Gift Ideas…Favorite Meals
Today I had a friend write to tell me this weekend she is going to work on food storage. This is the friend who has never…expressed any desire to talk about food storage. I have persisted and just kept talking about the money you can save, the sense of peace that comes, you know. She has a great job and she and her hubby eat out or just eat salads or very simple meals. But this weekend she is getting her food storage started. She purchased Mother Hubbard and I assumed it was just to be supportive. I guess she read it! I am so excited for her. My message to you, never give up on trying to help those around you. I really believe this economic downturn has helped her realize that empty store shelves and prices too expensive to continue to buy whatever you want, may be our future.
With that said, my gift idea for the week is: We all have friends who have asked us for a recipe, or asked our mom, daughter or best friend. Copy a recipe you know your gift recipient loves and purchase all the ingredients to make that recipe several times. Include all the spices and non-perishable ingredients. If there is meat in the recipe and you can substitute canned meat, be sure to include that also. Naturally how far you go with this concept will depend on budget. If you have a smaller budget skip the spices and stick with the basics or do breakfast or a dessert. Those of us who are converted to the importance of food storage understand the “high” you get when you see those shelves full of food. Providing several cans or pounds of food may just be the key to helping the food storage novice gain the vision.
This morning our quilting group was discussing the change in the size of packaging for foods. (Why You Haven’t Noticed Price Increases) They have all now begun to more seriously store food as they recognize that prices are rising faster than incomes and there is no end in sight. If they can’t pay a utility bill and still buy food, they can pay the bill because there will be food in the cupboard.
Decide today on your recipe and begin watching for the ingredients to go on sale.
Thank you for the great idea! I’ve previously done mixes for cookies and such for gifts, but the gift of a meal is so much better. Thanks for the great tips and encouragement. My husband and I have being living by the “pantry principle” for years, and you are right; it does bring comfort and security.
Another great idea…love it! I am going to give Taco Soup ingredients to our friends. It is a staple in our home and almost all of the ingredients come from the pantry. Thank you!