Talk about a loaded title! Realistically though, where do you begin in the times we are living in?! History has shown us, that times of hardship have repeat patterns. Even though most of us alive today, have not experienced times that we have read about from the depression period, it is becoming easier to see how close a repeat pattern is becoming.
Growing up, I did not live on a farm. My Dad gardened, he grew up on a farm, but I really spent more time like a kid from town. I helped my Dad some in the garden, but I had no idea what to do with the extra produce that we didn't eat immediately. So, food preservation was not in my wheel horse...as you will learn, was like many other skills. Like with my Dad, I spent a lot of time with my paternal Grandfather learning about woodworking and carpentry, and several other areas that he was interested in. I truly didn't have a clue. I had a good friend in elementary school that lived on a farm, we'd spend a lot of time there, but again...I didn't know what farming was all about. I always admired my friend and the way her family lived, but I didn't have a clue about the work, effort, blood, sweat and tears that went into their life style. So, when my husband and I got together, there was a massive learning curve. There were also several years of bucking the rural life style. I will admit to probably making his life hellish for about 8 years or so. With that being said, I crossed a threshold at some point, and decided to dive into this amazing but difficult life.
Now, we have spent the better part of 12 years on our little farm/homestead. Depending on who you talk to is how it is defined. We have had cattle, pigs and chickens for most of those years, and have since added sheep, goats and ducks. We went from a small garden to as much as close to 2 acres of gardens at one point. I have learned to preserve/freeze/dry foods, I have helped butcher chickens. I have taken multiple classes to sharpen my gardening skills, my animal knowledge, my soil knowledge, and how to grow multiple things. I'm constantly learning as much as possible. I have learned to cook from scratch, how to alter recipes, how to build recipes, and how to stretch food. I have learned the value of organization, planning, and schedules. I have honestly learned so much in the past 25 years, I'm not sure I could list everything! Homesteading/farming is not an easy life style, at least not for small farms/homesteads. It's kind of like small businesses. We don't have the luxury of being able to absorb unexpected expenses, we don't get massive discounts, loan opportunities, or bail outs. When we hit hardships, it's a sink or swim scenario. Many small farms/homesteads end up sinking due to the excessive prices. Whether that be the cost of land, feed, or things as simple as lumber, groceries, or utilities. So, I learned very early in my growing process to prepare. While I did not do things to the extent that I do know, I have learned a lot through the years. Fortunately, my husband's grandmother's, great-grandmother's and his mom, helped to teach me a lot!
On our little farm, there is rarely a dull moment. Seriously, if it isn't the crazy animals...take your pick of what it could be. Neighbors dogs, eagles, hawks, foxes, coyotes, deer - you never know what is going to cause a stampede and uprising. Most of our farm life, I laugh off some of the crazier things. Like ice skating in the mud and falling square on my butt, while chickens and ducks find it necessary to climb over me. Trying to feed chickens while they think I am a jungle gym or they zig-zag between my legs and about knock me over. Or goats that one decides it needs to use me a leaning post and the other is doing everything possible to avoid any contact with me. It could be ducks that decide to race to the feed pans and flap their wings because I'm in the way, while I'm digging eggs out of their houses by having to basically crawl in them. It could be sheep that think their heads belong in the feed buckets, before it ever gets to the trough, or lambs that think climbing to the top of the hay bale by way of the backs of the ewes. Or guard dogs that think they are lap dogs when they aren't "on the clock." You truly never know what you see, find or get yourself into to. There is so much that goes into our homestead/farm. We home school, which adds yet another layer to the mix. There is that schedule, keeping up with the indoor household chores - laundry, dishes, grocery lists, meal planning, meal prep, bi-annual cleanings, repairs, upgrades, get togethers, budgets, feed schedules & deliveries, calving/lambing schedules, vet schedules, attempting to remember to keep up with extended family & friends. Some days, it can get pretty overpowering.
Living rural life means always being prepared. You never know what weather or other conditions will happen. It means always having several months of food, supplies and necessities on hand at all times. You learn to keep track of what and how much you use on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. Typically, in my household, I keep track on a monthly basis. I hate shopping, so I do it as little as possible. So, I prepare my meal plans, my grocery lists, and feed lists based on what is used in the month past. So, for example, what ever food was used(I inventory weekly)in the prior month I will replace in my next grocery run. We have learned through the years how much flour, sugar, pasta, cream cheese, butter, etc. we typically use on a monthly basis. We know how much animal feed each type of animal uses on a monthly basis. We know how much paper products, soaps, etc. we use on a monthly basis. I keep several items for a few fully stocked first aid kits, veterinary supplies, cat food, dog food, rabbit food, etc. While I have always kept several months worth of food on hand for us, I believe that we all need to kick up our preparations further. Sadly, there is a lot patterns that are showing signs of repeating; not the least of which is 2008, and at worst - the Great Depression. You see, when you flood the markets and economy with cash that is recklessly printed out of thin air, then you begin pulling that cash back out of the economy, add in excessive spending, excessive debt; you have an economy ripe for a depression. So, while I fought against this life style for awhile, I am honestly thankful I dropped the stubbornness and began learning. I'm still concerned how everything is going, but I know I can - if need be, take care of my family.
So, I thought I would go through some preparations to get and keep in your stocks. I don't care if you have to convert a closet to storage space, and extra bedroom, or buy a shelving unit to stick in a corner somewhere....get stocked up! So, here we go. Think about foods you can eat if need be that do not have to be cooked - canned soups, stews, vegetables, fruit. Think about a means of cooking if the power is out - grill, griddle, outdoor fire. Think about a means to cook on alternative cooking devices - cast iron, foil pans, etc. Don't forget candles, matches/lighters, propane/charcoal, lighter fluid, can openers, bottle openers. Now, think in terms of long term storage - boxed pasta, raman noodles, dried beans, rice, home canned foods. Also keep in mind, if there is an electric grid problem, there is a good chance you will not be able to use water either. So, having water on hand to drink, cook with, flush toilets, and wash with is necessary. If you have animals - having food for each kind, hay, straw, grains, litter, pine shavings, etc. Having garden seed on hand, should you have to grow your own food. Having written or printed recipes on hand. If there isn't power, typically that means no internet either. Having things to entertain children and adults if the power is out for extended periods. Trust me when I say, teens and young adults without internet will drive you nuts in short order!! Board games, card games are always a fun treat. In addition to these preparations, taking the time before you need it to learn skills is important! Learning to grow food, meal plan, learn skills that could help in an economic down turn. Learning to barter and having items to barter with, have proven in history to be life saving!
So, I believe sharing some easy recipes and recipes that stretch will help several people out. Are you interested in some of those? I believe I will begin sharing some here and on my Facebook page too. Here is a start. This is my homemade bread recipe. I also use it to make my homemade pizza crust.
2 TBS yeast, 1 1/2 C warm water - mix and let sit about 5-10 minutes.
add in 2 TBS Olive Oil, 1 heaping TBS honey, pinch of salt, and 3 1/2 C flour.
If using a mixer, remove the bread hook, and leave dough in bowl. Cover the bowl and let rise for about 20-30 minutes. Dust the dough with flour(will help keep dough from sticking to your hands) and transfer to a floured surface. You can roll this out, cut in half and make 2 loaves of bread/1 Italian style loaf of bread, or 2 pizza crusts. Once you have rolled out to your desired thickness, put in pans, cover and let rise 20 minutes. Bake at 350 until it sounds hollow to tap(for bread) or put your favorite toppings on the pizza crust and bake. Usually about 20 minutes.
An easy meal to stretch: Homemade hamburger helper - 2 variations
1 lbs. meat(any will work), 1 lbs. pasta(your choice of style) , Brown gravy mix or velveta, mushroom soup.
cook the meat, boil pasta per the directions, once both are finished... to make a stroganoff style make up the brown gravy(or have the jars of pre made) add a small can of cream of mushroom soup, mix all together.
For a mac & cheese hamburger helper - add velveta and some milk.
You can feed 4-6 people per meal idea, or less will give you some to put in the fridge for lunch tomorrow.
