Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: February 25 - March 2, 2024

[anna43]

No mud here. Instead, we have wind, lots and lots of wind. The wind is out of the south so my trash can blew towards the house instead of into the street or the drainage ditch. Glad I went back out and moved bags to the smaller can last night or who knows where it would have ended up. I just got back from running errands in town and there were trash cans everywhere including the middle of the street.

I'm so glad I have all the canning jars I'll ever need! Actually, more than I need.

Does oven canning preserve better than vacuum sealing? I vacuum sealed soda crackers some years back and they were rancid when opened. I don't use many oyster crackers but do use a lot of soda crackers and multi-grain crackers, so would certainly try oven canning if it really works. With nuts I usually put them into glass jars and put them into the freezer. They seem to be good for a very long time even without vacuum sealing. I do vacuum seal on occasion.

 

[aviax2]

Have you ever been to the home of American cast iron, Lodge, in Pigeon Forge, TN? OMG! Cary had to drag me out of there!

South Pittsburg TN, not too far from Chattanooga TN, is where the Lodge cast iron is made. It’s been awhile since we’ve been there but made several trips to the store where they sold seconds and I got some great deals there. They’ve since built a new store and a Lodge cast iron museum that I really want to go to. We didn’t go to the Smokies last year although we usually make at least one trip a year, sometimes two. And there is always a trip to the both Lodge stores in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville while we’re there, and somehow I always find things I like!

 

[SouthernBreeze]

South Pittsburg TN, not too far from Chattanooga TN, is where the Lodge cast iron is made. It’s been awhile since we’ve been there but made several trips to the store where they sold seconds and I got some great deals there. They’ve since built a new store and a Lodge cast iron museum that I really want to go to. We didn’t go to the Smokies last year although we usually make at least one trip a year, sometimes two. And there is always a trip to the both Lodge stores in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville while we’re there, and somehow I always find things I like!

We've been to all of those places, too. I just like the store at Pigeon Forge best. Don't know why, though. We haven't been back, since that huge wildfire a few years back. Love, Love, Love Gatlinburg! The Smokies were always our favorite vacation destination, until it became too hard on us to travel.

 

[summerthyme]

No mud here. Instead, we have wind, lots and lots of wind. The wind is out of the south so my trash can blew towards the house instead of into the street or the drainage ditch. Glad I went back out and moved bags to the smaller can last night or who knows where it would have ended up. I just got back from running errands in town and there were trash cans everywhere including the middle of the street.

I'm so glad I have all the canning jars I'll ever need! Actually, more than I need.

Does oven canning preserve better than vacuum sealing? I vacuum sealed soda crackers some years back and they were rancid when opened. I don't use many oyster crackers but do use a lot of soda crackers and multi-grain crackers, so would certainly try oven canning if it really works. With nuts I usually put them into glass jars and put them into the freezer. They seem to be good for a very long time even without vacuum sealing. I do vacuum seal on occasion.

I had such poor luck with vacuum sealing, I thought it was just me! All I can tell you is were using oven canned nuts (pecans, walnuts and almonds) from 2005... stored in our cool basement... and they still taste sweet and fresh.

And I needed to do oyster crackers because we finally used up the ones I did in 2019...

Summerthyme

 

[SouthernBreeze]

No mud here. Instead, we have wind, lots and lots of wind. The wind is out of the south so my trash can blew towards the house instead of into the street or the drainage ditch. Glad I went back out and moved bags to the smaller can last night or who knows where it would have ended up. I just got back from running errands in town and there were trash cans everywhere including the middle of the street.

I'm so glad I have all the canning jars I'll ever need! Actually, more than I need.

Does oven canning preserve better than vacuum sealing? I vacuum sealed soda crackers some years back and they were rancid when opened. I don't use many oyster crackers but do use a lot of soda crackers and multi-grain crackers, so would certainly try oven canning if it really works. With nuts I usually put them into glass jars and put them into the freezer. They seem to be good for a very long time even without vacuum sealing. I do vacuum seal on occasion.

Me, too, on the number of canning jars I have. I also have all of my mom's few hundred to go with what I already have. I'll not need any more in my lifetime. I do stay well stocked on the lids and rings, though.

As for oven canning or freezing nuts, I've had good success with both methods. I don't vacuum seal those I keep in the freezer but use them in rotation. They don't stay frozen for years in there. I do vacuum seal some things, but I like the oven canning best. In my experience, canning works better than vacuum sealing of anything. I get broken seals a lot with vacuum sealed stuff. Seems the seal just doesn't hold up over time, so I've stopped using that method for longer term foods.

 

[aviax2]

@summerthyme It was always my understanding that putting canning jars in the oven could damage the jars, making them unsafe for canning, especially pressure canning. Do you use certain jars just for the oven or? How do you know if just putting the hot nuts in the jar is enough vs putting the jar of nuts in the oven? We have a bunch of pecans to shell and I’d like to try this instead of freezing all of them. Please and thank you!

 

[Illini Warrior]

@summerthyme It was always my understanding that putting canning jars in the oven could damage the jars, making them unsafe for canning, especially pressure canning. Do you use certain jars just for the oven or? How do you know if just putting the hot nuts in the jar is enough vs putting the jar of nuts in the oven? We have a bunch of pecans to shell and I’d like to try this instead of freezing all of them. Please and thank you!

the REAL canning jars won't be damaged by oven canning - they are factory heat tempered to withstand all the possible heat involved in canning >>> it's the re-using retail food jars like mayo & pickles that get people in trouble .....

 

[summerthyme]

Illini Warrior is correct... canning jars are perfectly safe.

The biggest factor (in my experience... none of this is USDA approved!) is getting the nuts or crackers *thoroughly * heated. If you can get them packed into the clean jars immediately when you remove them from the oven (-I'd suggest using thin gloves to protect your hands if you aren't using a utensil to put them into the jars) and the lids applied immediately, the further oven time for the jars probably isn't necessary. But it's good insurance, and doesn't seem to affect the quality.

Since I had enough crackers to do to fill 6, 2 quart jars (which required 2 batches, as I could only get 2 bags on a cookie sheet), I put the jars from the first batch into the oven while I was filling the second batch, just to be sure.

And yes, it's *wonderful * to be able to store nuts for years without using freezer space!

Summerthyme

 

[nomifyle]

Looks like I have a bunch of jars filled with rancid crackers if the vacuum sealing doesn't hold up and several utube videos gave out incorrect information. Live and learn. There are some crackers that I really liked that I can't find anymore. Although I'm really not much of a cracker eater, but some things are nice on crackers, sardines and spreads and even vienna sausage. The chickens and goats will like the crackers even if they are rancid.

 

[summerthyme]

Open a jar and find out! Vacuum sealing SHOULD work! But I personally never had much success with it.

Summerthyme

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Open a jar and find out! Vacuum sealing SHOULD work! But I personally never had much success with it.

Summerthyme

Not for longer term storage, I haven't, either.

 

[herbgarden]

I oven can most of my nuts. I just tried mylar bags and oxygen obsorbers so I have not opened them up, yet.

 

[nomifyle]

Got the soup cooked, waiting for it to cool down to go in freezer containers. It will give me a few meals to just pull out of the freezer.

I'm feeling a lot better but, as usual, can't seem to get rid of the cough. I sure wish I had some of that good ole cough syrup that the doctor use to prescribe, back in the good old days, that's hard to get anymore. Damn obunghole for making it so difficult.

 

[anna43]

I vacuum sealed soda crackers in 2-quart jars and they sealed and stayed sealed. However, when I opened them they were rancid. In fact, the smell told me not to bother tasting.

I do eat a lot of crackers especially for lunch with peanut butter, cheese or sometimes thinly sliced meat. I do not like peanut butter on bread but on crackers is okay. I'll also use eat them instead of a roll with salad or soup. I carried sandwiches for lunch for all the years I worked and it's just lately I've been able to eat a sandwich for lunch. Took 11 years of retirement to get to that point.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Nothing much going on here today. It's another rainy and cold day. Supposed to warm up tomorrow, though. Back into the 70's.

We don't eat saltine crackers very much. That's the reason I've never tried to vacuum seal or oven can any. Cary eats a few for his lunch with Ramen noodles from time to time, but that's about it. If there is a food item that we don't eat very much of, or only occasionally, I don't try to store it up. I consider those foods to be something we can live without in a SHTF situation. Why waste the space? I buy crackers when we run low. Sometimes, they get stale, before Cary eats them all. We do eat a lot of sandwiches, but no way to store loaves of bread, unless it's frozen for a short while in the freezer. Not long term.

Everyone's tastes are different. Everyone's pantry is based on their own different tastes as individuals. I just don't trust the vacuum sealing method when it comes to my food storage. I've learned the hard way, after having too many jars come unsealed over time.

 

[nomifyle]

The sun is shinning nice and bright and warmer. As much as I like it a bit warmer, I dread the heat.

My cough is just about gone and just a little bit of a runny nose. just enough to still be aggravating.

The big garden has all kinds of green in it, time for DH to tie one of the girls out there so she can feast on it. Of the four female goats we have it looks like only one is preggo, one had a miscarrage, the other two nothing, although DH saw them get bred. We don't really need any more goats, but its nice to have a couple babies, they are so cute. Our youngest male is growing like a weed, he's going on two. He's a real stinker.

Although I made some strides in the kitchen yesterday I still have more to do and since I am feeling better I have no excuse. Also need to wash a couple loads of clothes. I've done nothing in my office the last week or so, and I need to remedy that by doing something each day.

although my pjs are comfortable, I think I will get dressed today. Its good to feel better and not cough my head off.

The rooster that we got with the new chickens is big and beautiful. DH got 11 eggs yesterday. The ladies that he sold them too at church have stepped up to the plate and are buying from him again. He's not trying to make any money on them, but a little bit helps towards feeding them.

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude today.

 

[Meemur]

It's 67 degrees and wall-to-wall sunshine here.

I ran errands early this morning and have been puttering in the garage and yard since.

Among other tasks, I put together one of those crappy Chinese outdoor metal benches for a neighbor. She was going to toss it, but I said I'd give it a go.

The holes weren't aligned properly, and two of the larger screws were missing. I re-drilled several of the holes and changed out several of the screws with my own. Then I masked off the wooden parts and gave the metal parts a light coat of dark green Rustoleum paint. It's still a piece of Chinese crap, but at least it's sturdy and will last her until she can get something better. I guess it came from a garage sale, so there was no chance of returning it.

Then I fired up the grill and I ended up cooking burgers for several folks who dropped by. Lots and lots of people are out driving or walking around. It's just a banner Saturday. Typically, it's in the 40s or low 50s and raining at the beginning of March.

Yes, I have a task list as long as my arm, but I'm just working my way slowly along, trying to stay outside as much as I can. I think a short bike ride is in my future.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We haven't done a darned thing today, except read, watch tv, and enjoy each other's company. Very relaxing. Both of us have been working on destressing our live as much as possible, lately. It sure is helping our blood pressure/anxiety and the nervous migraines I get when I'm stressed. That means spending less time here reading about all the doom, gloom, and stupid nonsense, too. I didn't get my walk in today, because of it being cold and raining. Looking forward to time in the sun a bit tomorrow, though. After getting such a "kick in the gut" from the scam, our bodies need a break in order to regroup. We're going to be ok. Everything has seemed to work out for us.

I made cheeseburger and fries for supper, tonight. Cleaned the kitchen and will catch up on the forum for a while. We plan to binge watch the original NCIS tonight with a nice glass or two of cab sav. It's one of our favorite TV series.

 

[moldy]

It has been a fabulous day - mostly! DH decided to run up to the pasture (it's about 15 miles from our house). We have a small bolt hole there with a few things in it (long term storage foods, etc). We found it had been broken into and ransacked (not unexpected - it's happened before which is why we are thinking of selling it - long story). Anyhow - we have an area that is fairly well hidden and they didn't find it. We brought one load home and I am going thru it - cleaning, pulling out bad foods for the chickens, etc. It will be enough to keep me busy for a few minutes. And the things we were concerned about were still there and we were able to bring them home.

Also - and I'm only telling y'all cause I know you can keep your mouths shut (and cause very few of you know me IRL)- DD #2 is pregnant! I'm so excited for her and her DH, but I'm trying to remain calm. She has had some 'female' issues before with excessive bleeding, so I am trying not to get my hopes up too much. She asked me not to tell anyone - our family can't keep secrets for nothing! - but i wanted to tell someone!

 

[philkar]

Congrats Moldy! Your secret is safe with me! I hate theft. Sorry that happened to you. Hubs and I played this morning as it is beautiful here but then worked in the barn and greenhouse. My flowers that I started are beginning to poke their heads thru the soil. New medicinal herbs to me that I started are now coming up. Sharing those with 2 other folks that have medicinal herb gardens. Planted 3 roses and pulled a few carrots that were planted last fall. Beets are finally up in the garden. And I am in my glory playing in the dirt! Pray for my peppers! They have yet to show up!
Tonight we are watching Tennessee and Alabama basketball. I raised 7 boys and sports just ooze out my pores!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

 

[Meemur]

Said a prayer for her, Moldy. I hope all will go well.

 

[feralferret]

Nice relaxing Sabbath today. The church teleconference went smoothly.

I tries something new to me for supper. It was the pouch of Hereford brand taco meat I got from Wally World. It is a pouch similar to what tuna comes in. It holds one cup of ready to eat taco meat.

It was a bit greasy. I soaked up most of that with paper towels and made a big burrito out of it with a large flour tortilla and ate Fritos with it.

The taste wasn't anything great, but it wasn't bad either. In a survival situation it would be worthwhile. Just tear open the pouch, heat, and eat. If you had beans to mix it with, it would be a plus. The pouch is lighter than a can and is flat so it would work well in a backpack. The best by date is two years from the date packed. As with all of the canned meats in this brand, it is a product of Brasil.

It says it is three servings. I really think you could get five or six regular tacos from it. I did the burrito thing since I didn't have any lettuce or tomatoes.

 

[anna43]

I am totally exhausted and I've done absolutely nothing all day. I got up late, around 10 and while I was sitting on the side of the bed BEFORE I even stood up the phone rang. It was the lady I've been mentoring, and she was very upset about a family issue (totally justified) and she talked for over two hours. So, I ate a late lunch (no breakfast obviously), got dressed, then she called back for another hour, then my sister called and talked for over an hour until my phone started beeping that the battery was dying. Then friend called me again. Exhausting!! My sister is having serious medical issues and waiting a month to see doctor, then another month for a test and not another month for another test. I'm praying they get done with testing and do the surgery before she loses her leg or worse her life. Stressful and exhausting.

The good part of the day was the Iowa Girls' Basketball Tournament -- two games last night and three tonight. I love to watch the tournament and that is about the only sports I watch on TV. Very fast paced games but mostly lopsided scores this year. One game was very close. Remarkably talented girls. Girls' games are on PBS but boys' aren't. I would watch Hawkeye and Cyclone games but again not on my TV.

Accomplishments zero unless you count taking a shower.

 

[Meemur]

You were there for people, Anna. Sometimes that's doing the Lord's work, I think.

So I wouldn't say "zero accomplishments."

 

[anna43]

You were there for people, Anna. Sometimes that's doing the Lord's work, I think.

So I wouldn't say "zero accomplishments."

Thanks, I needed that encouragement.