Must Have Pantry Items

[@taurahelms3068]

Thanks!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Thank you!

[@fullofhope2222]

@@SuttonsDaze Leisa, even though Ive been doing this 9 years, I have recently become very anxious. Mostly because Im becoming increasingly disabled and Im alone. I listened to your list and it matches mine. I just wanted to say I LOVE your attitude. Not fearful, screaming doom! but practical - doable, achievable - so thank you for calming me down. yes, its to the rafters! but Ive family that cannot do this so I need to have a lot - I periodically rotate by taking a car load to my sisters family.

[@rebeccabryan7712]

@@SuttonsDaze the butter is the healthy fat and raw milk verses pasturized milk it has the healthy enzimes... pasturized milks and butters from pasturized milks unfortunately the heating kills the healthy enzimes we need and it is great because if your not able to have water possible crisis milk makes oatmeal and cream of wheats creamier...

[@peter5.056]

As a healthcare professional myself, (dietitian) I ran around telling everyone I could to prepare themselves for shutdowns, in January 2020. A few months later, we know what happened. I was VERY happy to be prepared for that. I sat at home, and literally did not need to go outside for any reason.

[@palominogirl2732]

I did the same - the minute they said there was a strange new virus in China in Dec 2019, I went, "Oh, boy...." I spent the next couple months stocking up even more than usual, in case things shut down and the supply chain went kablooey. I write for magazines and I was interviewing one guy in L.A. about something and we got off on a tangent, this was Feb. 2020, and I told him I was buying stuff by the truckload for my farm (grain, bedding, etc., not just stuff for me that doesn't come out of my garden), and he said, "Do you really think the supply chain might shut down?" And then they always ask, "But what if nothing happens?" My reply, "Well, I don't have to buy anything until the end of June. Nothing I buy will be wasted." I was right to do that. I was brought up to 'get ready for winter.' I just take it to new levels these days!

[@elizaC3024]

We heard over the holidays, 2019 about people getting sick overseas....we had just returned from 2 months in Italy and we both had noticed sick people in JFK Airport. We thought...quite coincidence 🤔. But we shopped lots of after Christmas markdowns. We found as low cost items for long term pantry, and we stocked up for 6 months. Then we stayed home !!

[@samanthaschlegel1863]

Hi I noticed people don't mention vitamins. I wonder what do you think about vitamin d. I have fibromyalgia I supplement as my vitamin d does get low. Do preppers need vitamin d as we don't get to see sunlight much if things happen and we stay home. Sam uk

[@witransplant595]

I’ve always been a stock up person after growing up on a farm that wasn’t close to stores. But something about the news in January 2020 seemed different and I put a fair amount of time and money into stocking more than usual. I had more than enough to help my kids and a few friends as well. Now it’s just habit because things still seem off.

[@peter5.056]

@@palominogirl2732 Yeah, I was telling people that I thought it was plausible that there would be military posted at the grocery stores. It didn't quite get to that point thankfully. But the last thing you want, is to need supplies, and there be a three day waiting period to get time in a grocery store.

[@lavonnajones4543]

Last September I suffered a mild heart attack AND found out my husband n I both contracted COVID at the same time! Thank God we had enough food to get us through that awful time. You never know what's ahead of you. Being prepared is awesome!

[@Troubles0125]

Boil 3c. of water add green tea bags(2) , whole lemon, orange, grapefruit 1/4 them ( leave skin on fruit)1clove garlic,1/4 tsp.turmeic,1/4 ts ginger(Power ok) once its is boiling simmer for 2 hours after cooled add to a mason jar or jar and put in ref. drink 1c daily this will build your ammune system.......Using fresh turmeic and ginger is better just cut of a little bit but power is okay...

[@lavonnajones4543]

​@@Troubles0125, thank you for the tip!

[@pennynewell3459]

My husband thought I was over doing my preps, until 2020. He was very thankful then.

[@teelehansen4995]

My hubby always looked at me twice and asked if we really needed something when is come home with half a case of some veggie or other. Then 2020 happened and he would just nod when I came home with extra cans on a sale. Now we buy things by the case and he just agrees with me, lol.

[@giftofgabbery]

Couple weeks ago opened bag of flour I Mylar almost 5 years ago. Smelled, rose, baked, tasted fresh.

[@ShellyRockiesG]

For awhile I wondered why the homesteaders made so much jam in the summer. Dozens and dozens of pints. Come to find out, it’s mostly used to flavor their plain oatmeal! We started doing that too. So, so, so good! All shelf stable food we can eat anytime!

[@patriciacooke886]

@@LG-sw1geyes, love with yogurt, almost as good as having a small amount of ice cream. Jams can be thinned out, or use sugar substitute it your diabetic.

[@justpatty7328]

Late to the party, but I will add a few ideas. Mix jam with yogurt and freeze it for pops, make your own breakfast bars layering the jam in the middle, and adding to make a fruit crisp. These all work best with jams.

[@Lynette-qh3tw]

Jam, especially home made is great with cottage cheese also. And cream cheese. It can also be used to make with cheesecake.

[@crochetgottaloveit]

Homemade jams are also good in smoothies.

[@carolstrickland6979]

You are spot on. I was hospitalized for over a month and the kids lived on what was in pantry and freezer. Only needed to buy milk and bread. I learned from my Nana to keep a pantry.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great job!

[@michellemiller2329]

Such a good reminder that it could be you, the person shopping and cooking that could be out of commission! I know my hubby could order takeout 😂 but that gets expensive and isn’t always the healthiest. Having a stocked pantry is the way to go 🙂

[@patsmall4386]

I tested myself this winter and I went 7 months without going food shopping. I cook from scratch so it was really easy for me to prepare a good meal and bread on the side

[@SuttonsDaze]

You're a Rockstar!

[@patsmall4386]

When we move to the woods my husband said make sure we have enough food till April. I've always done that.

[@jjlecht8904]

My daughter is a nurse. She had a baby and 4 yr old in 20. We didn't know what virus was, all daycares closed. No summer camps. Luckily, I had retired and ended up with both kids. From March til may for baby. Then they reopened medical field daycare for babies. Had the older til school started. We never left house. She dropped of formula, diapers and supplies and never saw kids, except on phone calls. I'm amazed I survived after not having babies around 24/7. Only thing my guy bought on way home from work was Bread, Milk and eggs. Some fresh fruits. At end, we were mixing a few mismatched meals, but we survived. They were safe

[@kellyhayden7715]

God Bless you.

[@juliabrown5948]

Wow she was so lucky to have you!

[@conniekline9881]

Wow, that is quite a story. My story was I felt the urge that we needed to prep in Dec of 2019, and got my family to go along with it! February 2020 my husband had problems with his eyes and was off work for 8 months, and I worked at a college and had to work from home for a year, and I was so thankful we had stocked up. Memories are short though and I can’t inspire them to prep now.

[@trudyhoffmann6405]

Growing up with 9 in the family. We had to have at least 1000 quarts of veggies for the year. Plus the meats and what we had in the freezer. We raised chickens for our eggs and potatoes in the cellar. We always had food on our table. We raised and butchered chickens for other people, and whatever made off them paid for our own chickens. We worked in the garden and processed, freeze, water bath and canning.

[@DG20556]

I have about 6 months of food in my pantry right now, maybe a little longer. It is just 2 of us here. When I am stressed, I go in to the pantry and just look at what is on the shelves. It is actually a hobby in some ways!

[@Leelee...]

I do the same ❤

[@trishthedish-n9u]

I agree. Prepping has become a new hobby for me!

[@janetdevereaux6218]

It’s my hobby too! It’s just me and my husband now but I am well stocked and just love doing it

[@vixxcottage]

I had cancer 20 years ago. I have always kept a well stocked pantry and was off work for 3 months. I was ok. Some people brought me meals maybe 1-2 times week. I did fine. Many people were amazed. It is a way of life.

[@jeanz3622]

Last winter, January, February and March, I lived without grocery stores due to 3 financial strains. I was not worried, I was stocked up not just groceries but OTC needs, hygiene needs, and pet supplies. I have since then been working to replenish.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Most people don’t realize how much food it takes to feed a person or a family because they shop frequently and eat out a lot !

[@Bloodhoundjed1]

I don't understand these people that shop every day or every other day at the store for their dinners or snacks. I like to shop through the sales ads and stock up on items that we use. And sometimes I am able to pickup some items on sale that my granddaughter or daughter will use. Grant you, I have quit buying a lot of the pre-packaged items.

[@peter5.056]

You gotta figure for about 3500 calories per day per person. It's better to have slightly more than not enough! That's where the cheap starches come in handy, to add calories if needed. White rice is my go-to meal bulker.

[@theshadygrovehomestead]

@@Bloodhoundjed1 exactly! I just hate going into the stores that often more likely to overspend

[@PaEMT_FF9]

Ever since aunt ‘Rona visited, I very rarely buy a can or two of food; instead, I buy a whole case of cans. Easier to shelf at home (same best-by-dates) and live in the cardboard box until used.

[@26skogen]

You are so right. I am guilty too but try to cook at home as much as possible. My crockpot and instapot are my best friends. If I start the crockpot first thing I can go about my day and when dinner time comes my meal is ready. When I don't do it is when I head out to eat. I need to be more disciplined because it is healthier to eat at home.

[@janetbishop6031]

FYI on brown rice. 12 years ago I filled a bunch of 2 leader bottles with brown rice and put twice the amount of oxygen absorbers in each bottle than I should have because I was new to preparing and I didn’t know better. I thought I made a terrible mistake and waisted all those oxygen absorber’s. But guess what? Every bottle is still good! I am so glad now that I did that.

[@annettewalls8783]

The first of June I came down with bronchitis and other than going to the emergency room and the doctor, I never left the house for 2 weeks. I was so glad to have my pantry and freezers full. Didn't need anything.💖💖💖

[@anntaft7808]

I could easily survive 30 days. I have extra in case of family needing food. Am 82 so no longer home can food. Do dehydrate some. Being prepared lessens my stress.

[@cindyfincher7258]

Just a note if you mix a legumes (beans & peas)with grains (rice,corn etc) they give you a whole protein like eating meat.

[@tgardenchicken1780]

Great reminder for us vegetarians and vegans.

[@PaulaSetzer]

Many people do not realize that vegetable proteins are not complete proteins for humans. If you combine legumes with rice or as you said above then it makes a complete protein that the human body can use.

[@tgardenchicken1780]

And don't forget pet food! I usually make sure they are stocked before I am lol. I don't like fighting snow and winter weather while having to grocery shop. And remember popcorn--the kind you need to pop. Comfort and yes sometimes it is my dinner. good ideas Leisa!

[@juliabrown5948]

Yes popcorn great idea! So many ways to pop it Air popper Microwave in a paper bag or silicone bowl Over the stove Over the woodstove On the BBQ in a foil covered pan

[@Bloodhoundjed1]

I sometimes pickup canned dog food on clearance for my grand dog. He normally eats bagged dog food (which my son purchases) and sometimes depending on what I cook, gets a small plate of food. Our dogs years ago, when I was growing up, mainly lived off of table scraps. I just don't feed any bones to him.

[@MultiLinda42]

My doggo can and will eat whatever i eat😂❤

[@26skogen]

I pick up 2 bags a month until I have 6 bags. I try to maintain it at that level and rotate it out as I do my food.

[@karenvastarelli1789]

Passing on a tip that I picked up- dry beans, after a couple of years, seem to take longer to cook so can up your older beans to make “quick food “ and then get a fresh supply of dry beans to put in your buckets. Rotate, repeat.

[@destinyandpurpose]

Here's a tip for cooking beans that have been stored a long time: Add 1 tsp. of baking soda to the cooking water. It helps to soften the beans and they cook faster.

[@utopicconfections5257]

The beans that I've had on the shelf for a while, I can them to I have them at the ready and it seems to extend their shelf life.

[@dancinginabundance]

@@destinyandpurpose That's what I do as well as an overnight soak.

[@dancinginabundance]

@@utopicconfections5257 Winter is a good time to can dried beans, the processing helps heat the kitchen and provides humidity.

[@carlabythelake8162]

​@@destinyandpurposeThat's an awesome tip, thanks for sharing.

[@akristakat2828]

Working on it every week. Had a NASTY ice storm and no power for a week. Breezed thru bc of you, pinball . I did learn 2 things. 1-double the cash you think you need. 2-double the water you store. The way I did it was canning water when I didn't have a full load. You already have the dedicated space. Plus- if there is an injury you have sterile water to use. For those starting...I was dead broke too. If I needed a cab of corn , I bought 2. It builds your pantry slowly but surely!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great tips!

[@sharondesfor5151]

For sterile water, if you plan to hold it for medical emergencies, you'll want to actually sterilize your jars, lids and rings, and boil your water at a full rolling boil for at least three minutes. That water can go in your emergency medical cabinet. For canned drinking water, just can tap water with whatever else you're canning.

[@tamara-lnlhomestead1441]

I fill in canner space with jar's of distilled water for cpap machine. When my adult son saw them on my shelf, he said momma's been holding back on sharing the moonshine with him.🤣😂🤣❤️

[@reneenewfrock5743]

CLOTH DIAPERS, waterproof pants and diaper pins for babies. Evaporated milk for a formula substitute (that's old school). Learn to make homemade baby food. Not too many people thinking about babies. I'm 65, raising my grandchildren, and preparing for future great grandchildren.

[@DianeBianchi_MnWx]

When my kids were babies I always had a stock of cloth diapers. Useful when the city was shut down during a snow storm or too many days left before pay day and running out of disposable.

[@DGibsonxio]

I raised mine on cloth diapers. And breast milk. My kids would not consider doing either. Sissies!

[@marge3157]

It is 30 miles to the nearest grocery store. 60 ish to the nearest better grocery store, Costco and Walmart. As a rural ranch wife, I learned a long time ago (28 years ago) keep the staples on hand and I could make just about anything.

[@Gina-de8gb]

I love the peace of mind I get when I can pick up a couple of extra cans of whatever , THANK YOU LEISA

[@DigginWithDeej]

Please don't be scared, be prepared.

[@26skogen]

Being scared prevents you from staying focused on the task at hand. My motto is, "Watch, listen, and prepare, then enjoy life"!

[@Nana9112go]

Started working on my pantry June of 2019. Started off with wheat berries. I think we could go at least 6 months. It seems like everyday I’m doing something with the food storage. Thank you for the time you spend looking out for us . I really appreciate it. Time is something we will never get back.

[@lovelight9164]

I havent eaten oats in a long time but I loved them with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

[@dancinginabundance]

Yes! Cheese is life. When you catch a sale buy the block, keep it in the freezer; thaw on the kitchen counter letting it sit for at least 2 days. It will return to it's original state. If you try to use it to soon the cheese crumbles, all depends on what you like.

[@georgemarcouxjr6192]

I learned that the hard way.

[@DianaHernandez-sv5yz]

Is this the only way to store it? By freezing? She said to grade it but not too sure I understood it correctly.

[@georgemarcouxjr6192]

@@DianaHernandez-sv5yz Store it in brick form. Thaw and grate as needed.

[@taniaortiz6555]

​@@DianaHernandez-sv5yz I grate it all first then separate and put into baggies. I freeze them and take one out as needed.

[@ej8710]

I have been trying to plan for life without electricity. Any ideas on cheese. I have some from the MRE Depot that are freeze dried in a can and some canned cheese. Been looking at powdered cheese. Does anyone have experience with powdered dairy?

[@clashalley5575]

When I do my math to plan what to store for my family of 7, I think of needing a grain, a fat, a jar of protein, jar of vegetables plus spices, salt and a jar of sauce per day per person. I’m really proud of what I’ve put up. But holy moly do I have holes in storing all the other stuff. Like water, vinegar, fuel to cook with etc. time for me to work hard on that less-fun stuff too. It’s easy to forget the details!

[@juliabrown5948]

Great job!! But don't forget things like cleaning supplies, personal hygiene ,feminine hygiene, paper goods (paper plates are great when power is out!) and OTC meds you keep on hand!

[@Carol_Pearson]

I'm having a month wherein I'm pinching pennies. I realized yesterday that I don't need to buy groceries this week. I have vegetables I need to preserve on hand, and have enough in my pantry, fridge, and freezer to eat for the week. (Actually have enough to last for several months, but I don't need to even buy things to add this week.)

[@vanessahancock1436]

My mom is gone visiting my brother in my truck, and the van here has a blown transmission. My cat was attacked by something and luckily my neighbor up the hill has a sister who rescues large cats and had some antibiotics and pain pills for cats on hand. I definitely want more first aid kits for me and my pets.

[@MommaDiPrepping]

Oatmeal with butter, brown sugar, real maple syrup, and pecans!

[@JRCHomesteadTexas]

Defrosting 2 fat hens to cook and can this week. We were gifted 2 cases of jars today 😁 Thanks Leisa for the information. Remember y'all to Pray, Plan, Prep

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

…..and play a little !

[@JRCHomesteadTexas]

@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 for sure!

[@veramabone1967]

I've had my pressure canner jars etc for 1 year and haven't canned yet because I don't know how,please help😢

[@adognamedmoose]

​@@veramabone1967Leisa has loads of videos on the subject of canning meat. Find the search icon on her channel, and look up ugly chicken for starters. I've had my canner two years but have hesitated until now. I'm thawing two chickens to try my hand at canning chicken. I've read up and have watched many videos. Time to dive in and take the plunge!

[@Nwladylaura369]

@@veramabone1967 Watch several videos. And read the directions that come with the cannery. That's how I learned.

[@ladyhawthorne1]

I lived just north of Houston, TX for 40 years, Hurricanes every year. I don't keep much in a freezer after losing everything twice in one year, I keep it in jars now. I now live in CO where there are no hurricanes. 30 days is a piece of cake, I bet I can go 2 years and still eat well.

[@darlenegamble3409]

During the 2021 snowmageddon here in TX, we survived a week on very little. Hardly put a dent in our pantry. I cooked small meals for 2, usually a brunch and dinner, we didn't do breakfast every day. We had enough food and water(because there was no electricity for city pumps) for at least a month. Now I know we could survive for 30+ days without setting foot in a store! People don't need as much as they think. Just do keep your coffee and chocolate in stock! 😄

[@Bloodhoundjed1]

Yep, we lived through that snowmageddon in Texas as well. Thankfully, we were only without power 32-36 hours without electricity, but we made do, as we had propane heaters and oil lamps, plus I could still cook on my kitchen stove which uses propane. But, we were low on propane in our big tanks and didn't know it, so we had to ration it. And I will hopefully be ordering more within the next month or two.

[@darlenegamble3409]

@@Bloodhoundjed1 We were without power for a full week. After the 2nd day we were without running water. Our son-in-law brought us a small generator which really helped.

[@Bloodhoundjed1]

@@darlenegamble3409 we were lucky and still had water. We did have a generator running for our fridge and freezer.

[@JarvissASMR]

Yes. Absolutely, I could do it.❤ I am a single mom here in Toronto, Canada. Our winters could be brutal, and I have done my preps from spring to fall every year shopping for essentials. When 2020 hits, I topped up, and I haven't stopped. THANK YOU for the list. I reviewed it with mine, and I am on par. Love your channel. I find your voice soothing too.

[@peter5.056]

I have a through-the-wall air conditioner built into my pantry, and it stays about 62º in the summer. Really helps the stuff stay fresh! I keep brown rice in that room for 3 years and it stays good. And the cool air filters through the pantry door vents into the house, so that energy doesn't go to waste.

[@debbieorazi2518]

My favorite food to eat is salad. There is no way to preserve salad greens that I know of so I am looking into getting a countertop "greenhouse" to grow micro greens and herbs. Also found an indoor hydroponic planter to grow lettuces, etc. combined with a Greenstalk planter I will be able to have fresh salads for the whole year. Add in canned meats and veggies for a healthy hearty meal.

[@hardtimeslifelessons5677]

You can dehydrate greens.

[@juliabrown5948]

I live growing lettuces in an indoor hydroponic garden and Amazon sells so many different types! Stock up on the seeds and the liquid fertilizer . You could also sprout the seeds if needed and easy the sprouts or micro greens for breakfast!

[@larrybair2029]

I have 3 Aerogardens . I love them. I grow several types of lettuces & tomatoes year around . Linda

[@robcunningham7837]

I can survive without going to the store for a year with my pantry, freezer and fridge. But Spouse will not be able to. Poor Spouse. Difference between a someone raised in the country and someone raised in the city. We live in earthquake country. Having to live with no electricity for a week or two was really fun. With your help, I have been able to prepare for the next emergency that may arise. Thank you.

[@itsasecret2474]

I don't understand . you don't save food for your spouse?

[@dancinginabundance]

@@itsasecret2474 Likely being raised in the city the spouse is not accustomed to home cooking; healthy food. Mine was raised on TV dinners and junk food - not his fault. He calls from work to see what's for dinner and if it doesn't strike his fancy he has drive-through on the way home. Yes, it is insulting.

[@raffaellac.3333]

Same here! He’ll go crazy without his favorite cereal and fresh bananas. I can eat anything at anytime of the day. That is what you do when you grow up on a farm. You eat anything! He is picky!

[@Foxysvacation]

Baking soda and cream of tartar are shelf stable for a long time. You can make baking powder with those - 1 part soda to 2 parts tartar

[@Karen-up8xo]

Also you can put the baking soda into your flour & blend it in well. Then for your wet ingredients, add a splash of(1/2 tsp to 1 teaspoon) apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to some milk or water and blend those wet ingredients well before adding the wet ingredients to (& folding into) your dry ingredients to make your baked goods rise like regular baking powder does. You can test this blend of the two in a small bowl by combining baking soda with vinegar which causes a fizzing & puffing up rising action like the regular baking powder does in baked goods. I read that cream of tartar is a by-product of the wine making process.

[@James-f6f5g]

​@@Karen-up8xoYes it's made from grape seed.

[@deliaramirez6044]

Because I’ve always canned and buy certain things in bulk, when s**t hit the fan and we were all in lockdown. I was glad that I was prepared for the two of us. We didn’t have to worry about going out to the store. And staying in was nice. I had my sewing machine and plenty of fabric to play with. 😊 My husband had plenty of wood working to keep him happy.

[@jenniferpetersen-hx4xe]

I spent 4 hours cutting plums. my tree is done for the season. Half the fruit was dehydated, the other half bagged into recipe size. I freeze the bags until cooler weather and then turn them into jams and chutney. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

[@dorothymccomb2244]

To add an idea for protein, check out amaranth. It's a complete protein, they store well, and they'll grow like crazy (they're weeds, after all) and produce large crops in the garden if you can produce some of your own food.. You can also eat the leaves like spinach, dry it for green powder, or use it for animal feed. Like wheat, you can keep the seeds and grind them into flour. It'll grow from zones 2 to 11.

[@mawmawshomesteadpreparedness]

I bought seeds to try them out. I believe that is the unknown seeds that I bought to try, that you can cook the seeds like popcorn. I'm not positive cause I bought different seeds to grow and see if we like, but I think it is..

[@juliabrown5948]

Ooh thank you for the reminder! What type of amaranth do you buy to grow and where do you buy it? Can you just plant the same seeds that you grind to eat, so it's sustainable?

[@stevestewart007]

Because vegetables, including Crisco, can go rancid, and we don't fry much at all, I have decided to freeze Crisco bars, both regular and butter-flavored, and lard just to be safe. Butter is better on and in everything, so I freeze a lot of that, too. We need to remember that in seriously lean times, we will require more oils for cooking for the fat content. Those who have pigs are gonna do great, but the rest of us - not so well. Thank you for the very informative video for those who are just learning to start a long-term pantry like some young newly-marrieds I know.

[@SuttonsDaze]

great idea!

[@sonjamccart1269]

Olive oil: Get the dark green glass bottles, extra virgin, one source (i.e. California or Italy) and check the press date. You should have two years after the press date. Keep cool and it will be just fine until the date on the bottle. No plastic bottles or mutiple source blends or anything except Extra Virgin, and you will be most likely to get the best quality available.

[@cattuslavandula]

Apple cider vinegar is a great astringent and spot treats acne. I'm not gonna go thru the zombie apocalypse with zits. ☺

[@caroblue7988]

And it is easy to make vinegar at home!

[@user-du3ro5fs4h]

Who’s making you watch? Or perhaps you think you’re funny, when you are just the kind of person I avoid being around at all costs.

[@caroblue7988]

@@user-du3ro5fs4h I think you have the wrong person's comment here, your reply doesn't match the vibe.

[@James-f6f5g]

Good for you.❤lol

[@JmarieD]

Yes, we could make it 30 days. No problem. As long as i get to keep my electricity. I'm a little shy on canned proteins- which is on my to do list. Right now I'm overrun with okra. 😂 When the c- vid hit i was dealing with a cancer situation and surgery preparations. So i wasn't real focused on what was happening in China. But it all worked to my favor. I got 2 birds with one stone. I was very thankful my hubby rarely had to go to the store while i was recovering from my surgery.

[@dancinginabundance]

Chicken is always on sale, make up some ugly chicken and you'll be good to go.

[@JmarieD]

@@dancinginabundance 🤣I just canned several quarts of chicken last week. And it's what I have the most of. But yes, you are correct. I need more beef and pork right now.

[@SIssy425]

I just love your dry humor! You're informative an to the point but also you slip in some dry humor that makes me chuckle. Keep it up

[@katyg2571]

A very useful long term storage tip my mom taught me decades ago. STORE YOUR BAKING POWDER UPSIDE DOWN. It will keep for years. I don't know the science behind it, but it works!

[@terrym5786]

Can substitute baking soda and cream of tartar.

[@Karen-up8xo]

Great info!!! Thank you!!!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gillianwilliams5581]

Thank u for that information

[@michellejones3506]

I'm 57. I'm a live in caretaker of a horse farm for my aunt and uncle who flee Ohio to Florida for the winters. Nov-May. I have a full basement apartment with my own kitchen bathroom entrance etc. They are in their early 70s and think I am absolutely batshit crazy for building a full pantry in the backroom. It has saved me 2 winters in a row. One a job loss from Dec-Apr and last winter when the gas well lines froze and I had no heat or stove for 20 days. And then pipes burst and I had no water. I was prepared with everything I needed to survive for me and 6 horses, a dog and cat. So.... they can tease and make fun all they want. Yo do you Boo and I will do Me.

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I was so blessed too find a blue ball canning book with charts on how much seeds rows, jars if everything for 1-4 persons . And old recipes too make too can.

[@lornaevans3967]

Wallyworld has that book near the canning stuff! I fully intend on buying it.

[@James-f6f5g]

​@@lornaevans3967they update every couple of years. It's great. I have checked the new book ,but one of my old ones has a number you can call if you need a canning recipe that isn't in the book. Like in the south we love boiled peanuts but they were not listed I called sure enough they had it.

[@hangonitsgettinreal]

I am Greatful for a power outage due to storms earlier this year. I found some holes. I now am ready! Thanks for the video

[@SuttonsDaze]

Good luck!

[@bernadine4236]

Overnight oats, no heat needed! Delicious with coconut/almond milk with cinnamon! Try it, it's awesome!

[@susiea1419]

I bought olive oil in cans direct from an organic farm 3 years ago. It is still good and tastes amazing! Kept in a cool dark place.

[@JulietteRomeo]

I love seeing a video when it first pops up! Thanks for all you do.’

[@SuttonsDaze]

Thanks for watching!

[@marygrott8095]

Dehydrated fruit is sooo good - especially bananas, strawberries and mangoes. I don't even like fresh bananas, but dehydrated, they are excellent!

[@ej8710]

My favorite are dehydrated pears. I eat them almost as fast as I can dry them! I found sprinkling a tiny bit of sugar on pears and strawberries improve the quality of the fruit as it dries.

[@PaEMT_FF9]

Aldi oftentimes tosses many case(s) of bananas. I usually only salvage them in cool/cold weather months. Easy to peel, slice and place on dehydrator racks. Peels and banana scraps go into compost bin therefore free bananas and free compost material. Banana bread is also a great idea to consider.

[@James-f6f5g]

So are pears like eating candy.

[@ej8710]

@James-f6f5g Pretty much every dried fruit is like eating candy. The sugar in the fruit is concentrated. The pears seem to have a better, less sandy texture with a few grains of sugar on it, and strawberries don't shrivel up as much.

[@tesshomestead8019]

I just canned up 32 pints of black beans , gonna do more tomorrow . I ran out . Needed more made up .

[@feliciahorton4312]

Love having canned black beans on hand, especially for taco night!

[@colleenj225]

I have a Military Macaw (big green parrot). He eats one walnut in shell every day, and assorted other nuts and seeds. Yes, freezer and/or refrigerator. IN SHELL, I buy 13 lbs each October/November to get him through the year.

[@lorit3096]

Loved this reminder, we looked just this past week and determined we could go about 2 to 3 months easily. 🙂 We also do the pantry challenge each year. This year I almost got tossed of the island for lack of bread ( working and no time to bake). Next cooking class for family-how to bake bread.

[@DebraMorris-q6r]

My husband calls my 2 pantry’s “Dmart” one is for home canned , one is for things I purchased, Im sure I can go at least 6 months pretty easy. Prepping is more of a me against anything that may come our way!!I will win

[@bluebird9193]

My sister's adult children call her pantry "Mom Mart". 😂 She has to keep restocking it

[@Carol_Pearson]

Regarding coffee: I have some that's a couple years old and I don't notice the taste being off. Of course, I usually drink it before fully awake, so there's that.

[@anniekochera]

We lived in Guam with Typhoons. After the typhoons, all that you have for foods is what you had before the storm began. The grocery stores are emptied. And when we lived there, we had to wait for the container ships to restock the stores, and it was emptied out as soon as people came in to shop with a rationing system going on. Had to wait again for the next ship to arrive.

[@James-f6f5g]

Oh my goodness.

[@GGsGarden]

I use instant potatoes to thicken soups or sauces.

[@magogo560]

I buy the shelf stable milk at Dollar Tree and it's delish.

[@ej8710]

What is the limit for shelf stable milk?

[@magogo560]

@ej8710 The best by date is about 6 months. Not sure how long it will actually last, as I use it before the 6 months is up.

[@SherryPetree]

I had one shoved to way back that was 4 years old. Was just fine! The dollar tree milk taste like raw milk to me! Love it. Far better than gallons from grocery!

[@ej8710]

What is the shelf life?

[@PatriciaMadsen-cu7wj]

I have bought milk at $ Store that has 18 month or more best by date .

[@ej8710]

I am canning for one (plus 7 pound poodle). I'm looking at one jar meals in most pint and half pint jars. I'm putting vegetables with most of the meat. Beef and chicken with peppers and onions become fajitas with the right seasoning. Lamb with tomatoes, onions and zucchini With lemon juice and dried mint become Sheesh Kabob in a jar. Then there stews with variations in seasonings and vegetables. I've supplemented these with MRE cheese and tortillas, breads, corn breads. Starting to dry fruit and want to can more vegetables and some fruit in half pint jars. Trimmings of meat are chopped up and vegetables are combined in 4oz jars for dog food. I am working to add dairy and oils right now.

[@theIAMofME]

I just wanted to say I love your videos like this. I wait a day or two and make time to read most or all of the comments. There's always nuggets of knowledge. Thank you for what you do. Btw, I'm good for a good while. When the garden is going I can go three or four months without the store for fresh things. I also LOATH butter/lima beans. YUCK!! Do you or anyone else know why Dollar Tree hasn't had any self stable milk for MONTHS???

[@sandytmobile4467]

Today i learned how to make apple juice. I couldn't believe i didn't learn long ago. Blackberry juice, pear juice, free fruit. I asked to pick someone fruit trees sure have at it. I canned up few jars for payment of my bucket's full. Stopped by this summer have fun traded again. Found a free pick peach trees yep hot peppers peach jam . I so hope i can get free often. Giving to owners of trees is away your not stilling and taking without giving. Our world not free so be caring.

[@juliabrown5948]

How are you making juice? I got a steam juicer and I'm loving it!! So easy and tasty juice!

[@robinlj5767]

Deepest thanks and appreciation for all your preparedness info Leisa!!! Your information is rocksolid and the way you communicate is just awesome! Non-judgmental, compassionate and straightforward.Invaluable!!! I can definitely survive for 30 days and more, it’s important to be able to say that. I’ve grown my own food for many years and more recently, educated myself a lot about foraging and living on less, Thank you so much for all you share with us!!!❤

[@keG1494]

Can do 30 days! Working on more every week. I also have things we don’t eat much (beans), but we might be really happy to have them someday. Love your videos!

[@SuttonsDaze]

You can do it!

[@colleenj225]

I love beans, but if you never eat them, your tummy will hurt.

[@carolhamilton5164]

We went 30 days in March of 2020 without leaving the house. We were prepared even for Easter dinner without shopping. We then had Easter dinner with all the trimmings without shopping. Just the same as every year. We didn’t miss a thing. ❤️🙏

[@Becka034]

I've start dehydrating all and any fruit i like that is on clearance to use for tea!

[@SuttonsDaze]

Great idea!

[@palominogirl2732]

LOL! Leesa, how do you know what I'm doing? I just was scooting things around in the pantry and decided to open a canning jar of oatmeal that I vacuum sealed in Dec. 2022. And you mention oatmeal, LOL! Yes, it tastes just fine, she said, drinking mint tea from mint out of her garden! Edited to add my favorite way: Well, it's a process. I make it with milk, and I love to put dried fruit in, or canned fruit. Brown sugar or my ginger-honey syrup. Home dehydrated ginger is the BOMB! And I'll dehydrate orange peel with some of it, too. I love a good bowl of oatmeal.

[@YvonneBritton-z7s]

❤ your video's been doing this for 48 year's well since i got married lol I listen to make sure i dont forget anything I'm aways learning thank you

[@SuttonsDaze]

Love it!!

[@monicaluketich6913]

I tried your challenge about 30 days without the grocery store right after Christmas last year. I was still going strong in mid February! The only things I bought were oranges in season to can and some onions ( need to dehydrate them instead). I just made spaghetti with marinara sauce this evening - I can never make a small pot of that. Will eat some tomorrow and freeze the rest into single serving containers. I started watching you probably about 2020 and have learned SOOO much about what should be in a good pantry. When I moved here I thought most of my food would be home grown, but I didn't know about our pure beach sand in east Texas! I had the house built with 2 pantries- I won't say how many places I now have food stashed. Thank you for teaching all of us!

[@maryroudebush5240]

I’ve froze my flour, and seem to be good like 3-4 yrs, but I understand you helping on stocking for prep

[@tondamccarthy6537]

Ty. Lisa when Covid hit we were fine. 100% a ok. We stayed on the farm and chilled. Worked hard ate well and watched the sh@tshow right outside in the world. We had no worries thx to our pantry

[@MarshaShelley-t3n]

Buying 25 pds of beets! Love beets! Will just can part and pickle the rest! Getting some canning done before I go in for surgery to take out part of my lung. Wont be canning much for a month or so afterwards. Glad I am pretty stocked so no stressing while healing from surgery.

[@magogo560]

Yup..I'm good for 30 days and more. Getting geared up to plant my garden. Exciting days ahead and I'll be going to my Zen place daily after I see my first plant emerge.

[@GlennRobert-ix6dj]

After storing all this food I was light on spices . Went wacko on spices . Bought the Spice Bible to know ( best recipe book I own ) how to best use them - Make your food taste Good !

[@homesteadlady3acrehomestead]

Thank you, Luv you style of delivery, makes me smile and giggle at times. When Covid first hit back in 2020 I stayed home for 55 days not in need of anything. I did finally go out for produce which the local stand would take an order and all I had to do was pull up and they put the boxes in the car. It is just my husband and I and when I cook I try to make enough to have left over & freeze meals. Covid finally caught up with me in 2023 putting me down for two weeks and then into the hospital for 7 days. Luckily my husband had those frozen meals that he could take out before work and they would be ready to heat upon his arrival home. Thank you again, I really enjoying watching and being inspired by you.

[@thecatniplife]

I’m good for a year for the main staples. I don’t have enough veggies for that long but I garden and can grow greens of various varieties year round. Chickens provide eggs for daily protein and they eat scraps from kitchen and garden and weeds and bugs.

[@ritamikkelsen9849]

I started prepping about 6 months ago after watching some of your videos. I think I’m up to about 6 months of preps in my basement pantry. Feel much more at ease about these troubling times. Thank you Leisa!

[@SuttonsDaze]

You can do it!

[@cherrysmith9467]

👏👏👏👏

[@truthhurtz2793]

I've been making refried black and pinto beans, 2 pounds at a time in my crockpot or instant pot. I season and mash the heck out of them, then I dehydrate them until fully dry. Then I grind them in a high-powered grinder into a fine powder, and pack in mason jars. All you have to do is add hot water to reconstitute!! Dry beans will be a real pain to cook up when we are all cooking on a campfire, but these will be so easy to deal with!!

[@chrishamill3170]

Have done the same…good to have on the shelf even as a thickener to soups and sauces…forgot about this until you mentioned it. I lost cooked and mashed up potatoes and dehydrated for the same reason…was just experimenting…worked out great!

[@truthhurtz2793]

@@chrishamill3170 Great minds think alike, Brother!! I'm trying to think of ways to make life easier when the grid goes down-Lord knows that alone will be hard enough to deal with...

[@Midwestmomvolunteer365]

Thank you for such a comprehensive video. We are big fruit people and it has been in the back of my mind, now I have direction. Appreciate it and thank you to all those who leave useful comments. I am in MI too and have a bad feeling about this winter, hope I am wrong.

[@SuttonsDaze]

You are so welcome!

[@DianeBianchi_MnWx]

I'm in Minnesota and I too have a bad feeling about the coming winter.

[@tesshomestead8019]

I shred my own cheese and I freeze dried a lot works great last for around 10 year

[@dancinginabundance]

Thrive Life has cheese that will store for a long time. I haven't tried mine yet, as much as anything because I have access to fresh and the fact that the can is very heavy so once opened needs to be used.

[@SandyMiller-ep9tl]

Thank you Sutton, Yes, I can go 30days easily. I grew up in AK, where we bot almost all our groceries once a yr, when the freighter came into the dock just bfr freeze up! Our basement was like a grocery store. We hunted, fished, gardened and mom canned...best training ever. Our whole community were preppers bfr there were "preppers". Tho I don't agree w/ all your points, it was a great show! And you really give folks w/o a clue- a great base to work from! You're a good resource!💜

[@atomicredhead]

I'm working on it. I'm buying a lot of canned food right now because I'm just starting to can my food. Mostly water bath my belt tomatoes and applesauce. But I guess starting somewhere is better than no where.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Absolutely! Do what you can, where you are. You've got this ♥️

[@DisneyRunner]

I love your straightforwardness! I can do 30 days ...I learned my lesson in 2020...I could do a year.. not a pretty year .but still a year.

[@cindeeacker5415]

I love my canned beans!!! What a time saver 😊

[@magogo560]

Cheese is the heart of cooking!

[@larah287]

Thank you! Im ready. The family may not like some things, but we will be fed. Just received all of my seeds for next year, stocked up on fertilizer and off we go! ❤❤❤

[@janetdufresne4448]

I can my soups and stews and my spagetti sauce. And yes I can make it 30 days. I had to learn to make everything stretch when I found myself raising 3 kids alone on a very tight budget. Like no income at all. But by Gods grace I stretched everything til the income came in.

[@TheAnimalsMagicShop]

2020 was my motivation to start a pantry. We weren’t locked down in MA but many stayed home, probably because they had extra food. Still, the shelves emptied out fast. I’ve had to lean on my pantry at times like now when I need a brake job. It really does help get you through hard times even if just for personal reasons. I have never once regretted investing in extra food. I like the glass jars of grated cheese a lot, ones without the anti caking additives. Your pantry looks great Lisa. Lots of hard work but something to be proud of building. .

[@LokiandBjorn]

🤣 I am watching this vid as I bag & vacuum seal 5lbs of salted caramel coffee from Coffeeam - Pretty sure I have 2 years worth. I just finished the last of an older purchase and seal from 2021. Use last of one older year replace. So I probably have a LOT more. The coffee still tasted so fresh and good, very dry, no clumping. So glad you mentioned the pork tallow and storing in the freezer! I have a full bag in my freezer I am ready to start rendering in the slow cooker and was gonna look up how to store it. Great for popcorn! Great challenge! Thanks again for all the good tidbits.

[@SuttonsDaze]

YUM!!!

[@hopehealinghomestead462]

I’m going to try and go four months without shopping December-March. Mainly for the challenge of it plus I hate getting out in winter.

[@DeathandTaxes21]

Crisco does go rancid. Pro tip on oil.... keep it in the coldest part of your home to help extend its usefulness and longevity.

[@ej8710]

Crisco can be used as a heater. With a candle as a wick and under a clay pot.

[@26skogen]

One more thing. I keep inventory of everything. I keep the list on a clip board and mark off when I take something out of my pantry. It really helps when it comes time to plant in the spring. I know exactly what I need to grow. And yes, I can go 30 days without the grocery store and probably a lot longer.

[@adognamedmoose]

Freezing oil will extend the shelf life! I buy bulk olive and avocado, divide it into smaller glass jars, leave an inch of headspace, and into the freezer it goes.

[@elizaC3024]

I just needed to use up my canned rhubarb, so I stirred in freeze dried strawberries, put in a casserole dish, then mixed 1/2 c sugar 2 tsp molasses and 2 cup oatmeal to top it. Then a few pats of butter on top, covered and cooked it in my solar oven for 3 hours. Mmmm then we served it warm, and this morning it was topped with 2-3 T of greek yogurt 😋.

[@SuttonsDaze]

Sounds great!

[@sherriluce4252]

That sounds great, I am growing rhubarb this year. I will have to try your recipe in a year or two when the rhubarb is well established.

[@adognamedmoose]

What's the name of your solar oven?

[@elizaC3024]

@@adognamedmoose My darling husband did a few prototypes before perfecting this one. It is truly amazing. I can cook 2 entire meals in one day , because of the heat that it reaches and holds.