Are you prepared? Trying to be more self sufficient

Yes!

I really like the idea of one of these. I think I’m gonna do it this summer. The material kits aren’t insanely expensive. I just want to find a nearby mason that has experience and can do it right.

 

If you build one, plumb the outside air supply. This way you are not using warm inside air for the fire. We built fireplace in my Alaskan house than way. Makes a big difference when you have a fire at 40 below.

 

How would store 5-10lbs of flour though? I always keep mine in Tupperware in the fridge. Maybe an extra bag in the bottom crisper.

 

I vacume seal store bought 5lbs paper bags, with a packet of food grade oxygen absorber. Write seal date on the plastic bag with a sharpies. Store in a black storage tote, no sunlight.
We are now using flour that I had sealed 18 months ago. Will buy new flour to rotate and replace it.
Have not any problems with bugs, I do not freeze the flour beforehand, do not want to introduce mosture. Oxygen absobers seem to do the trick.

 

Dropping this off for those interested. Precious metal train is taking off.

https://youtu.be/qdkE4tq2vwE

 

Stock market indicators are turning red.
https://youtu.be/CibtAgekS-8

 

Whats the optimal temp to store foods?

 

I keep my thermostat at 78, and I just ate a jar of beef stew that was a year old.

 

I had some soup the other day (2yrs old), tasted better than progresso stuff

 

I think that meats actually start tasting better when they age in the jar. I have some older jars of pork and beans that are wonderful.

 

50-70F. But sunlight (or lack there of) is more important, if stored in clear jars. We repurposed old kitchen cabinets for the basement (stays at 65 degrees year around) and use them to store glass canning jars. Metal cans are stored out in the open, on the shelf.

I finished off a jar of blackberry jam from 2017 on Sunday. Lid was not popped, there was no "mother" (bloom, mold) on the top of the jam.
Fried Spam with onions for breakfast, cans were 1 year past expiration date. All good (cans were not bulging). Still have 300ish cans to eat (I may have gone too heavy on Spam )
Eating soups 2 years past their Best of Date (forgot about them). As long as cans are not bulging, I will eat them.
Same with canned green beans (we had stocked up on Sam's beans dirt cheap while they were on sale, being discontinued).

 

Probably more information here than anyone cares to read, this is a great site:
https://nchfp.uga.edu/

I do think they list pretty conservative shelf lives (6-12 months or something), but that's probably a CYA move. On some foods, quality will definitely degrade and you'll wish you'd eaten it sooner (if just for taste). Learning the signs about food gone bad and coming up with your own rule of thumb is your best bet, if you want to push the envelope.

Definitely plan to rotate stock and continue eating and canning foods so nothing gets too old.

 

Anyone made this? Supposed to be good

 

Levelling up my CNC skills. I like having machines that can make machines... less needing 'stuff' from elsewhere, more DIY. And the 3d printer is a perfect complement if you need a jig.

 

I bought another pack of TP at Costco today, because it was on sale. Does that count, lol.

 

I am down to 4 packs of TP (144 rolls) and I kick myself for not picking up another pack today at Sams.

 

Banged out a Citra IPA.

 

Interesting stuff,kinda tastes like cotton candy...

Flowers




Juice. Its a little more purple color than the pic...




2 batches

 

Would you do it again?