Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/index.php/2008/03/25/survive-a-recession-think-long-term/

We all want to know how to survive a recession. It helps to think long term! Here are some helpful steps to make when an economic downturn hits.
recession, stock market, financial tips

Are we in a recession? That’s the consensus right now. But we won’t know that until the economic numbers are in telling us what we already know and feel. Here’s what some of the more bearish economists are saying:

David Rosenberg of Merrill Lynch expects home prices will decline 15 percent in 2008 and 10 percent more in 2009. He predicts that unemployment – which jumped to 5 percent in December from 4.7 percent in November – will hit 5.75 percent by year end and 6 percent by early 2009.

I’ve also got a friend who constantly sends me “chicken little” messages on a daily basis, where he ruminates over the next financial institution collapse, or ponders over yet another town that folds under foreclosure.

While he’s excited over the prospect of scooping up some bargains in real estate when the property market bottoms out, my spouse on the other hand is quite a bit worked up over the news he reads in The Economist, about how the overall macro economic situation we’re facing isn’t boding too good for our investments.

I remind him though that this is expected to be a short term situation. It’s short term in the whole scheme of things. I usually succeed in appeasing his concerns by reminding him that we’re fairly well diversified with an asset allocation that suits our age, goals and basic risk profile.

I just go back to some well-worn advice I’ve read and followed whenever these rough times come upon us. As an investor who has lived through a couple of recessions (wow, that dates me!) and economic cycles, and who continues to further my financial learning, I found that there are things we can do to help us ride through a tough market cycle.

Here, I’ve collected some tips, facts and reminders that I found to be valuable and assuring during times like these:
How To Survive a Recession

#1 Spread your risk, be diversified.
Investing across the board is way more important during bear markets, when your assets can really get hammered by volatility. Make sure you’ve managed your risk with a diversified, well-balanced portfolio.

#2 Think long term. Recessions are usually short.
Eight out of the ten recessions we’ve experienced over the last 60 years have lasted under a year. The two most recent recessions we’ve had — in 1990 and 2001 — lasted only 8 months each. Though you won’t be able to avoid temporary losses during a downturn, the long term has been much kinder to investments, with returns averaging 10%.

#3 Act conservatively.
Make cautious, conservative financial decisions. Some examples:

* Think of renting until you feel that the property market has bottomed — and it may be a while before it does!
* If you’re buying a house now, apply for a fixed rate mortgage.
* Don’t take on additional debt; pay with cash to avoid the temptation of overspending.
* Make your emergency fund a priority over spending for big items or taking on investments.
* Live within your means.
* Get a full employer match through retirement fund contributions.

#4 Be patient and stay the course.
Lots of people are tempted to bail out on their poorly performing investments when things go south. But they may be jumping the gun by unloading assets that could very well recover nicely once the markets improve. I’ve been whipsawed in the past, and I’m not about to fall into that trap again! Avoid tinkering with your portfolio and acting on emotion.

#5 Consider being a contrarian.
The recession will pave the way for lower stock prices and cheaper purchases everywhere! Why not buy low?

#6 Look into future trends.
You might feel better about the stock market when you realize that it is a forward indicator and tends to track ahead of the economy. So even as we’re steeped in the gloom of the economy, the market itself may already be picking up and recovering. Conventional wisdom states that the market recovers around 6 months before the economy itself does.

#7 Look at valuation.
Recognize that stocks have already deflated. Well-priced stocks won’t have far to fall despite recessionary conditions. The stock market has already gone through some beatings, which makes it less likely to fall significantly further.

#8 Recognize that bad news is already priced in the markets.
With all the unpleasant news that’s been released, a lot of the bad mojo has already been absorbed by the markets. Could it get any worse? Only if the news is significantly unfavorable.

#9 Realize that the markets and the economy have support.
Whether or not you agree that the Fed should step in and “bail out” failing institutions and other financial channels, the Fed’s strategies have worked in the past to turn things around. Also, the economy finds support in the fact that it functions in a global environment.

#10 Don’t fight the Fed.
The actions of the Fed will have ramifications later on. It would be foolish to go against expected trends.

#11 Evaluate your job situation.
If you’re worried about your job, be proactive and look into other options before anything happens. Other tips:

* Beef up your skills, keep your resume updated, explore career changes before the axe falls. Keeping one step ahead of possible eventualities is a good thing but avoid charging ahead and acting without a plan.
* If you do happen to get laid off, file for unemployment benefits right away by visiting this site for more information. You can also review your health care options (such as COBRA or other coverage).

~ooOoo~

Sometimes, talking to others about our financial outlook can become depressing, when people bring up issues such as the falling dollar, the massive spending we’re making towards a seemingly endless war, the threat of foreclosure looming over certain neighborhoods, the choppy markets, and once mighty financial institutions now struggling. But if history is our teacher, staying the course and looking out long term have served investors well. Just don’t let your patience run out or your emotions get the better of you.

Great Resources: Moolanomy’s 5 Strategies To Survive an Economic Slowdown, Money Magazine
Image Credit: Extreme Accounting

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This page is full of recession articles and others sites links, all money [or lack of] related.
granny

http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/

http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/gourmet-coffee-recipes-starbucks-coffee-drink/#more-26061

[Has many hidden urls]

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Try Gourmet Coffee Recipes: Make Your Own Starbucks Coffee Drink!

I did a search on Google.com and typed in my favorite Starbucks coffee drink, Cinnamon Dolce Latte. To my delight, I found recipe after recipe of my favorite drink. There are even baristas that work for Starbucks that are posting recipes. I found one that I liked (from bfeedme):

Make a Cinnamon Dolce Latte!
Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup strong coffee
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
* 1 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk

What’s Next:

1. In a large pan, mix the cinnamon and sugar with a bit of milk.
2. Add the rest of the milk and bring to a boil.
3. Just as the mixture comes to a boil, take it off the heat.
4. Pour your coffee into your favorite mug.
5. Pour in the milk and serve immediately.

Earnestly, I ran to my kitchen and began heating milk on the stove and brewing an EXTRA strong, half cup of coffee. After the milk heated, I added in the cinnamon and sugar amounts that were suggested on my recipe. Then, I mixed the milk with the half cup of brewed coffee. Wow! It tastes just like Starbucks minus the cute cup and the smiling barista that hands it to me.

So, why am I paying $4.65 for a cup of this, when I can make 20 cups or more for $10? I don’t know! However, since I have made this discovery, I can tell you that when my subconscious mind prompts me to go to Starbucks, I stop myself. I look at my food budget envelope (working on a cash system here using an envelope budgeting system), and say, I think I can make this here today. I brew my cup of coffee and enjoy it just as I would at Starbucks.
Tip: Other ways to save money on coffee other than making it yourself? If you’re a coffee lover, then here are a few other ideas: check for savings at coffee sites like Coffee For Less where you can get discounts (try coupon code CFL) or pick up a debit card that specifically offers perks for coffee drinkers (e.g. get $50 and coffee perks when you sign up for a PerkStreet Financial checking account).

The point I am making is that often, in order to get out of debt, we have to find ways to appease our impulses and control the desire to get instant gratification. We need to prioritize our finances and maintain control of our money. In many ways, this can be achieved by doing the simple things ourselves rather than seeking the convenience of buying those things we want elsewhere, for a premium price. Remember that service has a cost! I have determined that if I do my own gourmet coffee drinks, I will save $4.65 a pop and I can potentially save $725 in the coming year — quite a good amount to add to my high interest savings account.

Do you have a habit that costs money and that isn’t something you need but rather, something you want — which is triggered by an impulse? Why not try to find a suitable substitute that costs substantially less? I encourage you to evaluate where you are spending your money. Weigh the rewards and the consequences of your spending. Is this cup of coffee worth staying in debt for a while longer? No, certainly not for me, and I would think your answer would be the same. Now, I did not completely cut out my Starbucks visits. I still like to meet friends there for a cup of coffee. However, my new strategy now allows me to save a substantial amount of money (over time) and to maintain the pleasure of the experience as well.

Contributing Writer: Selena

http://everythingyourmamamade.com/its-all-about-the-free-tutorials/

[Titles are all links on this site, free patterns listed also]

Well wordpress.com has a kinda wonky category set up for their blogs, so I figured I would set this up so you could find the specific tutorial you wanted without having to scroll through everything else!

Make your own Babylegs

How to make a crib / toddler bed sheet

How to make a Pack ‘N Play / playard sheet

Gathering with a serger or sewing machine too!

3-in-1 T-Shirt Dress / Tunic Top/ Skirt For toddlers to adults!

A Personalized Little Girls Apron!

No-Itch Twill Tape Tags & Clothing Labels

How To Use Bento Egg Molds

My Scarf Dress

Bookmark clean-up! 1000+ free tutorials, patterns & websites FULL of patterns that I have had saved in my bookmarks :) . (These are not my own tutorials, but links to others I admired & would love to try in the future)

170+ Bags, Purses, Pouches & Backpack Tutorials

78+ Kids Gift Tutorials

80+ Girls Clothing Tutorials

20+ Boys Clothes Tutorials

43+ Maternity, Nursing, & Expecting/New Mom Tutorials

77+ Infant & Toddler Tutorials

36+ Tutorials for MEN & Women!

36+ Tutorials for Women!

47+ Womens & Juniors Clothing Tutorials

98+ Apron Tutorials

84+ Tutorials For The Home!

10+ Quilts & Quilting Tutorials

11+ Crochet Patterns

354+ Edible Gifts (Like jar mixes)

24+ Techniques, Modifications & Alterations!

12+ Sites for free patterns & tutorials

Items I have made from others free tutorials (with the tutorial link of course :) )

Nylon Chiffon Girls Pettiskirts

Womens Azalea Dress

Emma & Emmy (Or Eddie) The Earthworm

These are not my tutorials but have some links to other great free tutorials & patterns…

Burda Open Source Sewing

Lots of free great tutorials (good for beginners too)

You can also buy & instantly download great patterns from YouCanMakeThis.com. They even have smaller patterns that you can download for FREE as well!!!

http://www.bfeedme.com/cooking/quick-meal-ideas/

Quick and Comforting Churros

May 25, 2009 | Posted by Lorraine as Cozy Comfort Food Recipes, Quick Meal Ideas, Recipe at 12:20 pm | (1) Comment »

cinnamonchurros
It’s no secret that, as a semi-professional baker, I don’t mind spending hours in the kitchen experimenting with all sorts of sweet treats. From perfecting a plain cheesecake to developing sugar-free desserts, I never shy away from long, sometimes tedious recipes.

Once in a while, though, I just want something good and sweet and quick, something that’ll make the house smell like cinnamon, and be heavenly with a cup of coffee. These churros are just that. Fried batter rolled in sugar- how much simpler can you get?

Yes, you have to deep-fry them. If you have a deep fryer, all the better, but I’ve never needed one, and I swear that these churros are easy to make- as long as you’re careful, and take the usual precautions when deep frying.

Cinnamon Churros

A cup of water
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 whole eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

First, mix the white sugar and cinnamon in a dish. Set this aside. Then, start your oil: in a deep frying pan, heat about two inches of oil to 375 degrees.

In a separate pan, mix together the water, brown sugar, salt and butter, and bring to a boil- you want everything melted, but watch it, you’re not making caramel here. Turn off the heat, and add the flour, stirring it well into the mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure not to cook the eggs (add them slowly), and stirring well until good and blended.

Prepare a piping bag with a large star tip (or a sturdy freezer bag with one of the corners cut off). This is how you’ll pipe yourchurros - place your batter into it now. When your oil is hot enough, pipe some of the dough into it, around four to five inches long. Be careful not to burn yourself.

Now work quickly. You should be able to do four or five churros at once- they only need around two minutes in the oil… remove them when they’re golden brown to a plate covered with paper towels. While they’re still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Serve immediately with some good hot chocolate (the thicker the better), or a cup of dark-roast coffee.

Hot Bowls of Love

May 19, 2009 | Posted by Lorraine as Beef- It’s What’s For Dinner, Quick Meal Ideas, Recipe at 10:33 am | (2) Comments »

There are days you just don’t feel like cooking. Days when all you want to do is curl up on the couch and watch old episodes of Star Trek on DVD. On days like these, one is grateful to have a husband who not only can cook, but can cook really, really well. And when one of the things he cooks is deliciously spicy chili con carne… well, life is not just good, it’s awesome.

chili-bowl

The Husband’s Spicy Chili Recipe

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 large white or yellow onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, undrained
1 (16 oz) can white beans, undrained
1 (16 oz) can tomato puree
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons spanish paprika
2 large fresh tomatoes, chopped

First, brown the beef lightly in some olive oil, making sure to stir so it crumbles. Drain about half the fat of this away, but not all of it. Yummy, yummy fat.

Add bell pepper, onion, celery, kidney beans, white beans, tomato puree, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, mustard, oregano, paprika and tomatoes.

Simmer for 25 minutes. Do not overcook… you want the celery to stay a bit crisp.

Sometimes, when he’s feeling particularly spicy, he throws in some dried red chilis (those small, hot ones). It’s all a question of whether you like it hot- or whether you can handle it.

I like to sprinkle mine with a healthy serving of grated Monterey Jack cheese…. mmm.
Mmm…

Adobo

February 24, 2009 | Posted by Lorraine as Cozy Comfort Food Recipes, Quick Meal Ideas, Recipe, Something Salty at 1:36 pm | (1) Comment »

adobo, originally uploaded by spo0on.

Got some chicken or pork? Some garlic? Vinegar? Then you can make adobo. Yes, that’s all you need.

Adobo is the Philippines’ national dish. Nearly anything can be “adobo-ed”- from chicken to pork (or, in most cases, chicken and pork), to squid, to spinach leaves.

The beauty of adobo is that you can go completely minimalist (as I described above), or add a lot of things to it, and still have a hearty, hot, absolutely awesome meal. Got a few peppers left from last week’s chili? Chop them up, add them in, and your adobo becomes spicy (and, dareisay, even better with rice). Have an open can of coconut milk in your fridge? Make it adobo sa gata, creamy and delicious. Or splash about a half-cup of light soy sauce (Chinese or Japanese- they’ll both be delicious) in, and make a darker adobo.

I’m not just saying that, either: this is how we eat in our house. Sure, we’ll have pasta or steaks or stir-fries, but at least once a week, probably twice or more, we have adobo. It’s just the easiest thing: put your meats, vinegar, garlic (lots of garlic, don’t be shy here), salt and pepper in a large pot, bring it to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer it until you can’t smell the sharpness of the vinegar. Serve with plain rice.

Quick Dish: Paprika Cream Chicken

December 20, 2008 | Posted by Lorena as Beef- It’s What’s For Dinner, Fast Meal Ideas, Pasta Please, Quick Meal Ideas, Recipe, Yummy Can’t Say No Chicken Recipes at 1:35 am | Comments »

Here is another one of my concoctions. I actually got the idea from one of those recipe cards you get from the supermarket. They were promoting the use of McCormick spices and I thought I’d try them. I have never been one to follow a recipe to the letter, though, so I am sure that my version of this dish turned out differently. Anyhow, this dish is easy and quick to make, you will probably find yourself making it often.

Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breasts, sliced
1 small onion
4 tomatoes
½ cup light cream
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Preparation:
Wash the chicken well and then drain. Season with salt, pepper, and some paprika. It really is up to you how much of the seasoning you want to use – I just threw everything in there. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.

Heat some olive oil in a thick pan and then fry the chicken strips for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Cook the chopped onion in the same pan until translucent. Add the diced tomatoes. Cook this for about 5 minutes, stirring all the while. You can also add more paprika at this point.

Put the chicken back into the pan and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. This took about 10 minutes. Make sure you stir every once in a while. You can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if you want.

Add the light cream slowly and simmer for about 2 minutes. Add salt and more pepper and paprika to taste. For garnish, you can throw in some parsley.

This dish can be served over cooked noodles or rice – I chose the former.

Bahama porkchops

July 30, 2008 | Posted by Lorena as Quick Meal Ideas at 10:51 am | (2) Comments »

bahama pork

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, reserve juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2/3 cup tomato-based chili sauce
1/3 cup raisins
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 pork chops
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

What’s next
In medium bowl, blend reserved pineapple juice with cornstarch; stir in pineapple, chili sauce, raisins, sugar and cinnamon and set aside. In large skillet lightly brown chops in oil and drain. Pour pineapple mixture over chops. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until pork is cooked throughout

http://www.bfeedme.com/cooking/cooking-for-your-feline/

Cooking for Your Feline: Chicken Crunchies Recipe

May 15, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Cooking For Your Feline at 1:53 pm | (2) Comments »

Angry Cute Kitty.jpgMoving along with our feline Monday, enjoy making these tasty treats for your furry friend. This Chicken Crunchies recipe for cats makes about 2.5 dozen pieces & I assure you that they will love you to pieces with the taste of this crunchy treat.

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
* 1 1/2 cups rye flour
* 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
* 1 cup wheat germ
* 1 teaspoon dried kelp or alfalfa
* 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1.5 tablespoons Brewer’s yeast

Go ahead & preheat your oven to 350 F, or 175 C.

In a large bowl- combine the first six dry ingredients. Slowly add oil, broth and chicken, and mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch, then place it on a greased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown.

Cool, then break into bite-size pieces. Place pieces in a bag with the Brewer’s yeast and shake to coat them. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Eat well & Laugh often!

Cooking for Your Feline: Kitty Taco Recipe

May 15, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Cooking For Your Feline at 10:12 am | Comments »

Cat.gifDoes your feline deserve a change in pace? Then try this Kitty Taco recipe on your cat and she if she doesn’t come back purring.

Ingredients:

* ½ pound ground beef
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped bell pepper
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon corn oil
* 1 corn tortilla, cut into kitty bite-size pieces
* ½ teaspoon bone meal
* ½ teaspoon Brewer’s yeast
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, shredded

What’s Next:

In a large skillet- brown ground beef over medium-high heat.

When the meat is half-cooked, add the bell pepper and garlic. Cook the mixture until the meat is golden brown.

Turn the heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste, corn oil, chopped tortilla, bone meal, brewer’s yeast, and salt. Stir until heated through.

Cool and serve topped with grated cheese.

You should have enough for 2-3 kitty servings, refrigerate leftovers- if there are any!

Eat well & Laugh often!

http://www.bfeedme.com/cooking/southern-food-recipe/

I Just Can’t Live Without My Ratatouille Recipe

May 3, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Recipe, Southern Food Recipe at 1:00 pm | (1) Comment »

ratatouille.jpgForget about the fizz & try this delicious ratatouille recipe, because I just can’t live without it.

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 onion, quartered & thinly sliced
* 1 small eggplant, cubed
* 2 green bell peppers, chopped
* 4 large tomatoes, chopped
* 4 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
* 1 teaspoon basil
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon thyme
* 2 tablespoons parsley

What’s Next:
In a large saucepan- heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic & onions. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened- about 5 minutes. Add eggplant; stir until coated with oil. Add peppers; stir to combine.
Cover saucepan & cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep vegetables from sticking. Add tomatoes, zucchini & herbs; mix well. Cover and cook over low heat about 15 minutes, or until eggplant is tender but not too soft.
Eat well & Laugh often!

Southern-Cornmeal Crusted Catfish With Crunchy Corn Relish

April 27, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Recipe, Seafood Recipe, Southern Food Recipe at 10:03 am | (1) Comment »

Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Crunchy Relish Recipe Institute.jpgI was on Recipezaar last night trying to find a good catfish recipe & stumbled upon this goodie from the Catfish Institute. It was delicious. Give her a try tonight.

Ingredients for Crunchy Corn Relish:

* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/4 cup water
* 4 ears corn, kernels cut from the cob
* 1/4 cup minced red peppers
* 1/4 cup minced green onions
* 2 tablespoons half-and-half
* S & P, to taste

Ingredients for Southern Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish:

* 4 farm-raised catfish fillets
* 1/4 cup buttermilk or nonfat yogurt or plain nonfat yogurt
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
* 1/2 cup cornmeal
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* S & P, to taste

What’s Next for Crunchy Corn Relish:

In a large skillet- melt butter. Add water and corn; cover and simmer for 4 minutes. Stir in red pepper and cook for 1 additional minute. Add green onion, half-and-half, and salt and pepper to taste.

What’s Next for Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish:

Stir together buttermilk or yogurt and hot sauce; brush on catfish and allow to marinate for 10 minutes. Coat catfish lightly with cornmeal and sprinkle withsalt and pepper to taste.
Melt butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When skillet is hot, sauté catfish about 3 minutes on each side, turning only once, until golden and crisp. Serve with relish.

You now have a true US southern states meal. Enjoy!

Nothing Says Springtime Like Fantastic Fried Green Tomatoes

April 25, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Southern Food Recipe, The Sides at 12:58 pm | Comments »

Fried Green Tomatoes Blue.jpgI can picture it now. The spring bulbs have popped out their flowering heads, the grill is hot & ready for some bourbon salmon & the neighbors are jealous of the wondrous scents carrying themselves from our house to their inquisitive noses. Nothing says springtime like these fantastic fried green tomatoes. Enjoy this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

* 4 large green tomatoes
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup whole milk
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornmeal
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon basil
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Vegetable oil for frying

Go ahead and slice your tomatoes to about 1/2 inches in thickness. Discard the ends.

In a medium bowl- whisk eggs and milk together.

Place flour onto a plate, set aside.

Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs & seasonings onto another plat, set aside.

Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture to completely coat.

In a large skillet- pour veggie oil, enough so that you cover about 1/2 inch of pan. Heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan. Be sure to not crowd the tomatoes, try not to have them touching.

When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Pat dry with paper towels.

Spring is in the Air: Fresh Strawberry Fruit Fluff Recipe

April 25, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Dessert Recipes, Recipe, Southern Food Recipe, The Sides at 10:02 am | (1) Comment »

Fruit Fluff.jpgSpring is in the air and the pollen too if you ask my dear sniffly husband. Spring means fresh fruits and cool food. That’s why Fresh Strawberry Fruit Fluff is on the menu today. Treat yourself to this tasty treat and feel the warm breezes of summertime just around the corner. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

* 2, 11 oz cans mandarin oranges, drained
* 1 cup pineapple, chopped
* 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
* 1 pound small-curd cottage cheese
* 2, 3 oz packages strawberry Jello mix
* 1, 16 oz package Cool Whip, thawed

What’s Next:

In a large bowl- combine the oranges, pineapple & strawberries in a large bowl and mix together with the cottage cheese.

Add the dry strawberry Jello mix and stir until well blended. Fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping and refrigerate for at least one hour.

And you have yourself one easy, delicious springtime treat!

A Tribute to Dolly Parton Recipes

April 19, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Recipe, Southern Food Recipe at 1:16 pm | (8) Comments »

Dolly Parton.jpgWell let’s sit down to a meal Dolly Parton style. Go grab you favorite Parton album and come along for a true US southern meal.

Dolly Parton’s Cowboy Beans:

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 2 medium onions, chopped fine
* 1 small bell pepper, chopped fine
* 2 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans
* 2 cups catsup
* 1 teaspoon vinegar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
* 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon pepper

Go ahead and preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C.

Brown ground beef, onions, and pepper in a 10-inch skillet. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into baking dish and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is bubbly.

Dolly Parton’s Five Layer Dinner
Ingredients:

* 2 cups sliced potatoes
* 2 cups extra lean ground beef
* 1 cup onions, sliced
* 2 cups cooked tomatoes
* S & P, to taste
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Go ahead and preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C.

Layer potatoes, beef, onions and tomatoes in a 2-quart casserole. Season each layer with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green peppers. Cover and bake for 2 hours and get ready for yummm.

Dolly Parton’s Peanut Butter Pie:

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
* 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
* 2 graham cracker crusts
* 1 large container Cool Whip
* 8 ounces cream cheese

I left the best for last. Beat sugar, peanut butter and cream cheese in medium bowl. Stir in Cool Whip. Pour into crusts & you’re ready to serve. These pies can be frozen.

I hope you enjoyed our little Dolly Parton recipe tribute. Ya’ll come back now.

Eat well & Laugh often.

http://www.bfeedme.com/cooking/southern-food-recipe/page/2/

Cozy Comfort Chicken Shiitake Rice Casserole Recipe

April 5, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Cozy Comfort Food Recipes, Southern Food Recipe, Yummy Can’t Say No Chicken Recipes at 1:01 pm | (2) Comments »

Chicken & Rice Casserole.

jpgWe know all about shiitakes, so let’s add them to a chicken & rice casserole and taste a slice of divine. Enjoy this terrific recipe, sure to please any crowd. For the picky eaters, just tell them that the shiitakes are browned potatoes and the spinach is green apple candy!

Ingredients:

* 4 tablespoons butter, divided
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 shallot, chopped
* 1 pd shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded & caps sliced
* 2 bunches fresh spinach, washed, stems removed & chopped
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk
* 8 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 4 cups white rice, cooked & hot
* 3 cups chicken breast, cooked & shredded

What’s Next:

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 F, or 190 C.

In a large skillet- heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic & shallots, cook for 2 minutes. Add shiitakes and cook about 8 minutes, or until softened.

Add 1 bunch spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly until spinach begins to wilt. Add remaining spinach and cook for a couple more minutes, or until all spinach has taken on a wilting look.

In another large skillet- melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking throughout. Slowly whisk in milk and cook for 5 minutes, or until mixture comes to a boil and thickens.

Remove skillet from heat & whisk in Gruyere until smooth. Now whisk in the salt & pepper. Add spinach mix, rice & chicken. Transfer mixture to a 13 x 9 casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes covered with aluminum foil.

Enjoy this quite frankly, delicious dish and let it help you get through the rest of the week in tasty comfort.

Eat well & Laugh often.

Sweet Southern Potato Casserole Recipe

April 5, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Cozy Comfort Food Recipes, Southern Food Recipe at 9:00 am | (1) Comment »

Sweet Potato Casserole.bmpI thought we’d delve into the world of casseroles this Wednesday. I’m ready for some comfort food to get me through the rest of the week, what about you? Try on this southern favorite sweet potato casserole recipe and you’ll be relaxing in sweet comfort by the end of the day. Enjoy and make sure to check out the history & facts of this delicious veggie.

Ingredients:

* 3 cups sweet potatoes, boiled & mashed
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup whole milk
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup pecans, chopped
* 1/3 cup butter, melted

What’s Next:

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 F, or 175 C.

In a large bowl- mix together the sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, white sugar, vanilla extract & butter. Scoop into your favorite baking dish. Set aside.

In a medium bowl- mix together brown sugar, flour & chopped pecans. Spread on top of sweet potato mash.

Drizzle butter over topping spread and you’re ready to bake your casserole for 30 minutes. The heavenly scent of a sweet potato casserole cooking in an oven will make all your family come out of their crevices and wonder what’s for dinner.

Emogene Knows Best Fried Okra Recipe

April 4, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Cozy Comfort Food Recipes, Southern Food Recipe at 12:51 pm | (2) Comments »

Fried Okra.jpgNow that we have okra on the brain, get out those iron skillets if you have them. It’s time for comfort, it’s time for soul- it’s time for comfort soul fried food. Try on my grandmother’s never-fail fried okra recipe- you may wish you hadn’t, it’s that good!

Ingredients:

* 4 cups fresh okra, cut into dime-size pieces (never let me catch you using that frozen kind)
* 1/2 cup cornmeal
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 cup cooking oil, it’s not healthy in the least bit, but bacon grease is perfect for the occasion if you’ve got it

What’s Next:

In your large skillet, preferably iron skillet- heat oil (or grease) on medium-high.

In a medium bowl- toss together okra, cornmeal, salt & pepper. You want each piece of okra to have a nice, thin covering of cornmeal.

Place okra in hot oil. Cook until well-browned, stir frequently.

Enjoy this wonderful family recipe & eat some for me!

My Favorite Cajun Chicken & Savory Sausage Gumbo

February 10, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Southern Food Recipe at 1:46 pm | (1) Comment »

Chicken_and_Sausage_Gumbo.jpg

Get those blues going and your feet tapping, it’s gumbo time!

Ingredients:

* 2/3 cup flour
* 3 onions, chopped
* 5 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 green bell peppers, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 10 oz frozen chopped okra & thawed
* 10 cups water
* 14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
* 3 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
* 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
* 1 pound sage sausage
* 1 bunch green onions, chopped
* Rice

What’s Next:

Preheat oven to 400. It’s going to feel a little odd, but place flour on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring ever 5 minutes. Don’t worry, the flour should be very brown, this is your roux. Set aside.

Coat a large pot with olive oil. Saute onions, garlic, peppers, celery & okra until tender. Add the flour, stir constantly. Gradually add water, tomatoes & chicken. Add thyme & red pepper. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 1 hour, uncovered. While you’ve got that gumbo going, boil the sage sausage in a saucepan until done. Slice into 1-inch pieces and add to gumbo. Cook an additional 30 minutes. Add green onions and cook for 15 minutes. Get your rice ready while you wait. Still listening to those blues? You are now ready to serve your handcrafted gumbo over rice to the awaiting crowd, enjoy! Eat well & Laugh often.

[Someone did our research for the best books on surviving..
I have not checked the links.
granny]

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:L-uWT-lKgvgJ:netctr.com/survivalbooks.html+Marine+Corps+Terrorism+Survival+Guide&cd=46&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

Online books, Free download, Prepare for what may happen.

-— GARDENING, WILD FORAGING AND SELF SUFFICIENCY

The City People’s Book Of Raising Food
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8103864/The-City-Peoples-Book-Of-Raising-...

Encyclopedia of country living Carla Emery
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6449578/Encyclopedia-of-country-living-Ca...

The complete book of self sufficiency by John Seymour
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6449749/The-complete-book-of-self-suffici...

Vegetable Gardening Encyclopedia With Special Herb Section
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6412280/Vegetable-Gardening-Encyclopedia-...

Gardening Without Irrigation - Dry Farming
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8300483/Gardening-Without-Irrigation-Dry-...

Intensive Gardening For Profit And Self Sufficiency
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8301731/Intensive-Gardening-For-Profit-An...

Joy of Gardening
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2296631/Joy-of-Gardening

Indoor Gardening Secrets
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6253964/Indoor-Gardening-Secrets

Wild Edibles - Nutrition & Medicine
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8100611/Wild-Edibles-Nutrition-Medicine

Herbal Manual - Herbal Medicine 1936
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8069412/Herbal-Manual-Herbal-Medicine

Culpeper’s The Complete Herbal
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8067154/Culpepers-The-Complete-Herbal-Her...

Edible And Medicinal Plants
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8150505/Edible-And-Medicinal-Plants-Herba...

Survival - How To Make Herbal Preparations
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6535757/survival-how-to-make-herbal-prepa...

Edible Rooftop Gardening
http://www.scribd.com/doc/7797894/Edible-Rooftop-Gardening

Handbook of Herbs and Spices, Vol. 1 - K. Peter
http://www.scribd.com/doc/7524448/Handbook-of-Herbs-and-Spices-Vol-...-..
CRC-2001

Handbook of Herbs and Spices, Vol. 2 - K. Peter
http://www.scribd.com/doc/7524451/Handbook-of-Herbs-and-Spices-Vol-...

Culinary Herbs: Their Cultivation Harvesting Curing and Uses by Kains, M. G.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2390089/Culinary-Herbs-Their-Cultivation-...

How-To Hydroponics - A HowTo Guide to Soilfree Gardening
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3858026/HowTo-Hydroponics-A-HowTo-Guide-t...

Bill Mollison - Permaculture Design Course
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5030/bill-mollison-permaculture-design-co...

Saving Your Own Vegetable Seeds
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8226547/PROD6Saving-Your-Own-Vegetable-Seeds

Organic Gardener’s Composting by Steve Solomon
http://www.scribd.com/doc/884545/Organic-Gardeners-Composting-by-St...

Growing & Curing Tobacco
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8227028/Growing-Curing-Tobacco

Organic Tobacco Production
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8226885/Organic-Tobacco-Production

Grow Organic Potatoes
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2548574/growing-potatoes

Home Composting Bins
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8330632/Home-Composting-Bins

Organic Insecticides For The Garden; Home & Garden
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8226741/Organic-Insecticides-Garden

Barrel-ponics
http://www. fastonline. org/images/manuals/Aquaculture/Aquaponic_In...

An Integrated Fish Culture Hydroponic Vegetable Production
System
http://www. fastonline. org/images/manuals/Aquaculture/Aquaponic_In...

The One Straw Revolution _excellent (no tilling or plowing)
permaculture
http://ebooks. du. ac. in/edu-resources/Resources/books/onestraw. pdf

-— FOOD PRESERVATION _COOKING, CANNING, CURING, ETC.

Preserving Food: Drying Fruits And Vegetables - Nutrition
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8086473/Preserving-Food-Drying-Fruits-And...

Complete Guide To Home Canning
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8078550/Complete-Guide-To-Home-Canning-Nu...

Canning Meat, Wild Game, Poultry, & Fish Safely
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8090308/Canning-Meat-Wild-Game-Poultry-Fi...

Preparing And Canning Fermented Food And Pickled Vegetables
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8084385/Preparing-And-Canning-Fermented-F...

Every Step in Canning
http://www.scribd.com/doc/934987/Every-Step-in-Canning

Small-Scale Food Drying Technologies
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8429418/SmallScale-Food-Drying-Technologies

Field Care Of Harvested Big Game
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8757590/Field-Care-Of-Harvested-Big-Game

How To Build A Wood-Fired Oven & Start A Home Bakery
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8451084/Building-A-Bread-Oven

Solar Cookers - Natural Living
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8102008/Solar-Cookers-Natural-Living

Earth-Friendly Cooking Technologies
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8347607/EarthFriendly-Cooking-Technologies

Solar Distillation & Water Purification
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8334119/Solar-Distillation-Water-Purifica...

Rain Water Harvesting
http://www.scribd.com/doc/7145044/Rain-Water-Harvesting

How To Make An Upesi Stove
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8333387/How-To-Make-An-Upesi-Stove

Wood Conserving Cook Stoves - A Design Guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9171909/Wood-Conserving-Cook-Stoves-A-Des...

How To Make Liquor With Fruit And Berries
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8307739/How-To-Make-Liquor-With-Fruit-And...

Cheese Making Made Easy
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8944050/Cheese-Making-Made-Easy

Cheese Making
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8307365/Cheese-Making

Canning Meat, Wild Game, Poultry, & Fish Safely
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8090308/Canning-Meat-Wild-Game-Poultry-Fi...

-— HEATING, ENERGY AND FUEL

Solar Water Heaters
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9173638/Solar-Water-Heaters-In-Nepal

Water as Fuel
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4123662/Water-as-Fuel

Run Car on Water - stanley meyer resonant electrolysis cell system collection
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4110288/Run-Car-on-Water-stanley-meyer-re...

Homemade Batteries [2003, 14 Pages]
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3921621/Homemade-Batteries-2003-14-Pages

Wind Energy Systems
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9450845/Wind-Energy-Systems

Wood Burning Handbook
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8096896/Wood-Burning-Handbook-Natural-Living

Oil Drum Stove For Cooking And Water Heating
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9450853/Oil-Drum-Stove-For-Cooking-And-Wa...

Water Power For The Farm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9165207/Water-Power-For-The-Farm

Pumping Water For Irrigation Using Solar Energy
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8617302/Pumping-Water-For-Irrigation-Usin...

Generator Power For The Homestead
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9153427/Generator-Power-For-The-Homestead

How To Make Biodiesel Fuel
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9153517/How-To-Make-Biodiesel-Fuel

Build Your Own Biogas Generator
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8679538/Build-Your-Own-Biogas-Generator

Using A Biogas Digester
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8337831/Using-A-Biogas-Digester

-— LIVESTOCK

Small-Scale Chicken Production
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8422107/SmallScale-Chicken-Production

The Homesteader’s Handbook To Raising Small Livestock
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8680857/The-Homesteaders-Handbook-To-Rais...

A Poultry Mini-Manual
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8258787/A-Poultry-MiniManual

Small-Scale Freshwater Fish Farming
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8429562/SmallScale-Freshwater-Fish-Farming

Poultry a Practical Guide _Very old, Very excellent comprehensive guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8942814/Poultry-a-Practical-Guide

-— MEDICINE

Holistic & Alternative Medicine 101
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6311011/Holistic-Alternative-Medicine-101

Herbal/Medical Contraindications_ Using herbal remedies and pharma products:
interactions
http://www. swsbm. com/ManualsMM/HerbMedContra1. pdf

Herbal Formulas for Clinic and Home
http://www. swsbm. com/ManualsMM/Formulary2. pdf

First Aid Full Manual FM21-11
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4089404/First-Aid-Full-Manual-FM2111

Where There is No Dentist - Murray Dickson
http://www.scribd.com/doc/408523/Where-There-is-No-Dentist-Murray-D...

Where There Is No Doctor - A Village Health Care Handbook - David Werner
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6408748/Where-There-Is-No-Doctor-A-Villag...

Wilderness Medicine Course
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8149708/Wilderness-Medicine-Course

Healing Pets With Alternative Medicine
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8515671/Healing-Pets-With-Alternative-Med...

Physicians Desk Reference: Herbal Medicines
http://www.scribd.com/doc/7354348/Herbal-PDRsmall

How To Treat and Heal Your Pet at Home?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2374175/How-To-Treat-and-Heal-Your-Pet-at...

One Mineral Can Help _Potassium Iodide
http://www. nogw. com/download/_07_sski. pdf

Ditch Medicine - Advanced Field Procedures For Emergencies (1993)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2205119/Ditch-Medicine-Advanced-Field-Pro...

-— SURVIVAL MANUALS AND INFO

Compact Survival Kits
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8698084/Compact-Survival-Kits

SAS Survival Guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6723318/SAS-Survival-Guide

Wilderness Survival (FM 21-76)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8085776/Wilderness-Survival-FM-2176-

Nuclear War Survival Skills
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2932392/Nuclear-War-Survival-Skills

USMC Winter Survival Course
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2960322/USMC-Winter-Survival-Course

US Marine Corps Summer Survival Course
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2960529/US-Marine-Corps-Summer-Survival-C...

Survival Attitude
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4020001/Survival-Attitude

Nuclear Contamination Avoidance
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6147889/NUCLEAR-CONTAMINATION-AVOIDANCE

Kearny Homemade Fallout Meter
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3082604/Kearny-Homemade-Fallout-Meter

Survival - Personal Wilderness Medical Kit
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6535775/survival-personal-wilderness-medi...

-— BUILDING RELATED _SURVIVAL SHELTERS AND MORE

Seven Survival Shelters That Could Save your life!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3007857/Seven-Survival-Shelters-That-Coul...

Building With Stone And Earth - Part 1
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8331565/Building-With-Stone-And-Earth-Part-1

Building With Stone And Earth - Part 2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8331631/Building-With-Stone-And-Earth-Part-2

Barn Plans And Out-Buildings (1886)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8342942/Barn-Plans-And-OutBuildings-1886

How to build your own underground home
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5504156/How-to-build-your-own-underground...

The Complete Book of Underground Houses _How To
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5902364/-Underground-Homes

The Manual of Free Energy Devices and Systems
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3152210/the-manual-of-free-energy-devices...

-— COMMUNICATION

The Complete Manual Of Pirate Radio
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8608511/The-Complete-Manual-Of-Pirate-Radio

Crystal Radio Project
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8608892/Crystal-Radio-Project

Field Antenna Handbook
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8608089/Field-Antenna-Handbook

Shortwave Radio _Build Your Own
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6472690/Shortwave-Radio

A Handbook On Shortwave Radio And LEO Sattelite Communication
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8375638/A-Handbook-On-Shortwave-Radio-And...

Shortwave 101 - How To Listen To World Radio
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9614280/Shortwave-101-How-To-Listen-To-Wo...

Shortwave Radio Networking When Phones Fail
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3195783/Shortwave-Radio-Networking-When-P...

-— FOXFIRE BOOKS, OTHER SKILLS AND USEFUL INFO

The Foxfire Books are simply some of the best old time skills
books around!

Foxfire One
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8961411/Foxfire-One

Foxfire Two
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8961376/Foxfire-Two

Foxfire Three
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8961322/Foxfire-Three

Foxfire Four
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6476078/The-Foxfire-Book-Volume-05

The Foxfire Five
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6476078/The-Foxfire-Book-Volume-05

Water Well Manual
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9165499/Water-Well-Manual

Windmill Construction Manual
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9614230/Windmill-Construction-Manual

Sharpening Small Tools
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9231295/Sharpening-Small-Tools

Farm Shop And Equipment
This publication offers suggested assortment of tools, special
tools, and how to keep and care for them.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9153426/Farm-Shop-And-Equipment

Tools For Agriculture - A Guide To Appropriate Equipment
Appropriate Equipment For Small Farms
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8681208/Tools-For-Agriculture-A-Guide-To-...-

Soapmaking - How To Make Soap
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8304654/Soapmaking-How-To-Make-Soap

Village Technology Handbook
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8681380/Village-Technology-Handbook

W.F. Vickery, Advanced Gunsmithing, 1940
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8697640/Advanced-Gunsmithing-

Manual Of Bicycle Repair
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9452394/Manual-Of-Bicycle-Repair

The Formula Manual
Make your own recipes for almost everything other than food.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9452986/The-Formula-Manual

Land Clearing
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9450761/Land-Clearing

Axe Manual of Peter McLaren
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9356136/Axe-Manual-of-Peter-McLaren

Crosscut Saw Manual
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9450723/Crosscut-Saw-Manual

Basic Plumbing Skills
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8604200/Basic-Plumbing-Skills

Basic Plumbing Course
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8603975/Basic-Plumbing-Course

Hoppe’s Guide To Gun Care
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8457633/Guide-To-Gun-Care-

Pistol Preventative Maintenance Guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8457777/Pistol-Preventative-Maintenance-G...

Emergency Sanitation At Home
Interesting DoD publication from 1958
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8259039/Emergency-Sanitation-At-Home

Spinning With Simple Tools
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8452139/Spining-With-Simple-Tools

Introduction To Spinning
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8451949/Introduction-To-Spining

Natural Dyeing Of Textiles
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8337045/Natural-Dyeing-Of-Textiles

Handloom Construction
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3799907/Handloom-Construction

Blacksmithing Basics
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8336508/Blacksmithing-Basics

Practical Blacksmithing 1891
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8802150/Practical-Blacksmithing-1891

Farm Blacksmithing 1921
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8802051/Farm-Blacksmithing-1921

Alternatives To Portland Cement
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8331447/Alternatives-To-Portland-Cement

How To Make Candles
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8304539/Candlemaking-How-To-Make-Candles

Candle Making
http://www.scribd.com/doc/8303763/Candle-Making

This is a great resource site for homesteaders, people
interested in sustainability and survival techniques. There is
so much here that the site deserves its own listing.
Downloading directly from the site is free, but does require
sign up and some information (including info on what you plan
on doing with the materials provided). It’s worth it!
http://www.itdg.org/

This is yet another almost incredible information resource for
all things homestead. It will take time, but is well worth the
dig and everything is available for free download.
http://www.fastonline.org/content/view/12/26/

http://projectavalon.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-6851.html

On War, Gardening, and Cooking for Bad Times, by Elizabeth B.

[snipped]

What does the food of struggling people around the world have in common? Peppers! Think about food from India, Thailand, Mexico, China. All these cultures have developed foods spiced up with native peppers. In a survival situation, it will take about one nanosecond to get tired of beans, rice, pulses, corn, and potatoes on a daily basis. However, with the use of peppers and a couple of herbs and spices, you can spice up your daily fare.

Fortunately, peppers are among the easiest of all plants to grow. Nothing is much more forgiving than a pepper. Pepper plants are actually perennials, not annuals as they are sold in the stores. Where I live in south central Texas, a pepper plant can live for years. If the winter is mild, there is no problem. If the winter is a bit more severe, just place some rags around the roots, cover with some plastic and weight the entire thing down. In the spring, you will be rewarded with a delightful blooming pepper bush that will supply until the next winter arrives.
Right now, I have Big Jim, jalapeño, serrano, and ancho growing. But the king of my garden is the lovely volunteer chile pequin that sprang up from the forest behind my house. Chile Pequin is a native of south central Texas. Interestingly, this is a pepper well known by Hispanics in Texas. Most families have their stories of growing up with mother making very hot chile from the abundant chile pequin, a free gift from nature. However, huge numbers of the rest of the population have lived alongside chile pequin growing wild without ever knowing how delicious this little spicy number is.
Chile Pequin is a tiny little pepper, often no larger than an apple or orange seed, although mine can grow larger than that. Due to the fact that I live in San Antonio and peppers are called “chiles,” that is how I will refer to them from this point forward.

Confusion abounds as to what is the difference between chile, chili, chile con queso, salsa, and pico de gallo. Pico de gallo means “rooster’s beak.” It is tomatoes and chile plus onions, garlic, and cilantro. Chili is the saucy meat stew which may or may not contain beans. This is also called chili con carne. I prefer no beans, but for survival, of course I would opt for beans. Pinto beans, never those tasteless little pieces of chalk: red kidney beans. Salsa means any type of hot sauce made with tomatoes or corn or fruit such as mango and chile such as chipotle (dried, smoked jalapeños) or fresh jalapeno. Chile con queso is a melted cheese sauce cooked with chile peppers. If sausage is added, it is called “flameado.”

Molcajete
Every kitchen needs a stone mocajete or molcajete, not a fru-fru ceramic item bought at a gourmet kitchen store. This should be a workhorse in your kitchen. In traditional Mexican families, the mocajete sits on the table so mother can concoct the chile to specifications or requests from the family according to what is being served. In English, it is called mortar and pestle and is used for classic hand grinding. Decades of grinding will smooth the mocajete out. Chile is served with every meal. Today Hispanics do not cook this way so much, but it is how many were brought up. Times have changed all around and the family sit-down meal is ebbing away into memory in many cultures.
Depending on how much chile goes into the mocajete influences how “pico” or hot and spicy the chile turns out to be. One chile pequin is enough for one
tomato.

Comal
The comal is a flat cast iron griddle that goes on the stovetop. You can grill (blister or blacken) chile or more commonly, cook fajita meat and its veggies such as onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Americans have gotten out of the habit of using cast iron to cook, but it can’t be beaten. I grew up with cast iron, but my children are ignorant of its use and care. Cast iron is also a source of iron in the diet. Jalapeños can be grilled to produce chipotle, if you like that flavor. Tortillas can be re-heated.

Recipes

* Basic chile: Grind one pepper and one tomato, salt and pepper only if desired.
* Pico de gallo: Grind one diced pepper, one diced tomato, add by stirring in some chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper
* Pinto Beans (charro beans or borracho beans): Add a jalapeño, one diced tomato, one bay leaf, and one onion while cooking
* Rice: Sprinkle freshly diced tiny pieces of chile when serving or cook with tiny pieces incorporated into the raw rice before cooking
* Pepper sauce: wash peppers, stack in a bottle, pour boiled vinegar over and cork, store in refrigerator. Fabulous over black-eyes peas, pinto beans, white beans, navy beans, or any other food that needs kick

If you prefer no skin, briefly boil the larger chiles and tomatoes to slip off the skin. Grind as usual. If you are lacking enough fresh tomatoes, add a little tomato sauce or canned tomatoes. Rinse the mocajete well with water after each use, checking the crevasses for lingering pieces.

Your garden needs to be growing parsley, cilantro, and various peppers. I have not mentioned bell peppers because they are not my favorites, but they deserve a place in any garden for ease of growing, beauty, and flavor. Chile gardeners are known for sharing peppers in order to share the seeds. If you meet a pepper you like, save some seeds or ask for some. People are unfailingly willing to share.

More Food for Bad Times
Greens are making a culinary comeback. One hundred years ago they were a staple. Now you find chard in many restaurants. The taste is acquired, so now is the time to begin to learn to cook and enjoy greens and teach your family to eat them. My family ate spinach and mustard greens when I was growing up. Kale, beet, and collard greens will supply vital nutrients to your diet and are easy growers in the home garden. The addition of bacon or bacon grease, red pepper flakes, vinegar, garlic, or sugar can add kick to a bland food. Experiment until you find the taste you and your family prefer.Okra has earned a bad rap due to bad cooking. As a child, I would not touch okra as it was often simply boiled and it became very slimy. Due to the proliferation of fast food fried chicken eateries, many people now know that okra is delicious served fried. Okra is a vital ingredient of seafood gumbos. I don’t eat seafood, but you make gumbo with sausage and rice and it’s wonderful. With my family roots going back to Civil War days and all the privations involved, we had many poor people food recipes handed down. Tomatoes and okra was a favorite of both of my parents. You can lay a piece of soft bread down first in a bowl as a sop and add the cooked okra and tomatoes. Naturally, sprinkling cheese of any type such as parmesan, romano, or cheddar would greatly enhance this humble dish.

Succotash is a vegetable concoction that is rather like a kitchen sink recipe. If it grows in the garden, add it in. Succotash traditionally utilizes corn and lima beans. Depending on the cook, you can add tomatoes and okra. Just don’t forget the herbs and chile to make it edible.

Use it All: Chicken
A whole rotisserie chicken will last for a week at my house.
Day 1: warm sliced chicken served as main entrée with skin and fat pulled off and fed to the dog who loves chicken day
Day 2: cold chicken pasta salad with finely diced/shredded broccoli, carrots, mayonnaise, ranch dry dressing (available in a big plastic container from Sam’s Club), and cayenne pepper, salt, pepper
Day 3: cold chicken salad with plenty of fruit such as raisins or currants, apples or grapes, toasted almonds, celery including the tops, a little onion, curry powder; use mayo as a binder
Day 4: baked chicken spaghetti topped with cheese
Day 5: boil bones and veggies for soup, add rice or noodles
This seems like a lot of meals for just one chicken, right? It’s because you are basically using the chicken as a flavoring. Americans eat way too much meat, so you’ll be doing just fine. Focus on flavors and carbs.

More Use it All: Ham
Buy an uncooked ham, cook it, and it lasts seemingly forever.
Day 1: warm sliced ham for entrée; delight clever dog by sharing scraps.
Day 2: ham sandwich
Day 3: omelet with ham and chile
Day 4: add diced ham fat cooked into your beans or peas or lentils
Day 5: fried ham for breakfast
Continue this way until meat is all used up.
Boil the ham bone for cooking beans or peas or lentils

Grease, Fat & Butter
In the old rural days, there was never a shortage of grease or fats. If you have ever read Poland by James Michener or The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you will remember a recurrent theme was the lack of and longing for fat in the diet during the lean times.

If you have backyard chickens or a source of eggs, you’ll be fine. However, even a steady diet of lean rabbit meat can lead to “rabbit starvation” as the human body requires a small but steady input of fats for proper metabolism.

In my childhood home, bacon grease was kept in a special closed can for flavoring beans and corn. All other grease was put into a separate can for disposal. Just keep in mind if the bad times arrive, you will need to be mindful of your fat intake.

Finally, remember, everything is better with chile. If you don’t like spicy, it’s time to learn and develop your palate. A daily dose of beans and rice will get old very fast if you don’t do something different. If you really can’t go “pico,” then opt for bell peppers. They are in the same dependable plant family and won’t let you down. They dry easily in a food dehydrator and keep and reuse well.
I advocate growing your own chiles, since it is so easily done. Try different varieties from different regions. See what works well in your garden, zone, climate, and soil. Chiles grow well in containers,too. .

Recommended “Easy Growers”

* Tomatoes
* Onions
* Garlic
* Cilantro
* Parsley
* Lettuce
* Carrots
* Radishes
* All kinds of peppers
* Greens
* Potatoes (grown in alternating years with corn if space is an issue.)

In conclusion, a great variety of vegetables exits that can be grown in your area. I have listed a few I know from personal experience and find foolproof. Many, many foods await your experimentation. Try something new today. Compost your fruit and vegetable scraps to improve the soil. In fact, don’t let any biomass go into the waste stream. You do have permission to toss out bones and meat scraps. Use everything for compost and mulch. Harvest your rainwater. You will feel very good about this, I promise.

Just remember: buy heirloom seed only, avoid the hybrids, and diversify, diversify, diversify. Change your eating habits. Picky eaters are not survivors. Complainers are not survivors. Survival will depend on your head, hands, and heart. There is no time like now before the Stuff Hits the Fan to change. We don’t want to awake to find a changed world that could be likened to the war times of the past. Later, it could be a misery, today it can be an adventure
http://www.survivalblog.com/

http://projectavalon.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-1939.html

Milk’s bid for immortality; Cheese making

Baggywrinkle
09-14-2008, 11:15 PM

So, you got a twofer deal on milk at the store and that second
gallon has been languishing in the back of the fridge. You pull
it out and it expires in two days. There is no way the kids will
drink it all before it goes off. What do you do.

CHEESE PLEEZ....

We’ve been making cheese for a year now. Nothing fancy, just
buying milk at the store and playing with the art and science.

By far the easiest cheese to make is Panir or queso blanco.

Grab your kettle that you used to make the yogurt and heat your
almost expired milk to 180 degrees. Now pour in a glug of white vinegar and start stirring. Pour in another glug and keep stirring like a madman. Repeat. You will notice that the milk thickens as it curdles from the acidic vinegar. Continue until you notice patches of green whey among islands of curd. Put the vinegar away.

Now kill the fire and leave the kettle. Go to the sink and line a colander with cheese cloth. Pour the kettle into the colander. You may catch the whey for other uses. I have never bothered. It is risky with the hot kettle and takes some planning. You lose points for burning yourself or any innocent bystanders (collateral damage)

With the curds safely in the colander set the kettle aside and hang the cheese ball over the sink to drain. Leave till dry.
Once it is dry you will have a ball that looks like a calliflower or a brain. It won’t melt. It slices beautifully, and it will have a neutral taste. It is great for things like lasagna or a sprinkling of protein on salad. You may flavor it to be anything you want and it has a very nice texture. The texture is controlled by the amount of vinegar that you add. Too much and it will be rubbery like pencil erasers. Once I made some that was hard as a softball and about as edible....

It will keep virtually forever. One of my mentors at Fias Co farm
makes large batches for the freezer

Total time investment; perhaps an hour of activity.

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/Fankhauser/Cheese/cheese.html
http://fiascofarm.com/dairy/quesoblanco.htm

Mike_Jetson
09-14-2008, 11:37 PM
And if you have an electric kettle that uses an element dont use this for heating milk as it will ruin any cups of tea you make after and will take some serious scrubbing of the element.

IronWoman
09-15-2008, 01:48 AM
my mom makes it when milk spoils.. the cheese itself can not melt.. but yea great fer slicing on to lasagna n such

:)
MMe M
09-15-2008, 11:53 AM
Its really good stuff! We fry it in a pan with butter and its heaven. Tastes like solidified cream when you fry it in a lil real butter. Truly decadent. I cannot make it too often as my butt is big enough already!

Thanks for sharing.

I hope at least some of you will try this, its so good.

http://projectavalon.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-3329.html

I was thinking about the availability of medicine in a crisis situation... There’s hundreds of medicinal plant that we could be collecting, but, most of us don’t know the difference between Yarrow and Queen Ann’s Lace!

I have started purchasing ‘essential oil’ for my radiant zone first aid kit. I would like to share my research with you. I’m going to create a ‘recipe’ notebook with dosages, tea recipes and such. I’m also going to include a picture of the plant so I know what I’m looking for if and when I run out of the oils....

I hope this helps you!

Essential Oils with Medicinal Properties

Clary Sage: Anxiety, menstruation, menopause, childbirth aid, headaches, digestion, asthma, hair care

Eucalyptus: Infectious diseases, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, headache, athletes foot, disinfectant, muscle pain and strain, insect repellent, invigorating

Geranium: Depression, menopause, pms, anxiety, skin disorders, cuts, cellulites, eczema, uplifting

Lavender: The universal oil - Calming nervous tension, insomnia, pms, headaches, wound and skin care, athletes foot, arthritis, asthma

Lemongrass: Lymph drainage, antiseptic, infectious diseases, insect bites/ repellent, disinfectant, Stimulates digestion and circulation

Orange (sweet): Depression, nervous tension, insomnia, over-sensitivity, digestive disorders, anti-inflammatory, dermatitis, bronchitis

Patchouli: Chapped/cracked skin, hair care, athletes foot, insect repellent,

Peppermint: Headaches, muscle stiffness, infectious diseases, fever, lymph drainage, asthma, Arthritis, insect bites, toothache, stimulates metabolism, car sickness

Rose: Heart soother, menopause, headaches, allergies, eczema or aged skin,

Ylang ylang: Anxiety, nervous tension, lowers blood pressure, insomnia, stimulates hair growth,

ANALGESIC : Birch, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger Root, Lavender, Lemongrass, Sweet Marjoram, Peppermint, Wild Rosemary.

ANTI-BACTERIAL : Basil, Clove, Eucalyptus,, Geranium, Grapefruit,Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange, Oregano, Rosewood.

ANTI-CATARRHAL : (helps remove excess mucus (catarrh) from the respiratory or lymph systems and the body itself.) Eucalyptus, Ginger, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lemongrass, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sandalwood.

ANTI-DEPRESSANT : Basil, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Orange, Sandalwood.

ANTI-FUNGAL : Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Oregano, Rosewood, Sage, Thyme.

ANTI-INFECTIOUS : Oregano, Pine.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY : Basil, Bergamot, Birch, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Peppermint, Thyme.

ANTI-MICROBIAL : Cinnamon Bark, Helichrysum, Lemon, Myrrh, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

ANTI-PARASITIC : An agent which prevents and destroys parasites Basil, Oregano.

ANTI-RHEUMATIC : Birch, Eucalyptus, Helichrysum, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme.

ANTI-SEPTIC : Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Marjoram, Ravensara, Sandalwood, Tangerine.

ANTI-SPASMODIC : Prevents and eases spasms or convulsions - Birch, Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Helichrysum, Lavender, Marjoram.

ANTI-VIRAL : Clove, Eucalyptus, Myrrh, Oregano, Ravensara, Rosewood, Sage.

IMMUNE-STIMULANT : An agent which stimulates the natural defense mechanism of the body - Frankincense, Lemon, Oregano, Thyme.

http://projectavalon.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-3753.html

Pine needle tea and phloem chips.
Sol Invictus
09-30-2008, 05:23 AM
So your on the run or hid deep off the grid. Your hungry and thirsty and yet your stuck inside a pine forest. For miles around all you can see is white pines and no wild life for you to gain a meal from. To make it worse, its styarted to snow.

So, what are you going to do?

Eat, drink and be merry is the answer. Heres how.

First off, you have your survival kit yes? good. Inside it should be at least a fire starting kit, an axe and a shelter tarp and your steel mug.

Time to get working.

First off build your fire but DO NOT LIGHT IT. A fire thats not warming you or cooking your food is just an IR signal to those who are watching out for you. Your under pine, your signatures minimal, so keep it that way.

Gather up some of that snow. We are going to melt it to give us some nice fresh water for our tea. Yes, I did say tea.

Now, go to the lowest branches that have the newest needles on, and take a good hand full from as near to the trunk as you can get. This handful of needles holds five times the vitamin C weight for weight than two oranges or lemons. So gather up enough for yourself and never take more than you need to feed yourself.

Light your fire, take a good slug of that snow and melt it down, and then, taking those needles, place them inside a spare sock or spare bit of material to make a DIY tea bag, make it ready and then place the ‘tea bag’ into the water. Bring it to a nice rolling boil for 15 minutes.

When times up, remove the ‘tea bag’, and sup up. Instant cure for scurvy right there.

Trust me its really nice stuff is that tea.

Now, we are refreshed, but still hungry. Well, lets make some fries. Taking your axe, pick a good healthy tree. Strip off a patch of bark maybe a quarter of the diameter of the trunk and cut it away. Now, you have the wood exposed, cut into it till you reach the ‘inner’ wood (very hard, very resiliant to cutting) and peel off your strip. this is the phloem, the nutrient carrying ‘outer layer’ that sits under the bark. Its sappy and messy work, but guess what? its superbly edible.

Right, you have your large strip of phloem, now cut off thin wide strips, make them as thin as you can, and take them to your fire. Place them into the edges of your fire until they are a nice crispy golden colour.

Take from the fire, and eat.

Very sweet tasting, very crispy and very good for you. If you don’t let them burn, thse chips will be full of sappy sugary goodness.

From one tree comes your hunger and thirst cure with a medical benefit to boot.

[Continues with other survival foods and information]

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