December 2nd
Monday:
The holiday season is in full swing, so this month we will focus on what we can do for safety and how we can help others prepare. Today, make a list of people you need to purchase gifts for. Also, make a list of people who will be purchasing gifts for you.
Tuesday:
Look over the list of people you need to purchase gifts for. Would any of the following ways to add to their food storage be appropriate for someone on your list? If they don’t have food storage, start it for them!
Purchase a loaf pan and fill it with quick bread mixes and an IOU to teach the recipient to bake bread.
Place a variety of herbal teas in a basket or pretty gift bag, along with a list of when to use each (e.g., chamomile for stomach upset or peppermint for a tension headache).
Purchase a pretty non-Christmas gift bag (it could be red gingham with a green bow) and fill it with jams or mustards. Better than another basket that has no purpose, the gift bag can be reused.
Several varieties of olive and other cooking oils.
Homemade pancake or waffle mix (with the recipe so they can make their own mix when the gift is gone) and a bottle of real maple syrup.
A variety of honeys.
A variety of vinegars along with a few recipes for using them.
A collection of comfort foods (hot chocolate mixes, brownie mixes, cake mix and frosting, cookie mix, popcorn). Every great food storage includes comfort foods.
Purchase a variety of barbecue sauces and marinades for the grill master in your life.
Wednesday:
Who on your list may need this?
Auto Survival: Every student who drives a long distance to school should have an emergency car kit. Sadly, college students have died returning from Christmas holidays when cars break down in severe cold temperatures. Students are not the only ones in need of a great auto kit. Does anyone on your gift list commute? In addition to coats and blankets carried separately during winter, kits should include:
Glow sticks for light if you need to remain in the car for an extended period.
Water packets.
Food bars.
Mylar blanket for warmth in winter or to cool a car during the summer.
Flashlight.
Poncho (preferably yellow for better visibility when walking).
First aid kit.
Whistle.
Towelettes for after changing a tire or putting on snow chains.
Snow chains.
Folding shovel.
Backpack or fanny pack, to keep supplies together and hands-free while walking. This is important in an emergency if you need to leave your vehicle.
Thursday:
Today is the time to think about you. What preparedness items are you saving for or hoping to receive? Make a list today with two or three items in several price categories. For example:
$10 or less
$10-$20
$20-$40
$40 or more
Now the gift-givers in your life can give you something you need and want, with suggestions that fit their budgets. Do a little research today to find prices.
Friday:
Send the list you made yesterday to anyone purchasing gifts for you. The kids have wish lists, so why shouldn’t we?
Saturday:
Bake or shop! If you are baking, make up some cookies in a jar for gifts. These are great for food storage and other comfort food.
When assembling jars, it is important that your ingredients are layered carefully so that the layers are separate and distinctive.
Get out your canning funnel. If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one, especially if you are making several jars.
Combine flour with baking soda, salt, and/or baking powder.
Carefully place the flour in the bottom of the jar.
Add brown sugar and press it down to make a firm base for the next layer. Be sure to build up the sugar along the sides of the jar to create a wide band, so the layers look distinct. It can be thin in the center, as no one will see that.
Add chips, nuts, M&Ms, or whatever you are using, again building up the sides.
Add white sugar, and be aware it will seep through the chips, etc.
Finally, add cocoa, if using.
You may not be using all these ingredients, so be aware that you need to stack a firm ingredient (like flour or cocoa) over a loose one before adding another loose ingredient. You can mix the flour and white sugar to make a firmer base as well. Be sure to include instructions on how to turn the contents of the jar into a batch of cookies, with a list of wet ingredients to add and the baking directions (temperature and time).
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