Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Corn Mix

I'm a big fan of cooking mixes. They make food preparation much easier. Here's a corn mix recipe which uses wheat flour and powdered milk from your food storage. I've also included several recipes which you can prepare very quickly using the corn mix.

CORN MIX
2 c Whole wheat flour
2 c Corn meal
1 c Nonfat dry milk powder
2 1/2 tb Baking powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 c Oil

Combine all ingredients mixing well until oil is absorbed. Store airtight in the refrigerator. Makes about 6 1/2 cups mix.

RECIPES USING MIX:

QUICK CORN BISCUITS
1 3/4 c Corn mix
1/4 c Water

Preheat oven to 425°. Oil a baking sheet; set aside. Combine mix & water until it holds together, adding a little water if necessary. Pat into a 1/2" thick rectangle and scrore into six 2" squares, taking care not to score all the way through. Place on baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Makes 6 biscuits.

QUICK CORN CRISPS
1 3/4 c Corn Mix
1/4 c Water

Preheat oven to 425°. Oil & flour a baking sheet; set aside. Blend mix & water until it forms a dough that can be rolled, adding a little water if necessary. Roll out to 1/8" thick on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to baking sheet and score into desired shapes. Bake 10 minutes or until browned. Cool on rack, break apart on score lines. Makes 1/2 lb. of crackers.

CORN FLATS
1 1/2 c Corn Mix
1/4 c Water

Combine mix & water to form a ball of dough that can be handled. Cover & let rest 15 to 30 minutes. Divide into quarters. Roll each into a 7" round on a lightly floured surface. Lightly oil a heavy skillet or use the top of your wood stove and heat until very hot. Cook until flecked with brown spots on both sides. Serve while hot.

Notes: To make a single flat, use 6 tablespoons mix and 1 tablespoon water.

QUICK CORN MUFFINS
2 3/4 c Corn Mix
1 Beaten egg
2 tbsp Honey, molasses or sugar
1 c Water

Preheat oven to 400°. Oil 8 muffin cups for large muffins or 10 for medium; set aside. Add egg, sweetener and water to mix until moistened. Spoon into muffin cups; bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

QUICK CORN CHEESE PANCAKES
1 1/3 c Corn Mix
1/2 c Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Beaten egg
1 c Water

Toss cheese in mix to coat. Stir in remaining ingredients; let stand 5 minutes to thicken. Lightly oil a heavy skillet. Using 1/4 cup batter for regular sized or 1/3 cup batter for fillable pancakes, cook until done on both sides.

QUICK CORN FRITTERS
1 1/2 c Corn Mix
1 Egg
1 tsp Molasses
1/3 c to 1/2 water
2/3 c Corn kernels
Oil for deep frying

Add egg/molasses and 1/3 cup water to mix to make a thick batter. Batter should fall from spoon in a thick lump; add water if necessary. Stir in corn. Heat oil for deep frying to 365°. Drop dough into hot oil and cook until browned on all sides. Drain and serve hot. Makes about 20 fritters; 4 servings.

Source: Meal Master version 8.05

Provident Living: How to Save Money

We have been instructed by our church leaders to "gradually build a financial reserve, and use for emergencies only. If you save a little money regularly, you will be surprised how much accumulates over time." If you're struggling to save money, here are some great ideas to help you get started:

1. Set savings goals. For short-term goals, this is easy. If you want to buy a video game, find out how much it costs; if you want to buy a house, determine how much of a down payment you’ll need. For long-term goals, such as retirement, you’ll need to do a lot more planning (figuring out how much money you’ll need to live comfortably for 20 or 30 years after you stop working), and you’ll also need to figure out how investments will help you achieve your goals.

2. Eliminate any debt first. Simply calculating how much you spend each month on your debts will illustrate that eliminating debt is the fastest way to free up money. Once the money is freed from debt payment, it can easily be re-purposed to savings.

Establish a timeframe. For example: "I want to be able to buy a house two years from today." Set a particular date for accomplishing shorter-term goals, and make sure the goal is attainable within that time period. If it’s not attainable, you’ll just get discouraged.

Figure out how much you’ll have to save per week, per month, or per paycheck to attain each of your savings goals. Take each thing you want to save for and figure out how much you need to start saving now. For most savings goals, it’s best to save the same amount each period. For example, if you want to put a $20,000 down payment on a home in 36 months (three years), you’ll need to save about $550 per month every month. But if your paychecks amount to $1000, it might not be a realistic goal, so adjust your timeframe until you come up with an approachable amount.

3. Keep a record of your expenses. What you save falls between two activities and their difference: how much you make and how much you spend. Since you have more control over how much you spend, it's wise to take a critical look at your expenses.

• Write down everything you spend your money on for a couple weeks or a month. Be as detailed as possible, and try not to leave out small purchases.


• Assign each purchase or expenditure a category such as: Rent, Car insurance, Car payments, Phone Bill, Cable Bill, Utilities, Gas, Food, Entertainment, etc.


• Keep a small notebook with you at all times. Get in the habit of recording every expense and saving the receipts.


• Sit down once a week with your small notebook and receipts. Record your expenses in a larger notebook or a spreadsheet program.

4. Cut your expenses. Take a good, hard look at your spending records after a month or two have passed. You’ll probably be surprised when you look back at your record of expenses: $100 on lunch at work each month, $300 on ice cream per year? You’ll likely see some obvious cuts you can make. Depending on how much you need to save, however, you may need to make some difficult decisions. Think about your priorities, and make cuts you can live with. Calculate how much those cuts will save you per year, and you'll be much more motivated to pinch pennies.

• Can you move to a less expensive apartment or house?


• Can you refinance your mortgage?


• Can you save money on gas, or give up a car altogether? If your family has multiple cars, can you bring it down to one?


• Can you drop a land line and only use your cell phone?


• Can you live without cable or satellite TV?


• Can you cut down on your utility bills?


• Can you restrict eating out?


• Buy food in bulk?


• Cook more at home? You might be able to save a lot of money on food.

Reassess your savings goals. Subtract your expenses (the ones you can't live without) from your take-home income (i.e. after taxes have been taken out). What is the difference? And does it match up with your savings goals? Let's say you've decided you can definitely get by on $1500 per month, and your paychecks amount to $2300 per month. That leaves you with $800 to save. If there’s absolutely no way you can fit all your savings goals into your budget, take a look at what you’re saving for and cut the less important things or adjust the timeframe. Maybe you need to put off buying a new car for another year, or maybe you don’t really need a big-screen TV that badly.

5. Make a budget. Once you’ve managed to balance your earnings with your savings goals and spending, write down a budget so you’ll know each month or each paycheck how much you can spend on any given thing or category of things. This is especially important for expenses which tend to fluctuate, or which you know you're going to have a particularly hard time restricting. (E.g. "I will only spend $30 a month on movies/chocolate/etc.")

6. Stop using credit cards. Pay for everything with cash or money orders. Don't even use checks. It's easier to overspend when you're pulling from a bank or credit account because you don't know exactly how much is in there. If you have cash, you can see your supply running low. You can even bundle up the predetermined amount of cash allocated for each expense with a label or keep separate jars for each expense (e.g. a bundle/jar for gas, another for miscellaneous). As you pull money from a jar for that particular expense, you'll see how much remains and you'll also be reminded of your limit.

If you need to have credit cards but you don't want the temptation of having them available to use day-to-day, restrict that section of your wallet with a note or picture reminding you of your savings goals. Credit cards are not inherently evil; it's all about your self control. If you use them responsibly (i.e. completely pay them off every month), you can benefit from them. But the reason most credit card companies make money, however, is because people end up spending money that they don't have. Unless you are one of the people who can religiously pay off the balance in full every month, you're better off foregoing the promotions that credit card companies use to lure you in (cash back, introductory APR, airline miles, and so on).

7. Open an interest-bearing savings account. It’s a lot easier to keep track of your savings if you have them separate from your spending money. You can also usually get better interest on savings accounts than on checking accounts (if you get interest on your checking account at all). Consider higher-interest options such as CDs or money-market accounts for longer savings goals.

8. Know where your money is. And how much of it, too. If you accidentally overdraw your bank account, you will incur hefty bank fees; worse yet, the place you paid with that check may slap a bounced check fee on top of that, and send the check in again, resulting in a second overdraft fee from the bank! So just a few cents missing to cover that check could result in over $100 in fees. To avoid that, you should always know how much money you've got in your account(s), so you never cut a check for more than what you have.

9. Pay yourself first. Savings should be your priority, so don’t just say that you’ll save whatever’s left over at the end of the month. Deposit savings into an account (or your piggybank) as soon as you get paid. An easy, effective way to start saving is to simply deposit 10% of every check in a savings account. If you get a check or sum of cash, say 710.68, move the decimal point one place to the left and deposit that amount: 71.07. This works well and requires little thought; over several years, you've a tidy sum in savings. Over decades, you'll be a millionaire.

You can set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account.
Many employers allow you to deduct savings from your paycheck. The money is directly deposited in your savings account so you never even see it on your paycheck.

You can also have investments for retirement taken directly out of your pay, and the taxes may be deferred with this option.

Source: Adapted from an article in Wikihow.

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Italian Whole Wheat Focaccia Crackers

Italian Whole Wheat Focaccia Crackers
1/2 pk (1-1/8 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 ts sugar
3/4 c warm water
1 1/3 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour
3/4 ts salt
2 tb shortening
olive oil for the tops

This is an adaptation of Italian focaccia. It is one of the most crispy and crunchy crackers, as well as one of the most substantial. Try serving Focaccia Crackers with soft cheese or garlic-flavored cream cheese. It is somewhat more difficult to make than most other crackers, but worth twice the trouble. 375 F. 20 to 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the sugar and 1/4 cup of the warm water. Set aside in a warm place until the mixture starts to foam, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Combine the flours and salt in a large bowl or in the food processor. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the yeast mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup warm water. Blend to form a dough that will hold together in a cohesive ball.

Knead well by hand for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface or by pulsing about 25 seconds in the food processor. Knead until the dough is smooth and springy to the touch.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it over to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel and set the dough in a warm place until it has doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface or pastry cloth. Roll it into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for another 35 to 45 minutes.

Using both hands, gently push your fingertips all over the top of the risen dough, leaving indentations throughout. Cover it with a damp towel again and put in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375~F. With your fingers or a soft pastry brush, lightly brush the top with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until very crisp. Cool on a rack. When cooled, break into small, irregularly shaped pieces, or into 2 large crackers that can be broken off as they are nibbled.

VARIATIONS: Sprinkle the top of the dough with rosemary, basil, or your favorite herb after brushing with the olive oil.

Source: http://wholewheatcookbook.blogspot.com/

Emergency Preparedness: Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISK

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, cO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly form person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

WHERE DOES CARBON MONOXIDE COME FROM?
CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnances or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

IF NO ONE IS FEELING ILL:

1. Silence the alarm.
2. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion. (i.e. furnace and fireplace)
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO build-up.

IF ILLNESS IS A FACTOR:

1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM CO POISONING

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alaram before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This doesn't mean that CO is not present.
• Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
• Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
• When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

Source: The U.S. Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security

Emergency Preparedness: Avoid Portable Generator Hazards

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.

Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting form improper use of portable generators:

TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS:

• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery back-up) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:

• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• Never plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.

TO AVOID FIRE HAZARDS:

• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled non-glass containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuel burning appliance.

Source: The U.S. Fire Administration, Dept. of Homeland Security

Provident Living: Make your own Shampoo

I recently found a recipe for making your own shampoo. It will certainly save you money. If nothing else, it might come in handy in an emergency:

So here’s the recipe:

Distilled White Vinegar
Baking Soda

Combine the two so that it’s runny. Dip your head back or forward. Pour mixture over hair. Use your fingertips and massage the mixture through your hair and scalp. Rinse. Follow with a light conditioner.

You will not believe how squeaky clean your hair will be - and feel! You might even find that you don’t have to wash it as often.

The author of the post said this: "I’m a runner - at least 3 or 4 times a week, so I wash my hair often. This mixture prevents my hair from drying out."

Let me know what you think!

Source: http://cheapcheez.com/2008/11/06/natural-shampoo-make-it-yourself/#more-51

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Wheat Salad

I saw this picture on the blog, "Preparedness Brings Peace" and it looked so good I had to post it. I can't wait to try making it! Enjoy. . .


WHEAT SALAD

5 cups cooled cracked wheat cereal or cooked whole wheat or bulgar

1/4 cup diced green pepper

1 cup finely diced celery

1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise (or Ranch Dressing)

1/2 cup diced green onion

1 cup chicken, crab meat, shrimp, tuna, or turkey

Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients and chill well before serving. Serves 8 to 10. This salad does not taste like you are eating wheat. It has a good "meaty" taste to it.

Source: http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Reviving crystalized honey

Honey has the tendency to crystalize in the bottle and become hard. But, did you know that it doesn’t mean the honey has gone bad? It is quite easy to revive your crystalized honey so you can use it once again.

1. Get a bowl or measuring cup that is larger than the size of your honey container.


2. Fill the bowl or cup with hot water, and then place the container of honey (make sure it is shut tight!) into the hot water.


3. It will take about half an hour, but the honey will turn into liquid again, and the crystals will be gone.
   

Note: it is not recommended that you microwave honey containers, as they are not microwave safe, and can even cause sparks. And it is also very easy to overheat honey in the microwave, so we recommend you heat your honey using the hot water method instead.

Source: http://www.momsbudget.com/blog/

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Orange Juice Muffins using Whole Wheat Flour

Orange Juice Muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoons sugar
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine all-purpose flour and next 5 ingredients (all-purpose flour through cinnamon) in a medium bowl; stir well. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine juice, oil, rind and egg with a whisk; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in raisins. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Source: http://wholewheatcookbook.blogspot.com/

Emergency Preparedness: video

Here is a great video from the U.S. government that explains how to prepare for an emergency:

http://www.ready.gov/america/about/_flash/movie15.html

Provident Living: Make your own household cleaners

In today's economically challenged times, every penny counts. One way to save money is by making your own cleaning supplies. These homemade cleaning formulas are non-toxic and cost about 1/10th the price of commercial cleaners.

SUPPLIES

Baking soda

Washing soda

White distilled vinegar

A good liquid soap or detergent

Tea tree oil

6 clean spray bottles

2 glass jars

CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.
Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

WINDOW CLEANER

1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent

3 tablespoons vinegar

2 cups water

Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER

1 cup or more baking soda

Water

A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER

1/2 teaspoon washing soda

A dab of liquid soap

2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH

1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)

1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

VINEGAR DEODORIZER

Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.

MOLD KILLERS
Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

Source: Annie B. Bond, http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html

Financial Preparedness: 10 Ways to Beat the Recession

My husband e-mailed me this article and I thought it was worth sharing with the rest of you. If you're like me, you're concerned about the effects of a recession on you and your family. Many people feel like they are powerless to change the economic situation and that adds to their feelings of anxiety. The author of this article, Brian Reeder, did some research and found some simple things you can do to beat the recession.

1. Network - Networking is a great tool to maintain a large group of people that can help you if need be. It keeps potential income options open, and by consistently expanding your network, you’re consistently expanding your income opportunities. Plus, if you’re in a crunch and need some cash, it’s better to be able to ask 50 people than 5. The Key: Be yourself! Get to know the people you meet, show them who you are. Someone who knows you and is interested in who you are is much more likely to help you out than someone you met once and exchanged business cards with.


2. Establish a personal budget - This is something that seems like common sense, but a surprising number of people have never done it. Once you get all your expenditures on paper (or the screen), it’s much easier to see where your money is going and where you need to cut back. The Key: Find a system that works for you. Having a spreadsheet may work for someone, but may be a headache to others. The biggest reason people don’t establish a budget is because it’s time consuming - us a free program like expensr to eliminate this time waste.


3. Understand what a recession is - What is a recession? How about a depression? Aside from the depr v. rec, I had no idea. Now I know that “The economy will typically expand steadily for six to 10 years and then enter a recession for six months to two years. The point where the recession begins is known as a peak, and the point where it ends as known as a trough. Following the trough, the economy expands again toward another peak.” (howstuffworks) So the recession is really a healthy phase in the economic cycle, it's just awful being in one. A depression on the other hand, is a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment.


4. Get out of debt - this is easier said than done, but the first key is to eliminate credit card debt. If you have thousands in credit card debt and have money in the bank to cover it (and still have a healthy buffer), pay it off. Your savings in interest payments every month will justify this pay-off within months, not years. If you don’t have the cash on hand to pay off that debt, pick up a part-time job solely to make payments on it. I know that some people can’t do this, but they may be able to use the next tool.


5. Consolidate your debt - The best way to consolidate your debt is not through some shady website that just wants your information. It’s going to your financial institution and asking them how. They will be more than willing to help - they want you to be able to make the payments every month. If you find someone that won’t help, go to another branch, or another bank. Smaller credit unions are usually the best to deal with - they act like real people. For the most part.


6. Find part-time work to supplement income - Find an industry that doesn’t require prior experience or education, and minimal training. Also find an industry that isn’t going anywhere, and will survive through the recession. My advice: get a job in the service industry. You can find a job in practically any industry on craiglist. Find something you enjoy doing and don’t have to go to school for. Plus, tips are NOT a bad thing.


7. Have a back-up fund - One of the biggest hurdles people will have to leap over is losing their job. It is (usually) an unexpected problem, and never a welcome one. The best thing to do is plan for it. Make sure you have a minimum 3 month buffer in your bank account so that you can survive after it happens. Unemployment will only cover part of your expenses, and the problem people get into is getting multiple credit cards to cover the remaining expense. Then, even if you find a job, you have a mountain of debt to get over, immediately putting you in the red and stressing you out.


8. Focus on the basics - Frivolity has to be the first to go if your budget is tight. If it’s the difference between paying rent and going out to dinner, hopefully the decision isn’t a difficult one. But, this is dependent on making a budget - if you don’t know where you stand, how can you know what you have to spend? This isn’t to say you shouldn’t have fun though - you just need to find alternative ways to have it (see below)!


9. Have a secure place to keep your money - Both in your bank, and in your pocket. I would suggest carrying your wallet in your front pocket, and keeping minimum cash on you. If I have cash I will spend it. I know that, so I make it a point to only take with my what I can spend. Also, make sure you have all the necessary phone numbers and account numbers written down in one place, outside of your wallet. That way if your wallet gets stolen, you can easily call and cancel your credit cards.


10. Be happy - Find cheap/free ways to find happiness. Go to the park, take a walk, get books/movies from the library, have a “cooking night” with your friends where you all pitch in. Their are a lot of ways to enjoy life without spending money. As the quote says, “the best things in life are free”…

Source: brainfeeder.com

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON ROLLS

1 package active dry yeast or quick-rise yeast

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/8 cup warm water (105° to 115°F)\

1 cup fat-free milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons shortening

1 large egg

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Smear:

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup margarine

1/4 cup flour or cake crumbs

1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons fat-free milk

2-3 teaspoons cinnamon or to taste

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand 5 minutes. Add milk, 1/4 cup sugar, salt and shortening to the yeast mixture. Stir in egg and whole wheat flour; beat 2 minutes. Gradually add bread flour. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky. Knead until smooth and elastic, 10 to 15 minutes by hand or 10 minutes with dough hook. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to coat. Cover; let rise in a warm (95° to 100°F) place until double in size. Punch down dough; cover and let rise again. Punch down dough again; cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Mix smear ingredients together until smooth. Roll dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle and spread a thin layer of smear on the dough piece, leaving a 1-inch strip along one of the short edges uncovered. Brush the uncovered 1-inch dough strip with water. Beginning with the short, smeared edge, roll up, pinch to seal the un-smeared edge and cut into 12 rolls.Place rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan. Cover with a warm, damp towel; let rise in a warm (85°F) place until doubled in size. Bake in 375°F pre-heated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden.

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories/Serving: 274
Nutrition: Each roll provides approximately: 274 calories; 6 g protein; 51 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (2 g saturated); 3 g fiber; 19 mg cholesterol; 30 mcg folate; 2 mg iron; 268 mg sodium.

Source: Wheat Foods Council