville 9 Grain Cracked Cereal

Delicious, Nutritious and Very Versatile

Honeyville Farms Nine Grain Mix

The Cracked Nine Grain Mix from Honeyville Farms can be used in a variety of applications and makes a great addition to  your food storage.  This cracked cereal mix contains hard red wheat, soft white wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, millet, buckwheat and flax seeds.  All of the grains have been milled to a nice, course consistency, that is very similar to most commercially cracked wheat.  The texture is even and consistent.  This mix is a good source of fiber, protein and iron.  This cereal will store for 7-10 years sealed in the #10 can.

As a cereal, this mix makes a great hot breakfast.  You simply add 1 part nine grain cracked mix to 4 parts boiling water.  You then cook for about 20-30 minutes.  You can then add in your choice of maple syrup, honey or other sweeteners, along with butter or milk where desired.

A good way to incorporate this mix into your bread is to grind the nine grain mix into flour and then use 50% flour and 50% nine grain mix flour.  You could also add in 1/4 cup of the cracked mix (unground) to your bread recipe to help add a courser texture to your bread.

Wheat Montana White Flour

What Makes This the Best White Flour?

Wheat Montana High Protein Natural White Flour

We all know that grinding your own wheat and grains is more nutritious than using previously ground flour that has been stored for some time.  We also know that the process for milling white flour is to remove the germ and the gran, thus leaving the starchy interior portion of the wheat berry.  Thus, freshly ground whole wheat flour is more nurishing for our bodies.  However, there are times when you desire white flour for certain recipes or additions to food.  When choosing white flour we recommend that you choose the best.

Natural White Flour from Wheat Montana is the best white flour on the market for several reasons.  It is the highest protein white flour on the market.  This flour has not been bleached and has not been bromated.  It also is certified chemical free and GMO free as well.  Harmful chemicals and pesticides have not been added and the wheat berries have not been genetically modified.   This helps you to know that you are not adding harmful chemicals to your body.  The flour is then enriched with B vitamins, iron and niacin.  Finally, the flour includes a small protion of malted barley flour to help as a baking enhancer.  When you combine all of these factors you find that Natural White is simply the best white flour available.  Try some Natural White out on your next batch of holiday goodies!

Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper

High Quality Popcorn Popper That Produces Superb Results

Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper

Stainless Steel Popcorn Poppers are a great way to make popcorn the old fashioned way, with direct heat and oil.  Stainless steel poppers also hold up to heat and perform better than their aluminum counterparts.

Making popcorn in the stainless steel popper is quite easy.  You place the popper on the stove top and turn the heat to medium high.  You then add 1-2 Tablespoons of coconut oil (or oil of your choice) and 1/2 cup of popcorn to the popper.   The handle has a rotating, gear-driven attachment so you can keep the popcorn mixed while it is cooking to avoid scorching.   You then add salt to taste and you have 6 quarts of great tasting and healthy popcorn.

This stainless steel popcorn poppers make great gifts.  Pick up one for someone special, and then make sure to pick up one for yourself!

The AquaMira Military Frontier Pro Water Filter

Now Available to Consumers

AquaMira Military Frontier Pro

AquaMira is one of the most trusted names in water filtration.  They specialize in ultralight water filters, purification tablets and liquid purification solutions.  For years the Frontier Pro Water Filter has been a mainstay in the backpacking and emergency preparedness arenas.  Now, they have made available on a commercial basis the Military Frontier Pro Water Filter.

This filter has a bite valve on the top and the tube has active carbon to filter the water.  The filter removes 99.9% of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, cysts and protozoa, while at the same time improving the taste and clarity of the water.  The filter is extremely functional.  It includes a straw for drinking right out of a lake, stream or pool of water.  The Frontier Pro screws into most small water bottles and also Platypus soft water bottles and Platypus canteens.  The filter can also be used in-line with hydration packs.  The Frontier Pro now also includes a quick coupler device for use in the place of the bite valve on Camelbak Brand hydration packs.

The benefits of the AquaMira Military Frontier Pro Water Filter include the compact design, the light weight of the unit, its compatibility with hydration packs, its military package, solid reputation and overall reliability.

This filter is perfect for storing in the car, keeping in a scout backpack, storing in a 72 hour kit or keeping in a bug out bag.  The filter has a 50 gallon capacity and does not have a shelf life for time stored.  The AquaMira Military Fronter Pro Water Filter is a superb filter backed by an industry leader.

Food Pantrie Dehydrator

Functional Non-Electric Dehydrator

Food Pantrie

The Food Pantrie by Duer International is a wonderful tool for self sufficiency and preparedness.  This non-electric dehydrator is a great way to dehydrate food.  The unit itself is less expensive than most electric dehydrators plus you get the benefit of using no electricity.

We enjoy using our Food Pantrie to dry our sprouted Spelt, Wheat and Kamut before making sprouted wheat flour.  We soak the grain overnight in a 1 gallon glass jar and then allow to sit in a collander covered with a towel for a day.  We then rinse three times during the day.  When the small sprout appears, we take the sprouted grain out of the collander and place the grain on the Food Pantrie trays to dry.  On a hot dry day, the seeds can dry in 24 hours outside.  If you keep the Food Pantrie indoors on a cold day this could take several days.  Test your seed by biting into it.  If it is crunchy and dry you are ready to grind.

Grasshopper Mummy-Style Sleeping Bags for Kids

Great Children's Sleeping Bag at an Affordable Price

Eureka! Grasshopper Mummy-Style Sleeping Bag for Kids

Eureka! makes great tents, sleeping bags and outdoor gear.  One of thier top sellers is the Grasshopper Mummy Sleeping Bag for Kids.  Here you see a happy young camper nice and snug in his Grasshopper:

The Grasshopper is rated down to 30 Degrees.  It is 66" long, which will provide enough room for a child of 5 feet tall.  The bag is 26" at the opening, which will provide up to 52" of room in the shoulders.  The bag tapers down to 18" at the bottom.  The bags includes a a draft tube along the zipper and the standard tightening system around the top of the bag to keep the head warm.  This bag has 1 lb 11 oz of synthetic fill.  The synthetic fill will allow it to provide loft and warmth even when wet.

The bag comes with its own stuff sack.  We love these bags for kids.  They are great for spring, summer and fall camping and can also go with you on trips to family members homes.  Kids love having their own sleeping bags and you have an instant bed for times away from home.

Lodge Enamel Coated Cast Iron

Lodge Enamel Cast Iron

Lodge now features a line of cast-iron cookware that is coated with a porcelain enamel covering that is both wonderful to cook with and aesthetically pleasing to behold.  Lodge has been making quality cast iron products for years and their enamel cast iron is not exception.  This cookware provides a great cooking surface that cleans up easily and does not need to be wiped with oil after each use.  Two of the more popular sizes are the  6 Quart Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven and the 3 Quart Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish.

Lodge 6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The 6 Quart Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is great for use as an indoor dutch oven.  It can also be used as a pot on the stove top.

Lodge 3 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Covered Casserole Dish

The 3 Quart Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish is perfect for smaller sized casseroles and oven dishes.  It can also be used as a skillet on the stove top.

What is great about the enamel cast iron is that it can go right from the oven to the table.  It is a georgeous dish.  You can then go right from the table to the refrigerator because of the porcelain enamel coating.

The Premier Guide to Natural Remedies for Bites and Stings in Arizona

The Premier Guide to Natural Remedies for Bites and Stings in the Arizona Outdoors

Natural Remedies for Bites and Stings By Peter Bigfoot

For those who have spent any time outdoors in Arizona we have seen or encountered animals, insects, spiders or plants that aren't overly human friendly.  What if that encounter were to turn into a situation where we were bitten or stung?  Do you know how to treat these type of wounds?  What if you were miles away from the nearest doctor?

Peter Bigfoot has over 50 years of experience in using natural remedies for such afflictions.  Peter has important practical experience that he is willing to share with others.  His book, Natural Remedies for Bites and Stings, should be an important part of your preparedness literature and should be a part of your first aid kit.  This book is the point of departure for you to begin the process of learning how nature can heal you.  Natural remedies are all around us.  We just need to take the time to pay attention and learn.

We carry this book in our store and it is affordably priced at $7.00 per copy.  Come in and get your copy today!

Sprouting

Unlock the Nutrition in Your Grains, Seeds and Legumes

Quinoa Ready for Sprouting

The grains, seeds, legumes and nuts that we store for our food storage are packed with a dormant vitality that is unlocked through soaking or sprouting.  The commencement of the germination process within seeds initiates a wonderful process that makes seeds and grains easier to digest, provides beneficial enzymes, provides additional nutrients and vitamins, and also provides greens to your diet.

This Friday we will be having a soaking and sprouting class at the store.  We will discuss the benefits of soaking grains prior to use.  We will also have information on soaking times for sprouts, number of times to rinse, time for germination, methods of sprouting and containers you can use.

Sprouted Spelt Berries being dried

We will also have information on how to sprout wheat berries, spelt berries and kamut berries and how to dry them for sprouted wheat flour.  This will be a class for beginning sprouters with some intermediate concepts as well.  Hope to see you there.

Emergency Water Rations

Emergency Water Rations

SOS Emergency Purified Water

Many individuals and families choose SOS Emergency Purified Water pouches for their emergency water needs.  These pouches make a great addition to 72 Hour Kits, Bug Out Bags, Get Home Kits and Automobile Kits.  The purified water is sealed in a mylar pouch for 5 year store.  The pouches contain just over 1/2 cup of water.  These are Coast Guard approved and are designed for compact storage and easy access.

These pouches are great for emergency kits because they are packed in small portion sizes and the mylar is not a hard container like bottles.  This allows pouches to fit well into your pack.  The mylar is also quite strong and does not allow in light.  The top of the mylar bag is designed for easy tearing to open the pouch.  By using these pouches you avoid the necessity of rotating water bottles every few months.

Essential Signaling Items for Your Emergency Kit

Essential Signaling Items For Your Emergency Kit

ACR Signaling Kit

ACR makes a very nice signal mirror and whistle kit that should be a part of every 72 Hour Kit or Boy Scout backpack.  This mirror provides excellent sighting holes for placing your signal where you want it.  As you can see, the kit includes a lanyard, whistle and float.  I removed the float and added a small flashlight.  This makes highly functional signaling kit.

The ACR signal mirror is easy to use.  You simply make sure that you can line up the mirror with the sun, look through the viewer and then find the red dot that is made by the viewer.  As you can see, the directions are on the back of the mirror.

Last week, our Varsity Scout Team participated in an On-Target event where we contacted various peaks around the state with flashes from mirrors and with HAM Radios.  We mounted this small ACR signal mirror on our large 2' x 2' mirror to help sight in the larger mirror.  The ACR Mirror helped us place a red dot on the mountain that we were trying to signal, which made it a lot easier to hit the other mountain with our flash.

A Combination of Freeze Dried Berries Makes This a Great Dessert

Recently our blog posts have featured different dessert recipes........and why not?  Food storage can be fun and delicious.   Dessert dishes aren't always healthy per se, but when you make your own you can cut out a higher portion of fats, processed foods, hydrogenated oils, preservatives and other ingredients that are a part of the food industry.

For our berry crisp we used a blend of freeze dried berries to add different flavors and tartness.

This delicious treat can be made in the oven, dutch oven or solar oven.

Berry Crisp

8 c. of freeze dried berries

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp whole wheat flour

Rehydrate berries.  To rehydrate berries: boil water, add to berries, let sit for 10-20 minutes, drain water.  Add 3 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of flour to berries.  Place in an 8x8 in baking dish.

Topping

1 c. regular rolled oats

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. whole wheat flour (or all purpose flour)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. butter, softened

In mixer combine topping ingredients.  Sprinkle over berries.

Bake in oven for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.  You can also bake in the sun oven.  Time in sun oven varies depending on temperature. 

Freeze Dried Cheese?!

If you like shredded cheddar cheese, try this product.

Freeze Dried Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Many of us love the taste of sharp cheddar cheese and now you can keep it on your shelf instead of your refrigerator.  Once you reconstitute this cheese, it has the taste, texture and cooking characteristics of fresh, shredded sharp cheddar cheese.  You can also just munch on the cheese as a snack straight out of the can.

To rehydrate the freeze dried cheddar cheese, simply add 1 part freeze dried cheddar cheese to 2 parts water.  Make sure the water is lukewarm.  If the water is too hot, it will melt the cheese and clump together.  If it is too cold, the re-hydration process will take a long time. 

After about 5-10 minutes, taste a small amount of the cheese and make sure it is fully rehydrated.  If it meets your satisfaction, drain off the excess water.  If it is still crunchy, allow it to soak for longer.

You can now add the cheese to tacos, casseroles, quesadillas and more.  Chef Tess recently held a kid's cooking class where the kids made hot pockets.  They filled the hot pockets with mozzarella, pepperoni and freeze dried cheddar cheese.  You can check our her recipe for homemade hot pockets by clicking the following link:

Homemade Hot Pockets

We wanted to try the cheese on homemade pizza, so we added some reconstituted freeze dried cheddar cheese to our cheese pizza and it was great.

Hope you enjoy freeze dried cheddar cheese and all of the wonderful things you can make with it!

Mountain House Pasta Primavera

Our Favorite Mountain House Meal

Mountain House Pasta Primavera in Double Serving Pouch

Mountain House Meals are an excellent way to prepare for your next backpacking trip, campout or other outdoor outing.  They are also great for 72 Hour Kits or other Emergency Kits.  Mountain House Meals store for 7 years in the mylar pouches.  The 2 Serving Pouch makes 20 ounces of food.  The best part is that they are easy to make and delicious!

This video review shows you how to reconstitute the meal and how great the Pasta Primavera looks rehdyrated:

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Don't Eat Too Many!

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Sometimes you need a quick treat!  Why not make a quick treat that is both delicious and fairly nutritious?  These cookies are easy to make and your family will thank you for taking a bit of time to whip these up.

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

(makes 2 dozen)

Mix in sauce pan on low heat:

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1/2  c. peanut butter

1/3 c. milk

1/2 c. honey

  

Remove from heat and add:

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp cocoa powder

Stir vigorously and add:

2 c. quick rolled oats

Place round balls on cookie sheet, place in the freezer until firm.  Enjoy!

Granola Bars So Good They Pass as a Dessert

My wife makes the best granola bars imaginable.  To me they are like eating a dessert dish.  I am not a huge dessert guy, but these delicious granola bars are so good that I usually eat too many.  What is great is that while making the bars themselves is wonderful, you also get the added benefit of making your own granola, which you can use as a cereal or yogurt topping.  People who stopped by the store yesterday were able to sample these granola bars, and they were a big hit!  You will have to break out a few of your food storage items, and maybe even hit the grocery store, but it will be worth it.

We wanted to share these great recipes with you so you can enjoy them too:

GRANOLA
Mix Dry Ingredients in separate bowl:

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup almonds, chopped

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup cashew pieces, chopped

½ cup sesame seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup chia seeds

½ cup toasted wheat germ

 Melt over low heat:

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup butter (or coconut oil)

½ cup brown sugar

Remove above mixture from heat then add:

1 tsp. vanilla
Then pour over dry ingredient mixture, mix, then spread small amount to cover a 15x10x1 inch baking pan.  Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.

 Stir in freeze dried or dehydrated fruit

1 cup freeze dried strawberries

 Cool.  Store in air tight container in a cool place or refrigerator or use in Chewy Strawberry Granola Bar Recipe

CHEWY STRAWBERRY GRANOLA BARS

 

Add to sauce pan:

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup butter

1/3 cup honey
In a sauce pan combine brown sugar, butter and honey.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Mix together:

5 cups granola

½ cup whole wheat flour

½ cup freeze dried strawberries


Pour brown sugar mixture over granola, mix and press into buttered 11x7x1.5 inch pan.  Cool and cut into bars.

WonderMill Electric Grain Mill

Quietest and Fastest Home Use Electric Grain Mill on the Market

WonderMill Electric Grain Mill

The WonderMill Electric Grain Mill can become an important part of your quest for healthy living.  This mill will allow you to effortlessly grind your own wheat, rice, beans, corn, barley, oats, spelt, quinoa and other grains from coarse down to pastry fine.  This mill will even grind the world's smallest grain, teff, down to a wonderful fine flour, and can also handle beans up to the size of garbanzo beans.  You are only able to grind dry, non-oily grains and beans in this mill since oily and most seeds and grains can clog the unit.  (For oily and moist grains and seeds you will need a hand grinder with stainless steel parts.)

The WonderMill Electric Grain Mill features a powerful 1250 watt motor.  The mircronizing grinders provide a smooth, even texture to your flours.  This mill is very efficient and the flour is dispensed into a removable cannister.  The unit is well designed and will help you keep your kitchen clean!

While all electric mills are somewhat loud, this unit is the quietest mill on the market.  The mill is also covered by a life-time warranty.  Please see the video review below on the WonderMill Electric Grain Mill so you can see for yourself what a wonderful mill this truly is:

Instructions on How to Use the WonderMill Electric Grain Mill

EVOO

Olive Oil of Superior Quality

Bragg Organic Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed

Many individuals know Bragg by their wonderful Liquid Aminos, while others recognize Bragg as the bottler of the highest quality of olive oil out on the market.  Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is as good as it gets because it is certified organic, is extra virgin in quality and is first cold pressed.  Bragg Olive Oil comes from organically grown Kalamata olives.  This olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Olive Oil Sealed in a Can for Maximum Shelf Life

Supremo Italiano Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed Olive Oil

Supremo Italiano is the grower and distributor of a high quality Extra Virgin, First Cold Pressed Olive Oil.  The oil is packaged in an air tight square can, which also protects against light.  These cans last at least 18 months, but in many cases the oil can be good for 5 or more years sealed in this manner.

Try either of these oils  in this delicious Balsamic Dressing Recipe:

1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard

1/2 teaspoon Real Salt

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Optional)

Stir together the mustard and vinegar.  Add this mixture into a jar of olive oil.  Sprinkle in the salt (and garlic powder) and stir well.  Keep unused portion refrigerated.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken in a Dutch Oven

Cook in the Dutch Oven or Sun Oven for Fantastic Results

I was going to make a pineapple upside down cake for this post, but I am glad my wife suggested making pineapple barbecue chicken.  Our family loves barbecue chicken salad, so this was a great summer meal.  The best part was that I was able to cook it outside in the dutch oven.  If I had started ealy enough I would have opted for the Sun Oven, although it may have been difficult because of the cloud cover we have had.  You can also take your crock pot out to the back porch and cook it outside.  It is enjoyable to find ways to keep the heat out of the kitchen!

After you have cooked this recipe, serve over brown rice or shred the chicken and add to a wonderful leafy salad.  This recipe is very simple, yet delicious:

2 Cups Reconstituted Freeze Dried Pineapple (I cooked 2 Cups of Freeze Dried Pineapple with 2 Cups of Water over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally)

6-8 Pieces of Chicken Breasts and/or Thighs

4 Cups of Barbecue Sauce

For Dutch Oven:  Use a 12" camp dutch oven.  Rub the dutch oven with butter or oil to help the barbecue sauce from sticking so much during cooking.  Mix the pineapple and barbecue sauce together and then pour into the dutch oven.  Add the chicken.  Light 12 Charcoal Brickettes and allow the brickettes to burn for about 10 minutes before placing the dutch oven over the coals.  Cook for 2 hours with the lid off.  If you leave the lid on you will only cook it for 1 1/2 hours but the sauce will be more liquidy.

Sun Oven:  Combine the barbecue sauce and pineapple in your pot and then add the chicken.  Cook for 3 hours.  If possible, re-adjust  the sun oven to keep up with the sun every hour to maintain a consistent temperature in the oven.  If not, you may need to cook for up to 4 hours.

Crock Pot:  Rub the bottom of the crockpot with butter or oil and then add the chicken.  Mix the barbecue sauce and pineapples and then pour over the chicken.  Cook for 3-4 hours on high, or cook 6-8 hours on low.

Featherlite Sleeping Bags

When You Want Lightweight and Compact, Without Sacrificing Warmth

Featherlite 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

Ledge Sports out of Tooele, Utah has an impressive line of synthetic, lightweight, mummy-style sleeping bags.  These bags are much more compact and lightweight than traditional mummy bags, which often weigh 5 pounds or more.  The Featherlite 40 Degree Bag is a great summer bag that has a pack weight of only 2.9 lbs and it has a pack size of 6" x 12".  The Featherlie 20 Degree Bag is a three season bag that weighs in at only 3.4 lbs and has a pack size of 7" x 13".  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag is a four season bag that is still about half the size and weight of many 0 Degree mummy Bags.  The Featherlite 0 Degree Bag has a pack weight of 3.8 lbs and has a pack size of 8" x 16".

I have used all three of these Featherlite sleeping bags in various conditions and they work very well.  Like all other bags, you have to have  a pad underneath you to achieve the rating of the sleeping bag.  I also sleep cold, so I have to have clothing layers to add extra comfort.  However, the Ledge Featherlite Bags feel to me that they are close in their rating systems to other bags made by Eureka, Slumberjack, Kelty and Vaude.  Many lightweight synthetic bags are very expensive, but these are fairly affordable.  Ledge has even come out with a negative 20 degree Featherlite Bag, but I have not tried it out yet.

Down sleeping bags will weigh significantly less, will pack smaller and retain more loft, but they are much more expensive, harder to maintain and do not provide the same heat protection as synthetic when they are wet.  My only complaint with the Ledge Featherlite sleeping bags is that their zippers are hard to manage most of the time.  I am getting better at holding them just the right way, but they are very finicky.  However, in terms of value, performance, size and weight, the Featherlite sleeping bags are great for backpacking, camping, vacations and 72 hour kits.  In fact, I currently keep a Featherlite 20 degree back in my backpacking assembly, which doubles as my 72 hour kit.

Solar hand cranked Emergency Radios

Hand Crank, Solar Powered Emergency Radios with Built In Flashlights and Cell Phone Chargers

 Eton FR160 Microlink Solar Hand Crank Red Cross Radio/Flashlight/Cell Phone Charger

Eton Corporation is the manufacturer of high quality emergency radios.  They offer a line of self-powered radios.  The internal battery pack on these radios can be charged via solar power, or they can be charged with a built in hand crank.  This means that you have full control over the power.  You don't have to store batteries for these radios.  They are ready to use when you are.

What is nice about these radios is that they offer several fantastic features.  The Eton FR160 Microlink shown above has an AM/FM radio which also has the NOAA channels for emergencies.  NOAA is also often referred to as the weatherband.  These frequencies can be used to alert you to weather caused disasters, storms or other natural disasters.  This radio can also charge cell phones and some portable devices depending on the tips you have.

Eton FR500 Solarlink Emergency Hand Crank/Solar Power Shortwave Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

The Eton FR500 Solarlink goes even a step further.  It can charge cell phones, some portable devices, it has an AM/FM radio, the NOAA channels and also features a shortwave radio.  This gives you the full capacity for picking up a wide range of news alerts.  Both of these radios are compact, work well and are manufactured by a proven company.  These radios might be small, but they pack a ton of protection and great features.

Dehydrated Hash Browns

Tasty and Versatile Hash Brown Potatoes

Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes are easy to rehydrate and then cook up like normal hash browns.  You boil water and then soak the hash browns in the hot water for 15 minutes.  You then drain the potatoes and then add butter or oil to your pan and cook.  We recommend cooking the hash browns in Red Feather Real Creamery Butter and add Real Salt and crushed pepper to taste.

What is great about dehydrated hash browns is that they don't stick together, which makes cooking them easy.  The hash browns retain their white color very well.  They look and taste like fresh hash browns.  You could also add these into soups, stews, casseroles, or other dishes where potatoes are called for.  Honeyville Brand Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes store for up to 10 years in the unsealed can and then can store for up to a year opened on the shelf in a closed can with the lid.

We put together this video on rehdyrating and cooking hash browns.  Hope you enjoy:

Now that you have seen the video, it is time for you to enjoy some great tasting hash brown potatoes at your next breakfast!

Healthy Coconut Rice Breakfast Dish (Troy Adair)

This recipe comes to us from Kara Bagley.  Kara has amazing culinary skills and she posts her wonderfully healthy recipes and insights at her blog Taste is Trump:  http://goodlookingcook.blogspot.com/

When my wife first made Coconut Rice for us I was a bit skeptical about the taste.  I love sweet brown rice in our Asian inspired dishes, but in a breakfast dish???  I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  Plus, I am not a big breakfast eater to begin with.  However, after two heaping bowls of this dish I was happy and satisfied.  I felt great all day and really didn't need much in the way of lunch.

Without further fanfare, here is the recipe:

1 teaspoon Real Salt

3 Cups Sweet Brown Rice

1 Can Coconut Milk

2 Cups Blueberries

Toppings:

Walnuts, coarsely chopped

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Pure Maple Syrup

Bring 6 cups water to a boil, add salt and stir in rice.  Bring back to a boil, place lid over pot and then turn down to simmer.  Allow to simmer for 45-50 minutes.  Stir in coconut milk into the rice.  Serve up in bowls and top with blueberries, shredded coconut and maple syrup to taste.

Adult Lightweight Backpack Assembly

Adult Lightweight Backpack Assembly

For use as a 72 Hour Kit, Backpacking Kit or Camping Kit

Backpack

• Lightweight backpack between 3,000 and 4,000 cubic inches

Water

• 3 Liters (or Quarts) of Water in Nalgene Bottles or Soft Canteens or 3 Empty Gatorade Bottles or Emergency Water Pouches
• One (1) Lightweight Backpacking Filter
• One (1) Pack of Chlorine Dioxide Tablets

Food

• Three (3) Freeze Dried Breakfast Meals
• Six (6) Freeze Dried Entrees
• Snacks

Meal Kit / Cook Set

• Titanium Alcohol Stove  with Titanium Pot and Lid  with 8-10 Ounces of Denatured Alcohol in plastic containers

Or

Esbit Cookset/Stove with 12 Esbit Fuel Tablets

Or

Titanium backpacking canister stove with Titanium Pot and Lid with  Iso/Butane Fuel Canister

• Windscreen for stove selected
• Plastic cup from mess kit
• Titanium Spork or Lexan Spork (or Lexan Spoon and Lexan Fork)

Light

• Lightweight headlamp or lightweight wind-up flashlight

Clothing to Wear

• Synthetic pants or sport-style pants (non-cotton)
• Long-sleeve high collar shirt (non-cotton)
• Sturdy athletic style shoes or low-top trail (trekking) shoes
• Micro Light or Lightweight wool socks
• Nylon or Silk Underwear

Clothing System

• Balaclava (full ski mask)
• Wool or Fleece ski cap
• Hat for shade
• Sunglasses
• Extra pair of lightweight wool socks
• Wool mittens/gloves or fleece mittens/gloves
• Waterproof/Breathable rain jacket and pants
• Synthetic or Fleece zip up pullover/sweater
• Bandana
• Microlight or Lightweight wool underwear bottoms or Lightweight synthetic underwear bottoms
• Microlight or Lightweight wool underwear long-sleeved top or Lightweight synthetic underwear long-sleeved top
• Short nylon or silk underwear

Sleeping System

• Lightweight synthetic or lightweight down sleeping bag
• Closed cell sleeping pad or lightweight inflatable sleeping pad
• Bivy Sack
• Ground cloth (emergency mylar sleeping bag or emergency mylar blanket)

Hygiene

• Small ultralight toothbrush
• Baking soda or Dr. Bronners castile soap for toothpaste
• Alcohol gel or foaming sanitizer
• Small package of wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Wash cloth
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen

First Aid

• Small first aid kit with common medications and Sawyer Extractor
• Three (3) N95 masks
• Personal essential items (inhaler, medications, etc)

Misc.

• Lightweight pocket knife or multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Waterproof stuff sack or trash bag

Shelter

• Lightweight Double Wall or Lightweight Single Wall Tent

Firestarting

• Cotton balls or cotton lint
• Windproof/Waterproof matches in plastic Ziploc bag
• Magnesium Firestarter
• Mini Lighter

The Key to a Great 72 hour kit?

The key is.......Water, Water, Water.......and more Water.  Plus, make sure you have a water filtration device or water purification tablets.

Obviously that is not everything that makes up a 72 hour kit, but for most of us water and water filtration are at the top of the list.  Many individuals focus on their gear lists and fancy gadgets, but fail to recognize the importance of water and access to potable water.

Water storage and portage does create some issues.  One problem is that water is heavy.  You are looking at about 9 pounds per gallon when considering the water weight and container.  To help with this carrying weight, drink some of your water immediately.  Many agencies and experts feel that it is best to hold off on drinking water initially and wait for up to 24 hours.  In my own experience and in talking to other folks who I consider wilderness survival experts, it would seem that it is better to start drinking immediately.  There are several reasons for this.  1)  The exertion of carrying the extra water weight can lead to increased stress and perspiration.  Water inside of you is much easier to transport!  2)  Maintaining your existing level of hydration is important.  Once you are dehydrated it is difficult to return to a hydrated state.  Furthermore, your senses become dulled, your logic is impaired and you may become incoherent.  3)  The initial portion of an emergency and/or physical activity will often require more of your body.

A good recommendation is to store 1 gallon per person per day.  However, for an emergency kit this would prove to be too heavy.  3 Liters is usually a better recommendation as long as you have additional access to water.  If you do store 3 gallons, drink two of them as soon as possible.

Water storage can be an issue.  Build up of harmful bacteria can begin in water bottles due to light, heat and duration in a container.  A great way to avoid these issues is to store the Coast Guard Water Rations, or water pouches.  These pouches are usually good for 5 years and stand up to changes in weather better.  If you do store water in bottles, rotate frequently with a maximum of 3 months in between rotation.

In terms of filters, a great way to go are the AquaMira FrontierPro Filters.  These filters usually cost under $25.00 and are good for up to 50 gallons.  They are small, lightweight and extremely effective.  Keep one of these filters in your pack and know where reliable water sources are.  This allows you to expand your water capacity.

Another option is to purchase a pump style filter made by Katadyn or MSR.  Some of these units can filter 1,000's of gallons of water, but are heavier and bulkier.  Many folks also use water purification tablets made by Katadyn or AquaMira.  These are extremely lightweight and compact.

Whatever you decide to do, make water your focus and you won't be sorry.  The next post includes what I call an adult lightweight backpacking assembly with a list of components.  This is my pack for backpacking, camping and emergencies.

Blueberry Waffles

Delightful Blueberry Waffles from Freeze Dried Blueberries

Freeze Dried Blueberries take a bit longer to rehydrate than most other fruits because they are a whole berry.  Most of the other freeze dried fruits are slices, dices or otherwise chopped.  In spite of the longer re-hydration process, the wait is worth it as these berries work great in your favorite recipes.  Of course, you can also snack on them right out of the can.

Freeze Dried Blueberries are quite tasty and versatile.  Blueberries are also a nutritional powerhouse and have a high level of antioxidants.  They add flavor and a sweet boost to smoothies, breakfast cereals, pancakes, muffins, breads, cobblers and more. 

The following recipe can be used for waffles or pancakes.  Try this great recipe and have the kids asking for more:

Blueberry Waffles made  from Freeze Dried Blueberries.  (In place of the 1/2 cup blueberries, you could also use shredded zucchini, diced apples, strawberry slices, diced bananas and nuts or other fruits.)

 

Combine Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cup Flour (Spelt Flour or Soft White Wheat Flour or White Flour)

1/2 Cup + 2 tbsp of Country Cream Instant Nonfat Milk Powder

1/2 tsp RealSalt Granular Salt

2 tsp Rumford Aluminum Free Baking Powder

Then add wet ingredients:

1 Cup Water

2 Eggs

4 Tbsp Coconut Oil for waffles (for pancakes use only 2 Tbsp)

2 Tbsp Honey (or Xagave or Sugar)

Mix all of the above ingredients and then add:

1/2 Cup Honeyville Freeze Dried Blueberries

Blueberry Syrup

Our recipe for Blueberry Syrup comes courtesy of Chef Brad.  If you don't have his book, Those Wonderful Grains II, it is time to get it!  This book is loaded with information on all of the grains, it has great bread recipes, plus it has recipes for meals, salads, desserts and more!

Blueberry Syrup is a delightful treat on pancakes and waffles.  It is simple to make and very delicious.

Combine in a sauce pan the following ingredients:

2 Cups Water

1 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice

1 Cup Honeyville Freeze Dried Blueberries

Cook on medium/high heat  until blueberries are soft and sugar is dissolved.

Place mixture in blender and add 1/3 Cup Ultra Gel.  Blend until you achieve the desired consistency.  Store in the refrigerator.

As you can see this makes a great topping!