Summer Stock Up

No one ever really thinks as the summer as a time to stock up. It's mostly the season for fresh fruit and vegetables it does pay to stock up now that  we're heading into hurricane season and tornadoes are making unlikely appearances on the East Coast. Every home should have some kind of kitchen  food emergency kit.

Usually during bad storms, areas are evacuated and families are relocated to school gyms and even hotels and motels unaffected by the weather. However there are a few hardy sorts that refuse to leave, heading to their basements. Either that or they return home a day or two after evacuations. Unfortunately there's usually no water, gas or electricity. One of the most important items to have is water - lots of it. Try to get two or three twenty-four or thirty-two packs of bottled water. (Just be careful. Some grocery stores do impose limits on how much you can buy).You can also purchase the gallon containers of water too.  Remember to also include a few bottles for pets too and for bathing if the situation is dire. Other liquids to have are baby formula and milk for the older kids. Buy juice boxes as well, for something to have with meals. What about coffee and tea? Could you use your grill to heat up water for them? If you have the gas and the charcoal, yes. They may be the fortification you'll need to deal with damage assessment and clean up.

As for other foods, think canned or dried. Canned beans can be eaten straight out of the can. Mix them together for the ultimate protein boost. You can also do the same for canned veggies too. Keep in mind that canned tomatoes are the most healthiest. Green beans and corn are also right up there. If you're still craving protein, then eat tinned  tuna and salmon along with mackerel. Tuna is versatile so it can be turned into a salad with tomatoes and green beans. You can also crumble crackers on it to make it more filling. Beef jerky is another recommended meat while you're waiting for power to come on again. One of the best is Krave because it's branched out into pork and turkey along with having such flavors as chili lime and cracked peppercorn. Peanut butter is another must have. Spread it on crackers if bread is heard to come by. Any baked goods may be hard to come by during this time. Stick with crackers such as Ritz or Saltines and use that instead of bread. As for breakfasts granola bars and trail mix can work until you're able to get milk for cereal (although you can just eat it dry, washed down  with water).

This is the time to stock up. Summer weather is just as unpredictable as the rest of the year. Be prepared and food ready when  hurricanes and tornadoes make a warm weather visit.

A Good Meal For Our Heroes

Today is our Veteran's Day ,a day when we honor our veterans from all the wars.However we should honor them year round, ?The best way to show gratitude is through kind acts.For foodie's that would be a well cooked meal or a homemade special dish. One of the best ways to show how much our service men and women mean to us is the care package.Many churches and women's groups throughout the country are sending packages full of favorite snacks and home made treats.According to Veterans United the best stuff to pack are the Taco Bell hot sauce packets. Another must pack are those little bottles of syrup you add to water bottles.Most of our troops are still in the Middle East so the areas can be alternately hot and dry .They come in all flavors so send a variety of them.Tinned goods like tuna fish and deviled ham are welcomed as is canned chicken.Soldiers also like to receive beef jerky and sunflower seeds, snacks that are packed full of protein and taste.As much as you want to bake cookies and cakes along with making fudge, don't Baked goods and soft candies do not travel well.If you do want to put forth your baking skills, then go to the veteran's home with your creations.Hard candies are fine travel well and won't get gooey.If you're also sending toiletries such as liquid soap or cologne, pack these separately from the food. Nothing is worse than if all that breaks and spills all over the foodstuffs.If you do so, pack everything in a lot of bubble wrap as protection. Veterans young and old appreciate not only a good meal but good conversation.Even treating your neighborhood vet to a donut and coffee can be a fun time, especially if you ask about his or her life.Dinners are also welcome as well.Many chain restaurants will offer our service people a free meal.Privately owned restaurant owners should follow suit and extend the same offer . It means so much to veterans to have their favorite places and chefs honor them.Another idea is having a homecoming block party to honor any neighbors serving.The rest of the neighborhood can help in making the returning vet 's favorite foods with plenty left over for a second meal. Another thankful gesture is inviting them and their families over for a Saturday night game night or Sunday brunch.If you're very close with them, offer to cook a romantic dinner along with taking the kids for the night.If it's an elderly veteran, offer both cooking and food shopping or at least take them shopping. you can help them choose nutrituous fruits and vegetables. You can also help them stock up on staples as well. Honoring veterans shouldn't just be relegated to one day a year. They should be honored every day .They served for us. Now it's our turn to save them. .