[baxjul]

My dh is getting laid off. Next week. I have a little extra money set aside right now for a small stockpile. What should I get? I already have:

Pasta
Tuna
canned veggies
sugar
flour
spagetti sauce (in freezer, I make my own)
mac & cheese
I have alot of meat in the freezer
rice
beans

What else should I add? We eat pretty much everything. Thanks!:smhelp:

 

[Spirit Deer]

I would hang onto the money until I see where it's needed most. The grocery stores aren't going anywhere.

 

[TexasPeanut]

You could just add more of the things you have of course, you can never go wrong with having enough veggies, rice and beans on hand.

Or you could add....

Baking goods (baking powder, soda, yeast(keep in the frig), vanilla, different types of flour for bread making?...etc.)
Peanut Butter/Jam/Jellies
Canned soups/cream soups/broth
Spices to spice up plain rice.
Oatmeal
Boxed cake mixes (they are cheap and come in handy when people want dessert and you just don't have anything else)
Canned/dried fruits
Even boxed pancake mixes if you eat those and some syrup (quick breakfast)
Canned tomatoes/paste/sauce

Just think of the things you eat most and supply yourself with those things, only stock what you know you will eat.

Also see about making sure you guys have enough of "other" items that you may need, bathroom goods, laundry/dish soap, etc.

:hugz: So sorry about your DH's job. Your family is in my thoughts and I hope you have brighter days ahead.

 

[Cricketlegs]

Between your basics and lots of meat you look good so that is great.

Maybe we can throw some suggestions around and get you a fill in list.

Let me think and come back.

 

[Cricketlegs]

instant mashed potatoes--they can be made without milk.
butter
oil
powdered milk for cooking
peanut butter
jelly
oatmeal


I would concentrate on more of the same type foods instead of a little of a lot.

Meaning--I would get a few bags of rice and a few boxes of potatoes and beans instead of buying one of 10 items.

Round it out to make meals that stick to the gut.

 

[wunsagin]

For me and the way I cook I would need cream soups, tomato sauce and paste, canned fruit.

 

[Grainlady]

Not in any particular order:

1. Powdered milk, canned milk *see recipes below
2. Baking Mix (Bisquick or other brand - or make homemade version)
3. Frozen concentrated orange juice and grape juice.
4. Pancake syrup, jam, jelly, honey
5. Vinegar - 1 gallon (you can use it for a number of things, including cleaning)
6. Oatmeal
7. Peanut butter
8. Salad dressing/mayo
9. Bottled lemon juice (Aldi has a large bottle at a good price.)
10. Cocoa
11. Cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda
12. Cheese
13. Something "fun", like gelatin (Jell-O), Kool-Aid
14. Popcorn (bulk, not microwave) - inexpensive snack food
15. Instant mashed potatoes
16. Dried onions - works well when you don't have a fresh onion
17. Chicken and beef bouillon cubes.
18. Jiffy Cornbread Mixes
19. Vegetable oil, shortening, butter or margarine
20. Ketchup/mustard
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What to make with powdered milk?

These are some recipes I've used in classes I've taught at the Food Bank, Sr. Citizen Center, and at the Co. Extension Office on Using USDA Food Commodities.

- Adding a little vanilla to powdered milk is an old trick to make it taste "better".

- Mix a small amount of frozen orange juice concentrate to a glass of cold reconstituted powdered milk for an "Orange Cow" and a small amount of frozen grape juice concentrate for a "Purple Cow". Especially good if you have children that don't like the taste of powdered milk for drinking. Add molasses to milk for a hot or cold drink that contributes some iron to your diet.

WHITE SAUCE MIX

1/2 pound butter or margarine
2 c. plus 2 T. nonfat dry milk powder
1 c. flour
3 t. salt

Combine all ingredients. Mix well with a pastry blender, food processor, or even an electric mixer. The mix will be granular in texture. It will keep well covered in jars in the refrigerator.

To make a medium white sauce: add 1/2 c. dry mix to 1 cup hot water and cook until it thickens. Use the same proportions for larger amounts.

To make cheese sauce: add 1/2 c. cheese to each cup of white sauce. You can change the amount of cheese, depending on how much "cheesy" flavor you want.

Thin the cheese sauce with some liquid milk and add some cooked broccoli for cream of broccoli soup. Toss in some bacon bits, chives, etc. to add additional taste. Substitute broccoli with cooked potato.

Potato Soup Made with White Sauce Mix (6 servings)

1 t. salt
1 c. water
2 c. finely chopped potatoes
2 T. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
3/4 c. White Sauce Mix
3 c. liquid (try liquid from cooked vegetables plus additional water)

Put the water and salt in a pan. Heat to boiling. Add the vegetables. Cook until tender. Stir the White Sauce Mix into 3 cups of liquid. Cook until slightly thick. Stir all the time. Add cooked vegetables to the white sauce. Heat 3 or 4 minutes.
-------------------

Carrot Soup Made with White Sauce Mix (6 servings)

1/2 t. salt
1-1/2 c. water
2 T. chopped celery
2 c. finely chopped carrots
1 T. chopped onion
3/4 c. White Sauce Mix
3 c. liquid (liquid from cooked vegetables plus water)

Put the salt in the 1-1/2 c. water in a pan. Heat to boiling. Add the vegetables. Cook until tender. Stir the White Sauce Mix into the 3 cups of liquid. Cook until slightly thick. Stir all the time. Add the cooked vegetables to the white sauce. Heat 3-4 minutes.

-----------------------------

Casserole Sauce Mix (using nonfat dried milk powder)
(Source: Iowa State University Extension)

This sauce mix is also a substitute for canned condensed soups.

2 c. nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. instant chicken bouillon
2 T. dried onion flakes
1 t. dried thyme, crushed (optional)
1 t. dried basil, crushed (optional)
1/2 t. pepper

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

To use as substitute for ONE can condensed soup: Mix 1/3 cup of the dry mix with 1-1/4 c. water in a sauce pan. Cook and stir until thickened. Add 1 T. butter, if desired.

If you want, you can add some mushrooms (canned or dehydrated) for "mushroom soup", add celery for cream of celery.
----------------------

Hot Beverages (Mixes - using non-fat dry milk powder.)

Add hot water and enjoy .

(Note: the small amount of baking soda in each recipe is used to increase the solubility of the mix in water. For best dissolving results, put the mix in the cup then pour in hot water. For people on low-sodium diets, baking soda should NOT be used. If you substitute sugar with a non-calorie sweetener, be sure to use less than called for due to the difference in bulk of sugar VS sweetener.)

Cafe Cappuccino

1/2 c. instant coffee granules
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 t. dried orange peel
1/8 t. baking soda

Mash orange peel in mortar and pestle or in a bowl with the back of a spoon. Stir all ingredients together. If possible, put in blender until powdered. Place 2 rounded teaspoons in cup for each 6 to 8 ounces of water. Yield: 1 c. dry mix, or enough to make 20 cups at 40 calories each; 17 calories if powdered sweetener is used.
---------------------

Cafe Francaise

1/2 c. instant coffee granules
1/4 c. sugar
1-1/4 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/8 t. baking soda

Stir ingredients together. If possible, put in blender until powdered. Place 2 rounded t. in cup for each 6-8 ounces of water. Yield: 1 cup dry mix. Enough to make 20 cups at 25 calories each: 20 calories if powdered sweetener is used.
--------------------

Italian Mocha Espresso
1 c. instant coffee granules
1 c. sugar
4-1/2 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 t. baking soda

Stir ingredients together. If possible, put in blender until powdered. Use 2 T. for each 4 ounces of water (serve in a small demitasse cup). Yield: 4-1/2 c. dry mix. Each mix to make 36 cups at 60 calories each. This is a VERY strong and rich coffee. Artificial sweetener is not recommended for this recipe.
-----------------

Cave Vienna

1/2 c. instant coffee granules
2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. baking soda

Stir ingredients together. If possible, put in blender until powdered. Place 2 rounded teaspoons in cup for each 6-8 ounces of water. Yield: 1 cup dry mix. Enough to make 20 cups at 35 calories each; 12 calories if powdered sweetener is used.
----------------

Swiss Mocha

1/2 c. instant coffee granules
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. non-fat dry milk powder
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 t. baking soda

Stir ingredients together. If possible, put in blender until powdered. Place 2 rounded teaspoons in cup for each 6-8 ounces of water. Yield: 1 cup dry mix. Enough to make 20 cups at 40 calories each; 17 calories if powdered sweetener is used.
------------

Mexican Cocoa

1-1/2 c. sugar
4-1/2 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 c. instant coffee granules (optional)

Stir ingredients together, if possible, put in blender until powdered. Use 3 T. for each 8 ounces of water. Yield: 4-1/2 c. dry mix. Enough to make 24 cups at 105 calories each; 70 calories if powdered sweetener is used.
------------------------------

Whipped Topping using non-fat dried milk powder

1/2 c. ice water
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 c. dry milk powder
1/2 c. sugar

Mix ice water and dry milk. Whip until soft peaks form. Add lemon juice and continue to beat until the peaks are firm. Add the sugar. Refrigerate and use in a short while. It can be dropped in servings on an open tray and frozen. Package and keep frozen until it is used. For a creamy tint, add 1 or 2 drops of yellow food coloring. About 10 calories per tablespoon; makes about 3 cups.
------------------

Strawberry Fluff (using Whipped Topping recipe above)

1 10-oz. package frozen strawberries, thawed OR 1-1/2 c. fresh sliced strawberries
1/2 t. unflavored gelatin, softened in 1/2 c. cold water
2 c. whipped dry milk topping (above)

Soften the gelatin in the cold water and heat to dissolve. Drain the berries. Add enough water to the juice to make 1/2 cup. Mix dissolved gelatin and juice. Chill until mixture is consistency of unbeaten egg white. Add strawberries and whip until light and fluffy. Combine whipped dry milk topping and strawberry mixture. Chill until mixture mounds in the spoon. Place in dessert dishes and refrigerate until served. 6 servings, 1/2 cup each. 90 calories per serving.
--------------------------

Orange Whipped Topping

1/2 c. instant non-fat dried milk powder
1/2 c. ice cold orange juice
2 T. orange marmalade

Chill electric beaters and a small mixer bowl. Place non-fat dry milk powder and orange juice in chilled bowl. Beat on highest speed until stiff (4-5 minutes). Fold in orange marmalade. Serve at once (nice as a topping on a snack cake). Makes about 2-1/2 cups.

Pineapple Whipped Topping

1/2 c. instant non-fat dried milk powder
1/2 c. ice cold unsweetened pineapple juice
2-3 T. powdered sugar

Chill electric beaters and a small mixer bowl. Place non-fat dry milk and pineapple juice in chilled bowl. Beat on highest speed until stiff (4-5 minutes). Fold in powdered sugar. Serve at once. Makes about 2-1/2 cups.

Lemon Whipped Topping

1/2 c. instant non-fat dried milk powder
1/2 c. ice water
3 T. lemon juice
4-5 T. powdered sugar

Chill electric beaters and a small mixer bowl. Place non-fat dry milk powder and ice water in chilled bowl. Beat on highest speed until soft peaks form (3-4 minutes). Add lemon juice. Beat until stiff (3-4 minutes longer). Fold in powdered sugar. Serve at once. Makes about 3-1/2 cups. Great on gingerbread.

FRUIT CREMES
1 pkg. (4-servings) gelatin (sugar-free, if you like)
3/4 c. boiling water
1/2 c. orange juice OR water
Ice cubes
1 c. cold low-fat milk (or reconstituted powdered milk)

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Combine orange juice or water and ice cubes to make 1-cup. Add to gelatin and stir until ice is completely melted. Add milk. Pour into individual dessert dishes. Chill, soft set in 30-minutes. Makes 5 servings.

--------------------------

Snacks/Treats/Candy Using powdered milk.

Logs

1 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1 c. honey (or agave nectar if avoiding high-glycemic sweeteners)
1 c. peanut butter
1 c. wheat germ
1 c. raisins
1 c. oatmeal (lightly toasted
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
1/2 c. sesame seeds (OR kasha)
1 c. (or more) graham cracker crumbs

Combine all ingredients except graham cracker crumbs in large bowl; mix well. Shape into 2-inch logs. Roll in graham cracker crumbs. Yield: 24 logs.

Honeys

1 c. chunky peanut butter
1 c. honey (OR agave nectar for a low-glycemic sweetener)
1 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1-1/2 c. crushed wheat CHEX cereal
60 whole wheat CHEX
2 c. crushed rice CHEX cereal

Combine first 4 ingredients in bowl; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Press 1 whole wheat Chex into each ball. Roll in crushed rice cereal. Chill, covered, for 2 hours. Yield: 6- snacks.

Peanut Butter Snacks

1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. honey (OR agave nectar for a low-glycemic alternative)
1 c. toasted wheat germ
2 T. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 c. raisins (OR currants, OR dates, Or other dried fruit)
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut

Combine peanut butter, honey, wheat germ and dry milk powder in bowl; mix well. Stir in fruit. Shape into balls. Roll in coconut, coating well. Store, covered, in refrigerator. Yield: 15 snacks.

Microwave Treats

3/4 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. honey (OR agave nectar)
3 T. butter
1/2 c. non-fat dried milk powder
1/2 c. sunflower seeds (shelled - raw or roasted - your choice)
1/3 c. sesame seeds
1/3 c. crushed cereal (flakes - bran or cornflakes, or Chex, etc.)
1/4 c. chopped dried apricots (OR other dried fruit of choice)
2/3 c. unsweetened coconut

Microwave peanut butter, honey and butter in 1-1/2-quart glass casserole on HIGH until melted. Stir in next 5 ingredients. Shape into balls. Roll in coconut. Chill for 3 hours. Yield: 30 snacks.

 

[baxjul]

instant mashed potatoes--they can be made without milk.
butter
oil
powdered milk for cooking
peanut butter
jelly
oatmeal


I would concentrate on more of the same type foods instead of a little of a lot.

Meaning--I would get a few bags of rice and a few boxes of potatoes and beans instead of buying one of 10 items.

Round it out to make meals that stick to the gut.

I have mashed instant potatoes.
Also have peanut butter.
We don't eat oatmeal. (yuck)
I have alot of canned fruit, and veggies.

Hmmm.

 

[redmaples]

I can't give any better advice than what's been given already.
I'd like to commend you on already having a start on your stock pile, for having extra $$ set aside & for thinking about how to spend it to increase
your stock.:clap: You're doing great!!

 

[grainne15]

Sorry to hear that!

That's a shame.

Honestly? IMO, this isn't the time to stockpile; it's the time to use your stockpile wisely. I'd suggest, rather than rushing to spend that money to "stock up" on anything in particular, that you:

• look around and pick up few staples, at the best possible prices, to round out what you don't have but use often, or have but are low on (cooking oil? yeast? oats? canned tomatoes? baking powder? salt? coffee or tea? powdered milk? canned or dried fruit?)
• make sure you have a good store of seasonings to keep things interesting (buy from bulk bins if you can; if not there are some mccormick's coupons around), and
• use the rest of the money as thing go on to pick up only fresh food as you need it (fruit/veg, dairy if you use it; you said you're OK on meat so that's great, it's expensive), and re-stock staples when they hit rock-bottom prices if you can afford to.

We're looking at my DH's union considering a strike if contract negotiations go badly next month; I'm stocking up on loss leaders for the pantry while I can, so if need be we will need to shop only for produce, dairy and a little meat while we're down to one income.

Best of luck!

 

[LastDragonfly]

Wow you've got great advice here. I'm not sure I can add anything. But I did think of taco shells. When my dh was laid off, we ate lots of tacos and spanish rice. The kids like them even when we had chicken tacos.

Will you be planting a garden to help supplement this year? If you don't have yard, you could always container garden.

Other than food, what other items do you need? Do you have ink for the printer for resumes that dh will be sending out? Do you make your own laundry detergent or do you need to stock up on some?

Do you need to pick up some easter candy?

Ok, so those are not stockpiling questions, but they came to mind since you are trying to plan ahead.

Good luck we will be here for you!

 

[Grainlady]

We don't eat oatmeal. (yuck)

You can use oatmeal for a lot more than cooked cereal. It's an inexpensive, high fiber whole grain that is easy to use in lots of ways. Add it to meatloaf. Use it to make a batch of granola - which is great as a breakfast food or a snack. Bake it in muffins, quick breads, yeast breads, cookies....

Have you ever made "boiled cookies" (they go by several names and the recipes vary)? This is a fun recipe when you don't have a lot of money and need a sweet treat or don't want to heat the kitchen up baking. Kids love to make them.

1-MINUTE BOILED COOKIES

2 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
1-stick margarine/butter
2 c. quick oats
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. coconut (optional) - you can add more oatmeal if you don't use coconut
1 t. vanilla

Mix sugar, cocoa, milk, and margarine in a pan. Boil one minute after it begins to boil. Remove from heat. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Add oats and coconut (if using). Drop on wax paper by teaspoonful.

 

[HomeschoolMom]

You've gotten some great ideas here already.

I'm sorry that your dh is getting laid off.

The only thing I don't think I saw mentioned was yeast. You'll want stuff to go along with the flour so you can make bread, muffins, pancakes, cookies, etc. So you'll need vanilla, baking soda, baking powder.

OH, and don't forget TP!! And hygiene products as well.

Keeping my fingers crossed and sending a prayer that your dh finds work quickly or that his layoff is short lived.

 

[rainbowgc]

Beans can be your best friend when going as low as you can go. There are so many recipes out there.

 

[baxjul]

Wow you've got great advice here. I'm not sure I can add anything. But I did think of taco shells. When my dh was laid off, we ate lots of tacos and spanish rice. The kids like them even when we had chicken tacos.

Will you be planting a garden to help supplement this year? If you don't have yard, you could always container garden.

Other than food, what other items do you need? Do you have ink for the printer for resumes that dh will be sending out? Do you make your own laundry detergent or do you need to stock up on some?

Do you need to pick up some easter candy?

Ok, so those are not stockpiling questions, but they came to mind since you are trying to plan ahead.

Good luck we will be here for you!

Yes! Just last night we planted tomato plants, onions, squash, and we also have orange and lemon trees!:hungry:

 

[Cricketlegs]

I hope your family makes it through this rough patch quickly and with little real problems.

 

[Laurie in Bradenton]

Juile,

So very sorry to hear about DH lay off. But electicains are always in need he won't be out of work long. Glad to hear you put some veggies in.
Personallly I'd sit tight maybe pick up a few items that are treats so that when things start getting old you can pull out a surprise. Does DH fish? If so I'd send him out to catch a few. Or with spring break coming up take a day and make it a family outing. The fish will add some variety to your meals and are free for the catching.
Wish we were closer as I've been getting a ton of free veggies every week and I'd be happy to share. Watch you fields as the black berries are in flower here and will be setting fruit soon.
Send me a mailing address and I'll forward you a recipebook on things to do with citrus fruit.
Take care

Laurie in Bradenton

 

[dcompton]

My first thought was what a couple of other said. At this point, since the lay off is immediate, it sounds like you have basics on hand to begin with. Unless there is something definite you know you need right now to round out meals, I would sit tight with the money and watch for the best sales.

I'm sorry to hear about the layoff. I hope you can get back to building rather than eating the stockpile soon!

 

[Kathyann]

Off the top of my head, here is what I would add to your list:
some sort of margarine, butter or cooking oil
spices
more flour
chicken or other meat for the freezer
noodles
frozen vegetables
dried beans
spaghetti sauce

 

[cheles2kids]

I'm so sorry to you & your family about the lay-off. I hope that your husband finds work quickly.

Baxjul, look at the meals you would normally cook on a regular week and then make your grocery list from that.
But remember to include the items that you already have on hand now.

Wait for sales & then add about 6-12 of each one of those items.

Put the rest of your money aside. Don't be in too big of a hurry to spend it, because ultimately if the money is there for stockpiling purposes, then spend it for that, but wait until you can add to your stockpile at the cheapest prices.

The best stockpiles (and cheapest) are built slowly over time, so don't be in too big of a hurry to run out and spend your 'stockpile money', wait, watch sales & be patient.
Then buy extras and add to it.:hugz: