Cooking with Food Storage: An Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Yummy Cake

During World War I, eggs, milk and butter were in scarce supply.  This recipe provided a sweet treat without requiring those ingredients.  This cake is also a delicious dessert for people with allergies.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• Directions

  1. Combine the sugar, water, shortening, raisins, spices, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and stir while cooking for 3 minutes. Cool.
  2. Measure flour, soda, and baking powder, and sift together.
  3. Gradually stir dry ingredients into raisin mixture. Beat well. If an almond cake is desired, stir in almond extract and almonds. Pour batter into a greased 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
  4. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for about 1 hour.
• Source:  allrecipes.com
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Emergency Preparedness: Prepare for flooding

A few days ago, my hometown was hit with a microburst storm followed by unusual flooding.  Teenagers were canoeing and wakeboarding down their streets while others were frantically bailing out basements.  I recently moved from Pennsylvania where flooding is extremely common and most homes have sump pumps in their basements.  Even when flooding is unexpected or uncommon, preparation brings peace of mind and can make an enormous difference in the unlikely event that a flood arrives.  One of my friends whose basement flooded was so grateful that she had just boxed up her storage items in the basement and placed them on shelves so nothing was on the ground to be ruined.  Here are some ideas to prepare for flooding:

1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
• A household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. (If you have one)
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visit Ready.gov.

Source: floodsmart.gov 

Frugal Meals: Make Your Own Frozen Burritos

If you're like me and need convenience foods in the freezer for those days on the go, you'll be as thrilled as I was to find this economical alternative to store-bought frozen burritos.  

Freezer Bean and Cheese Burritos

•  (10-count) package of tortillas (or homemade tortillas)
• 1 16-oz. can of refried beans (or two cups homemade refried beans)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 6 to 8 oz. of cheddar cheese, shredded

Mix refried beans and salsa together (you can add chopped cooked chicken or browned ground beef, if you’d like). Spread bean mixture down the middle of tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and roll up.

To freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap or a sandwich baggie and stick in a gallon ziptop freezer bag. When freezer bag is full, seal until airtight and freeze for up to two months.

To serve: Thaw for a few hours and warm in the microwave or oven. Can be eaten cold, though warm would be better.

Makes 10 burritos.

Cost: Approximately $3 if using groceries from Aldi = $0.30 per burrito. Approximately $0.15 to $0.20 each if using homemade tortillas and homemade refried beans.

Source:  moneysavingmom.com