Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: September 13 ~ 19, 2020

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
me too, but I was hoping to store the cheese sauce on the shelf.

God is good all the time

Judy

I understand. I was hoping to get some for the shelf, too. I would only buy up a few packets at a time, unless I planned to store in the freezer for long term use.
 

20Gauge

TB Fanatic
An update..... rained a lot last night.... so the water is higher today.

Pictures included.

Neighbors have another 6 inches and the road is totally covered.
 

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20Gauge

TB Fanatic
Are you and property still safe?

Oh yeah!!

We built up more than enough to be fine.

The country said 11 ft above sea levels was good enough for a house, we didn't believe them. So we added a dozen truck loads of dirt and then built 4 block high. We are the only house in the whole area that is above the new flood levels the county instituted year before last.

We are an island, but safe.

Going to work we do have to walk in 6-12 inches of water.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh yeah!!

We built up more than enough to be fine.

The country said 11 ft above sea levels was good enough for a house, we didn't believe them. So we added a dozen truck loads of dirt and then built 4 block high. We are the only house in the whole area that is above the new flood levels the county instituted year before last.

We are an island, but safe.

Going to work we do have to walk in 6-12 inches of water.

Good prepping right there! Am glad your safe!
 

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen
Are these bags like bags shredded cheese come in? Or, is it a powdered form of cheese in bags? I use the Velveeta brands of hamburger helper, and they have a packet of Velveeta cheese in the box. It's very smooth and creamy that you just squeeze out of the packet. I was thinking it was something similar to those.
They are sauce, more liquid than just straight out of the box Velveeta. If you've ever bought Velveeta and Shells mac 'n cheese, it's the same thing, and probably the same thing as the Hamburger Helper you've used. Very similar to jars of Cheez Whiz. They come packaged in foil (?mylar type) pouches.

I wouldn't store them in the freezer. I've got quite a few boxes (3 pouches/box) and they're stored in another box in the pantry.

ETA: The reason I wouldn't store them in the freezer is twofold: 1) I'm not confident the pouches have enough space to accommodate any expansion that would occur once frozen and the pouch might split. 2) Not sure the texture would be the same.
 
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aviax2

Veteran Member
Everyone seems busy! I’ve not been feeling up to doing much, bad fibro flair so getting a shower is a huge accomplishment. Pain isn’t as bad today so hopefully I’ll have a tad more energy soon,

Finally got the buckets I ordered a few weeks ago. Grrr, at first they gave me a window of Sept. 3 - 9, then changed it to 10 -15. So the night of the 15th I sent them a message through Amazon. Yesterday I got a reply and an apology saying they didn’t know how it happened but the manager had been told to get them shipped. This morning they were delivered by UPS. Washing buckets are in my future and I’ve told DH what to get out of the freezer so I can fill buckets and get them on the shelves. DH should be picking up a couple of boxes of ginger gold apples this afternoon so I’ll be dehydrating some of those.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
They are sauce, more liquid than just straight out of the box Velveeta. If you've ever bought Velveeta and Shells mac 'n cheese, it's the same thing, and probably the same thing as the Hamburger Helper you've used. Very similar to jars of Cheez Whiz. They come packaged in foil (?mylar type) pouches.

I wouldn't store them in the freezer. I've got quite a few boxes (3 pouches/box) and they're stored in another box in the pantry.

ETA: The reason I wouldn't store them in the freezer is twofold: 1) I'm not confident the pouches have enough space to accommodate any expansion that would occur once frozen and the pouch might split. 2) Not sure the texture would be the same.

That's good to know, thanks! If I ever find any, I'll just buy a few to use within their shelf life, instead of storing lots of them in the freezer. Like I said earlier, I can make my own cheese sauce. Just thought these would be handy, instead of having to make it from scratch.
 

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen
That's good to know, thanks! If I ever find any, I'll just buy a few to use within their shelf life, instead of storing lots of them in the freezer. Like I said earlier, I can make my own cheese sauce. Just thought these would be handy, instead of having to make it from scratch.
Exactly the reason I bought them! :) I've used the Velveeta Shells and Cheese a year beyond their expiration date and they were fine. These have expiration dates of about a year out.
 

briches

Veteran Member
Went to the grocery store yesterday (it had been a couple of weeks) and was surprised by the increase in prices I saw on many items. I had been going to Lidl (about an hour away) when running other errands so yesterday went back to food lion (our local store). I’m not sure if it’s because I was used to Lidl’s lower prices or because it’s gone up that much (probably both).

I didn’t really do much stocking - just a few things of brad and buns for the freezer and a ginger ale to keep in case hubby or I get sick. I like having oyster crackers and ginger ale when I’m sick so try to keep it on hand.
 

Dinghy

Veteran Member
I’m going to buy some extra canned sweet potatoes in case I can’t find pumpkin. I think sweet potato pie would be good enough for Thanksgiving if I can’t get pumpkin. I already bought all of the sides that I’ll need, pickles, cranberry, etc.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I’m going to buy some extra canned sweet potatoes in case I can’t find pumpkin. I think sweet potato pie would be good enough for Thanksgiving if I can’t get pumpkin. I already bought all of the sides that I’ll need, pickles, cranberry, etc.

I have to make two pies for Thanksgiving. One sweet potato that I like, and a pumpkin pie for Cary. He hates sweet potatoes, and I don't care for pumpkin. We both win, LOL!
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
The only pie I make is for DH, Strawberry Rhubarb pie, fortunately I've stocked up on the canned pie filling. I use to get it at the local walmart, but way over a year ago they discontinued it but can still get it at a decent price from the online. He grew it when he lived in Illinois, we tried it here in Louisiana but the weather is wrong for it.

When my boys were growing up I would make several different kinds of pie, at some point oldest son took over the pie making. One year he grumbled about it and I told him to just buy them. I remember that my youngest son loved cherry pie and it was one of my favorites.

God is good all the time

Judy
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The only pie I make is for DH, Strawberry Rhubarb pie, fortunately I've stocked up on the canned pie filling. I use to get it at the local walmart, but way over a year ago they discontinued it but can still get it at a decent price from the online. He grew it when he lived in Illinois, we tried it here in Louisiana but the weather is wrong for it.

When my boys were growing up I would make several different kinds of pie, at some point oldest son took over the pie making. One year he grumbled about it and I told him to just buy them. I remember that my youngest son loved cherry pie and it was one of my favorites.

God is good all the time

Judy

Rhubarb is one thing I've never tasted. I don't think it's grown this far south. I don't know of anyone around that has ever grown it.

I have been known to cheat and buy pies already made if I have a lot of other cooking to do. They store in the freezer quite well. I've done it especially with pecan pies, since the squirrels eat all my pecans every year.
 

ReneeT

Veteran Member
That sounds like a good idea on the sweet potatoes Dinghy! I may do so as well.

Well, I haven't gotten anything productive done on my vacation yet; I ended up taking a last minute, 3 day trip to Kentucky with best friend and her Mama; we went to the Ark museum and the Creation museum; I had thought we might stop by the Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill on the way home but by that time the tension level was a bit high between BF & M so I just sat in the back seat and tried to distract them when it started to get too snippy :lol: I

Today, I'm planning on a day of mostly rest and recuperation - so far, I have gone to the pool for aqua aerobics and to the VFW for fish dinners; then I popped in to IGA for more roasts to can (I got 3 earlier in the week and tossed them in the freezer when the trip came up). I need to do some fresh item grocery shopping but am just not feeling it yet this afternoon; maybe tomorrow.... If I do anything useful today, it will likely be kitchen island de-cluttering and maybe a little laundry.

I will pick the grandsons up tomorrow morning; our only major plan is to make apple pies to go with my delayed birthday dinner; but I am sure that they will put some miles in on their dirt bikes. Hubby has to work Saturday, and go to a birthday dinner for his Mama Saturday evening - I'm not going (nice way to say not invited) due to working in the hospital; plus I'll have the boys (Ack! Germs! They attend actual in school classes! Ack!!) I'm sure we can keep ourselves busy - especially that little one; he doesn't sit down 'til he's ready to drop!

I've got a couple of next weeks' grocery ads - looks like roasts are on sale again, so I will add that to my list. Hoping to get some pantry sorting done next week - we'll see if it actually happens or not...

Well, my recliner is calling my name - reckon I'd better kick this vacation stuff in gear and go enjoy a nap :lol: Take care all; stay safe out there!
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Rhubarb is one thing I've never tasted. I don't think it's grown this far south. I don't know of anyone around that has ever grown it.

I have been known to cheat and buy pies already made if I have a lot of other cooking to do. They store in the freezer quite well. I've done it especially with pecan pies, since the squirrels eat all my pecans every year.
I think rhubarb by itself is bitter, but mixed with strawberry (and probably a lot of sugar) its delish.

God is good all the time.

Judy
 

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The only pie I make is for DH, Strawberry Rhubarb pie, fortunately I've stocked up on the canned pie filling. I use to get it at the local walmart, but way over a year ago they discontinued it but can still get it at a decent price from the online. He grew it when he lived in Illinois, we tried it here in Louisiana but the weather is wrong for it.

When my boys were growing up I would make several different kinds of pie, at some point oldest son took over the pie making. One year he grumbled about it and I told him to just buy them. I remember that my youngest son loved cherry pie and it was one of my favorites.

God is good all the time

Judy
I have to eat gluten-free so I don't eat pies (though I plan on trying to bake my first pie when I get around to it). Yesterday I made a batch of cornbread (using only cornmeal so it is gluten-free). Then I put half a can of cherry pie filling on top. Instant pie! Tastes great too.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I have to eat gluten-free so I don't eat pies (though I plan on trying to bake my first pie when I get around to it). Yesterday I made a batch of cornbread (using only cornmeal so it is gluten-free). Then I put half a can of cherry pie filling on top. Instant pie! Tastes great too.

My DIL is gluten sensitive. She does a lot of baking using almond flour. You may even be able to buy pie crust baking mixes that are gluten free. I know that she uses gluten free cake mixes all the time.
 

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen
I think rhubarb by itself is bitter, but mixed with strawberry (and probably a lot of sugar) its delish.

God is good all the time.

Judy
My grandma always had a nice stand of rhubarb and would freeze it. It's my DH's favorite pie; he's a purist, so he prefers just plain rhubarb pie (or cobbler) but will eat strawberry/rhubarb. I try to always have a couple of bags of frozen rhubarb in our freezer (H-E-B grocery carries it), but did pick up several cans of the strawberry rhubarb pie filling from Walmart online. Straight rhubarb is more tart than bitter (IMO) and you do have to add some sugar but I never add the recommended amount (usually half that) because he likes it a little on the tart side. Rhubarb can also be cooked down with sugar (to taste) and a little lemon rind for a nice sauce to pour over pound cake or vanilla ice cream.
 

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen
My DIL is gluten sensitive. She does a lot of baking using almond flour. You may even be able to buy pie crust baking mixes that are gluten free. I know that she uses gluten free cake mixes all the time.
I've seen gluten-free pie crust mixes at Aldis. They have a fairly good assortment of gluten-free items but none of us are intolerant so it's not something I spend much time on.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I've seen gluten-free pie crust mixes at Aldis. They have a fairly good assortment of gluten-free items but none of us are intolerant so it's not something I spend much time on.

Cary and I aren't intolerant either. I only know about these things, because of our DIL.
 

prudentwatcher

Veteran Member
Rotated out a couple of our 5 gal gas cans (one to the mower gas cans and one to my car). All refilled with fresh gas and Stabil.

Hit Winn Dixie and did good. They had London broil for $3.49 a lb and boneless chicken breasts for $1.49 a lb. So I got some more meat for the freezer. I need to divide it up and rebag it. They also had a lot of bogo sales--taco shells, zatarans rice mixes, snack pack 12 pack puddings, classico spaghetti sauce (free canning jars!), pasta, and a few other things. I had quite a basket full. Most of this is going to get stacked in the den somewhere, as I don't have room for it, but I couldn't pass it up. Everything will last for a good while and the prices were really good.
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Questions regarding canned, older preps I found in the basement; do these items spoil or am I being too picky? The dates range around 2011 (yikes!) up to 2015 for the ones I’m about ready to throw away.

Salsa in jars, brand names- they look very dark, lids are still sealed.

Campbell Cream soup- mushroom soup to be exact. Only because of the cream issue.

Bottles of name brand BBQ souses and salad dressings- they just look.... odd. Old dates, 2015?

HONEY-now, I’ve always been told honey never goes bad. I found a plastic container of honey from probably 2011, it’s in a plastic milk jug shaped bottle. A fair sized jug of it too, which is why I don’t want to waste it.
It looks dark, no longer liquid or viscous but seems hardened in the unopened jug. Is it ok??

Tuna- I don’t want to open one and even risk poisoning. 2011. Lots of tuna with all varying dates.
(Also found two canned salmon in that date range. I thought I’d been rotating but this is what happens when things are in a jumble!)

I’m so so glad things are properly stacked and sorted out now. Was ready to fall asleep last night when hubby called me down to the basement and MADE me finally choose what was to be thrown out or not lol!!

I don’t have nearly (!!!) what you all do, all stored up, but I’m fairly sure we have at least enough for 1-2 months if we had to survive on my storage.

Now that I’m seeing clearly what I have, I’m making a “running list” of holes to fill.

I threw out crackers , cookies, and cans that obviously looked like they’d leaked or went bad. It’s odd, our basement is super cool temp. Also some pasta that went dark colored . Weird.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah. I agree with hiwall on the honey. Also, if the jars are sealed, and the canned items aren't leaking or bulging, they're probably still good, too. I don't know that I would trust the things that are off color, though, without opening one and checking it out.
 

summerthyme

Administrator
_______________
The honey is fine. Reliquify it by setting the jug in hot water... it will take some time, but it will turn liquid again. The barbecue sauces should be fine... the sale dressings are almost certainly rancid and need to be tossed. A sniff should tell you, unless you're one of the people who can't smell rancidity.

Tuna... actually may be fine. Ice eaten 10 year old tuna in oil, and couldn't tell it wasn't fresh. I've read that the water packed tuba doesn't hold up as long in storage, but I'd still try some... at worst, it would still make nutritious pet food.

You'll have to taste the salsa... tomato products do turn dark with age, and generally the quality is pretty poor.

NOTHING IN SEALED CANS WILL POISON YOU! Once canned and sealed, there is no route for any sort of food poisoning bacteria to enter. But high fat stuff definitely can go rancid, especially since they cheaped out and put everything into plastic. I used to be able to store salad dressings in glass bottles for 2-3 years past their date... now, even in our cool basement in dark cupboards, they get nasty within a year. I just figure we'll have to make homemade mayonnaise and our own dressings... I only buy what we use right away these days.

The cream of mushroom soup should be safe, but the texture may be weird. Again, you just need to open one and try it.

Summerthyme
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
A few months ago I opened a can of turkey that had a 2011 date on it and the turkey was perfect. I have cans with rust around the rims and the food is perfectly fine. I have thrown out cans with the pull top that looked funny around the edges, although I'm loathe to throw out food. I've had some spaghetti actually get a little mold on it, so I threw the whole packages to the chickens.

God is good all the time

Judy
 

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you all for the help! I’m just wary of getting sick....

I’ll opena tuna and check (yuk, I get queasy thinking about it though)

I’ll toss the salad dressings.
Hub was good, forcing me to face my “throw away box lolol! “
 

blackguard

Veteran Member
Been working crazy hours the last few weeks so having the full weekend off decided to do a deep dive into my preps. Good thing! Found several items that hadn't been put away properly when purchased (nothing wrong with) that are now where they should be. Went grocery shopping and am still working through all my stuff which will likely take most of the weekend but already feeling better about doing it. So easy for life to get away from you.
 
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