PEANUT BUTTER: Peanut Thai Noodles

FEATURED ITEM:

PEANUT BUTTER

WHY STORE THIS ITEM:

• Stillytasty.com says an unopened bottle is good for up to 2 years. That is so long!
• Peanut butter should be a super food. It is packed full of healthy fats, antioxidants, Vitamin E, Magnesium, potassium, very high in protein, and so much more.
• Peanut butter will keep you feeling full because of the high protein and fiber content.
• Plus, it tastes delicious! Peanut butter is a great addition to sauces, try it out!

Homemade Item: RAVIOLI with NORPRO RAVIOLI MAKER

I picked up this gadget from Amazon in hopes that it will help in my ravioli-making journeys.

There are two main parts to this gadget. First, and most important, is the press.

SIDE NOTE: Ravioli presses come in many shapes and sizes. Keep a look out for vintage ones at garage sales.

The second piece is the dimpler. It’s plastic with bumps on it.

The product worked great once I learned how to use it. I found the directions on the box very confusing, but many YouTube videos later, I finally figured it out.

So, to help out others, here are step by step instructions, complete with pictures, on how to use the Norpro ravioli maker.

Homemade Item: BASIC PASTA DOUGH

What do you get when you combine flour, eggs, and water? Not mush silly, but pasta. Every food storage should contain a basic pasta dough recipe because it is so straight forward and the ingredients are already in your food storage.

I started making my own pasta last winter after a friend recommended I try it. There is nothing wrong with boxed pasta, I certainly eat enough of it myself, but fresh pasta is so flavorful. The great flavor alone would be enough for me to keep making my own pasta, but it is also so easy! Oh how I love easy tasty things.

I received this book a while ago and love the basic pasta dough recipe in it. It is a simple flavor but compliments most any pasta dish. Plus your kids will love helping to roll and cut the dough.

MANDARIN ORANGES: Fruit Salad

Featured Item

MANDARIN ORANGES

These little guys are so tasty!

Why I like to store these:

• These canned oranges have such a great flavor! You will enjoy them in both savory meals and desserts!
• Vitamin C baby! These oranges may be small, but they are not lacking in Vitamin C content with 31 mg per serving. Compare this with a regular orange that has 53 mg.
• Commercially canned oranges have a shelf live of 18 months. I like how long these last because it means I can buy in bulk and not worry about using them up quickly.

Homemade Item: Rice-O-Roni

I love rice-o-roni. The rice and pasta mixture is such a complimentary flavor to most meals. Having this mixture pre-made in your pantry will make dinner prep faster. This recipe easily doubles or triples so you can make it in bulk which is cheaper than storing the box form.

I found this recipe online and have loved it ever since. I’ve adapted it slightly to fit my own tastes, but here is the original so you can adapted it to your own tastes and liking.

In a large mixing bowl add rice,

Orzo pasta,

Parsley,

Chicken bouillon,

Onion powder,

Garlic powder,

Thyme

Black pepper,

Mix all together,

Then divide into one cup increments. 

I like to put mine in food savers bags so it keeps the flavors fresh.

Ingredients:

2 cups rice

1 cup orzo pasta

¼ cup parsley

4 tablespoons chicken bullion

2 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon thyme

¼ teaspoon black powder

2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a warm skillet.

Add 1 cup rice mixture to the skillet and stir until the pasta becomes golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add 2 ¾ cups of water to the skillet. Bring the water to a boil and make sure to stir the rice mixture.

When the water boils, cover the mixture and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the water has been adsorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Fluff the rice mixture with a spoon before serving and then enjoy!

EVAPORATED MILK: Creamy Mac-N-Cheese

FEATURED ITEM:

EVAPORATED MILK

WHY STORE THIS ITEM:

• This milk can be used as a substitute for cream in most recipes.
• Shelf stable for 1 year.
• This item is also good for baking so you can have tasty treats in your food storage as well.

ITALIAN DRESSING DRY MIX: Italian Dressing Pasta Salad

FEATURED ITEM:

ITALIAN DRESSING DRY MIX

WHY STORE THIS ITEM:

• This tiny packet is so versatile! Use it for dressing, a marinade, to spice up tomato sauce, as a topping for rolls or pizza, and probably much more.
• The dry mix is good for 12 to 18 months according to the package. This is much longer than the wet Italian dressing in a bottle.
• With small storage requirements, long shelf life, and quick flavor boost makes this products an easy addition to your food storage.

DRIED PASTA: Broken Lasagna with Zucchini

FEATURED ITEM:

DRIED PASTA

WHY STORE THIS ITEM:

• Stilltasty.com says that dried pasta in any shape is storable for 3 years in a cool, dry area. 
• As long as you put it back in an air tight container after opening it, it retains the 3 year stability. 
• Pasta in any shape can be used for so many different dinners and is yummy with a variety of flavors. 
• Generally makes for a quick and easy dinner

PASTA RONI: Mesquite Shrimp with White Cheddar Shells

FEATURED ITEM:

PASTA RONI

WHY STORE THIS ITEM:

• Manufactures expiration date is about 1 year, unopened
• This is comfort food in a box
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Few ingredients required