Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
A toaster oven is your friend. I cook meat loaves and other small casseroles in it without heating up the kitchen.
ECON Report food and grocery price increases/shortages here - UPDATE, new runs on the stores
- Thread starter Jubilee on Earth
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A toaster oven is your friend. I cook meat loaves and other small casseroles in it without heating up the kitchen.
Zahra
Veteran Member
If you're close enough to the state line come on over to Idaho then because there's no shortage here (yet). Plenty of every kind you want & no limits (at the moment).
SE New Mexico. Our Wal-Mart finally got rubbing alcohol but had limits. Our local grocery store is pretty well stocked. Canned tomato products are thin but they said a few weeks ago they could order me cases of veggias. I was getting some for family member who had strict limits -in West Texas area. They also had powdered milk. No stores have cleaning products.
Plan is to hit Costco in city in a couple of weeks and that may be last big grocery run. Covid cases still climbing here so try to limit grocery run. Could also use new bathmats if I get to Home Goods or even at Costco.
Plan is to hit Costco in city in a couple of weeks and that may be last big grocery run. Covid cases still climbing here so try to limit grocery run. Could also use new bathmats if I get to Home Goods or even at Costco.
CDC says you need 70% alcohol......................they say 90% is too much
70 is 140 proof ..................i know you can get 150 proof EVERCLEAR
any vodka over 140 proof would work
ALL THIS ALCOHOL IS VERY BAD FOR YOUR SKIN AND YOUR BODY.......just ask any nurse that must use it all day every day
MOST OF THE TIME JUST WASH YOUR HANDS
That is how I prepare chicken breasts for freezing, I put individual breasts into fold over sandwich bags and then all are packed into a gallon size freezer bag. Boneless pork chops also are the perfect fit for the sandwhich bags. It's nice to be able to portion out the frozen meat as you need it, and the bags do not seem to stick together which is another bonus. The bags are really inexpensive, too.
I’d use pure grain alcohol only for disinfecting surfaces or cleaning a wound. I’d never use it for hand sanitizer. DO NOT use rubbing or drinking alcohol for hand sanitizer.
SmithJ
Veteran Member
that’s all hand sanitizer is, isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a little glycerine.
(at least that’s what the good stuff is, now days there’s no telling What’s in it)
I know that. But unless you love cracked skin, don’t use it alone.
I looked for the forum for food/recipes but even after searching, I can't seem to find where to put this info so I'll put it here and wait to be castigated. :-)Saw a recipe online for homemade queso blanco. It's just milk, a little vinegar, a little salt. I'm going to make some tomorrow to see how it goes. I like the Rico's brand at $2.99/can. It's going to be interesting to see the yield on the homemade. It calls for a gallon of milk but I'm only going to use a quart to see how I like it. Plus, it sounds like fun! Here's a link
Queso Blanco Cheese Recipe | Learn How to Make Queso Blanco Spanish White Cheese - Cultures For Health
Learn to make this simple queso blanco cheese. Perfect for beginners, queso blanco, meaning white cheese in Spanish, is a Latin American cheese. It is a firmer cheese, with a slightly sweet flavor and is super easy to make.www.culturesforhealth.com
I made the queso blanco this morning, using 1 quart of milk, 1/8 cup vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt; using an enamel pot, I brought the mixture to 185 degrees, then poured it into the straining cloth, leaving it to drip for about an hour. The quart yielded close to 2 cups of "queso."
The resulting "queso" was crumbly, like cottage cheese without the liquid. The taste was VERY bland...not offensive, but basically no taste. So, I got out a can of Ricos to check the ingredients but I didn't find anything that I would have...eg., cheddar cheese cultures, enzymes (which I interpret to be MSG but could be wrong), modified corn starch, etc., but no actual spices were listed.
So, I put a TBSP of the "queso" into a bowl to begin trying to get it to taste a bit better and try to get it to be more viscous. I added a little whole milk back in which made more of a paste. More salt...not much change. Then, I began adding a few spices to see what would result. I added a little cumin, a little onion powder...not much improvement. Then, I added a little homemade seasoning salt but again, not much change. It lacks depth is the only way I can describe it.
This "queso" would be OK but it's not the flavor I seek. I tried it on a piece of french bread and could hardly taste the "queso." I didn't want to open a sleeve of crackers to give that a whirl...too cheap to waste a whole sleeve of the crackers. :-)
If anyone has suggestions for improvement of this product, I'd love to know. It was fun and easy to do...took about 15 minutes or so to get the first liquid to correct temperature.
Hope to hear some good suggestions. I know there are some good cooks here.
It's the cheese cultures you're lacking. You could try adding a bit of cultured buttermilk or even yogurt, and letting it sit for 12-24 hours in a warmish place, then try the recipe sgain.
When I make mozzarella cheese, I add lipase powder, which is an enzyme from the stomachs of calves or lambs. It only takes a tiny bit, but it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Summerthyme
When I make mozzarella cheese, I add lipase powder, which is an enzyme from the stomachs of calves or lambs. It only takes a tiny bit, but it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Summerthyme
You know, as odd as it might sound, I have ZERO desire to make my own cheese. Or my own shoes. Or build a barn using wooden pegs rather than nails. Or weave my own cloth. Or shoot bear and make a bearskin robe. Or build a log cabin, cutting the trees down with an axe.
Actually, there’s nothing about living like it was 1853 that excites me.
YMMV
Actually, there’s nothing about living like it was 1853 that excites me.
YMMV
catskinner
Veteran Member
I went to the Kroger in West Memphis today. Produce and bread were well stocked, but that was about it.
Bacon, sausage and lunch meat was very spotty. There was no ham lunch meat to be had. Over all they had about a fifth of what they usually had. Lots of lunchables. Meat department was very low. I noticed that they only had 3 roasts, and they were small. Over all they had about a fourth of the usual. Strangely, they were filling in the empty areas with pre-made salads from the deli.
Canned vegetables were super thin. They were spread out to try to give the appearance of more product, but still had big empty areas. Tomato products had only a hand full on the shelf. Maybe 10 cans across all the varieties, sauce, diced etc. Pasta sauce was a little low, but pasta was very low.
Canned meats were very, very thin. Only a handful of most items. No canned hams and only a few cans of Spam.
They had about a quarter of the normal amount of 4 pound bags of sugar. No larger bags. Flour and cornmeal was the same. Canning supplies were gone.
Frozen vegetables were almost empty, as were frozen pizza and snack stuff. Frozen chicken, in all varieties/brands was all but gone. a few packages here and there. I had a coupon for a free "party pail" of ice cream. All of them were "light" and flavors my guys wont eat.
I also had a coupon on Kroger brand butter. there were 3 packages left. Now there are 2. Name brand butter was also picked over, but lots to be had.
There were no wipes or cleaning supplies. They had maybe 30 assorted packages of toilet paper and about the same of paper towels.
There was a long line to check out, only 1 register open. The checker called someone to come help from another department. When they got there, she apologized and said that all the checkers were out, but her. Makes me wonder why. Are they also closing this store? Are all the employees out with Covid? Everybody decide to quit at once?
They had bills for change when paying with cash, but you either had to have correct coin change, or they would put it on a card. First time I've encountered that.
One other thing I noticed was that they had a lot of mark downs in the mark down section. Looked like entire specialty sections/brands. I expect a lot fewer choices across the board in the future.
Bacon, sausage and lunch meat was very spotty. There was no ham lunch meat to be had. Over all they had about a fifth of what they usually had. Lots of lunchables. Meat department was very low. I noticed that they only had 3 roasts, and they were small. Over all they had about a fourth of the usual. Strangely, they were filling in the empty areas with pre-made salads from the deli.
Canned vegetables were super thin. They were spread out to try to give the appearance of more product, but still had big empty areas. Tomato products had only a hand full on the shelf. Maybe 10 cans across all the varieties, sauce, diced etc. Pasta sauce was a little low, but pasta was very low.
Canned meats were very, very thin. Only a handful of most items. No canned hams and only a few cans of Spam.
They had about a quarter of the normal amount of 4 pound bags of sugar. No larger bags. Flour and cornmeal was the same. Canning supplies were gone.
Frozen vegetables were almost empty, as were frozen pizza and snack stuff. Frozen chicken, in all varieties/brands was all but gone. a few packages here and there. I had a coupon for a free "party pail" of ice cream. All of them were "light" and flavors my guys wont eat.
I also had a coupon on Kroger brand butter. there were 3 packages left. Now there are 2. Name brand butter was also picked over, but lots to be had.
There were no wipes or cleaning supplies. They had maybe 30 assorted packages of toilet paper and about the same of paper towels.
There was a long line to check out, only 1 register open. The checker called someone to come help from another department. When they got there, she apologized and said that all the checkers were out, but her. Makes me wonder why. Are they also closing this store? Are all the employees out with Covid? Everybody decide to quit at once?
They had bills for change when paying with cash, but you either had to have correct coin change, or they would put it on a card. First time I've encountered that.
One other thing I noticed was that they had a lot of mark downs in the mark down section. Looked like entire specialty sections/brands. I expect a lot fewer choices across the board in the future.
xtreme_right
Veteran Member
Well, except for bread. I don’t necessarily do these things out of enjoyment. I’d like options if we can’t get bread, milk, and cheese at the store.
20Gauge
TB Fanatic
I have cut down several trees with an axe and can agree 110%. Same with the rest, though I am prepared to do so if needed.
Store ad here last week had 10 pound box of bacon13.90, 10pound pkg end cut pork chops 99ct pound, chuck tender steaks 3.99 pound 10 pound sack #1 potatos 1.99 milk 1.99 gal. Wheat or white store brand 2/1.00 I'm full so we didn't go. May regret it but no room to keep it.
I ordered from Instacart today and they had every single item. But prices were sky high. 10 lbs potatoes 4.19.
The whole order was like that. Cabbage over 2 bucks. 7.49 for leanest ground beef. All the bread items near 5$.
They were out of stock on bacon and Oscar Meyer lunchmeat, but had plenty of Turkey and ham slices. Also their canned beans. Didn't need any and a friend brought me bologna from Walmart last night.
The whole order was like that. Cabbage over 2 bucks. 7.49 for leanest ground beef. All the bread items near 5$.
They were out of stock on bacon and Oscar Meyer lunchmeat, but had plenty of Turkey and ham slices. Also their canned beans. Didn't need any and a friend brought me bologna from Walmart last night.
greysage
On The Level
Went to my regular Hannafords today (Burl. Vt. area). Found everything I wanted. Popsicles, paper towels, bread, Cascade (wanted powder, but finally settled for liquid), sausages, and grabbed a can of roast beef hash because it was there.
It was fairly well stocked. Still a lot of empty space compared to 6 months ago. Anything in the general category that you needed, food wise, was probably there.
Paper towels were low again. No Bounty. Got 2 of the last several 6 packs of the premium house brand paper towels. Plenty of TP. Still had plenty of off brand paper towels and TP by the entrance.
MINIMAL canned soups. Some cans of chowder and fat free/low sodium flavors of soup.
It was fairly well stocked. Still a lot of empty space compared to 6 months ago. Anything in the general category that you needed, food wise, was probably there.
Paper towels were low again. No Bounty. Got 2 of the last several 6 packs of the premium house brand paper towels. Plenty of TP. Still had plenty of off brand paper towels and TP by the entrance.
MINIMAL canned soups. Some cans of chowder and fat free/low sodium flavors of soup.
mzkitty
I give up.
Here is Granny's Kitchen. Click on the little sub-forums (down arrow) under the main TB category headings:
Granny's Kitchen
Share your favorite recipes and cooking tips. Anything related to FOOD.
Went to Wally World this morning. They're well on their way to being decimated (again). Primarily canned goods. Almost no canned soda. Long empty sections in the freezer section.
Kitty, what the users sees in this software depends on what size a device they're using, and whether it's in portrait or landscape mode. There are FOUR different display formats now.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
this^^^ We bought an Oster countertop oven and I love it, use it all of the time and it doesn't heat up the whole kitchen. I also use my Instant Pot a lot this time of the year, and the bread machine.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
This and I also do this with hamburger patties we make ourselves, three per bag.
mzkitty
I give up.
Oh. Well, I'm always on my PC. At least I gave her a link she can just click on now and favorite somewhere.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Again this is because everyone is cooking at home now... as we said back in March when Dennis couldn't find a bread machine if you need a small appliance to get it now cause they're all made in China.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Well when it comes to homemade cheese and butter it is way better than store bought, just like homemade bread is way better than store bought.
People always ask me why we can up so many different types of pickles, they're not pickle eaters, and then I give them a taste of my homemade bread and butter pickles. They always leave with a jar of pickles, and the Ball Blue Book recipe for Bread and Butter pickles... I convert them into pickle eaters every single time.
There just is no comparison between store-bought and homemade... well only if the cook is a horrible cook.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
The chops, steaks, and potatoes can be pressure canned and stored for later.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
A lot of the stuff missing is due to the shortage of packaging materials... aluminum and plastic to be specific. Though a friend told me that coca cola has signed a deal with an outfit in Mexico that still bottles the product in glass bottles... how soon we'll see this on the shelves here I do not know... they will bottle it here in the states once they get the glass bottles in house.
vessie
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I was just eyeing a Oster French Door countertop oven at Costco's Business Center website and I might just order it!
My husband, for some unknown reason, thinks we don't need things for the kitchen and that it will clutter up the counter.
I disagree, if/when my almost 20 year old Kitchenaid wall oven goes TU, then I'll have this wonderful counter oven, just in case I can't get new big appliances!
Oster Digital French Door Oven
Item 1234400
Model TSSTTVFDDG
Delivered Price
154.99$
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I was just eyeing a Oster French Door countertop oven at Costco's Business Center website and I might just order it!
My husband, for some unknown reason, thinks we don't need things for the kitchen and that it will clutter up the counter.
I disagree, if/when my almost 20 year old Kitchenaid wall oven goes TU, then I'll have this wonderful counter oven, just in case I can't get new big appliances!
View attachment 212907
I have a friend who had the french doors unit and she hated it and returned it for the one like mine with the traditional door.
John Deere Girl
Veteran Member
I actually enjoy making soft cheese. It's quick and easy, and I love trying different combinations of spices in my cheese. However, I don't enjoy making hard cheese. I can and have, but I won't unless I have no other choice. I love reading about pioneer life, but I hope to never have to live that way.
mzkitty
I give up.
Ooh, my mom's homemade bread and butter pickles. Probably used the same recipe.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I think it's been the same recipe since about 1905 when Ball first published it, the commercial version is plain rubbish in comparison.
Marseydoats
Veteran Member
Wouldn't you have said the same thing about making bread a couple months ago?
Homemade cheese is awesome, and if you get a system going, it's not that hard to make.
I agree with you about the rest. I don't want to build another barn with power tools! I actually like splitting logs though. Dh won't let me use the double bladed ax I bought though.
No, I’ve made bread before. When my family and I lived up in Wisconsin, we got a bread maker. Lots of good stuff, but we never had the time to get into it deeply enough to try different recipes. I have that time now.
vessie
Has No Life - Lives on TB
So glad for this input!
I haven't ordered it yet.
What did she hate about it? That the the other door swings out too at the same time?
Did she burn herself on the other door? I think I read a review on Amazon from someone who said that. V
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
She got burnt and IIRC with the unit you posted if the doors didn't close completely and latch the digital unit refused to work. Mine is the old fashioned type with knobs you turn.
rafter
Since 1999
Yeah but, you are hell on bread makin.....
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