Who doesn't have a stock cupboard

Popperwell

Thank you for that Two Fishes, I am sure as many of us don't camp and it is meant as an emergency measure and we hope that we won't be using it for a long period this could be what we have been looking for.

After all I would only be doing the most simple meals...possibly a hot drink too.

Mrs_T_M

My first post! Hi everyone!

I haven't finished reading this thread (still only on page 6!) but I've been itching to jump in. We shop once per month (except for milk) and spend between £50 and £60 on food and supplies. At the moment we have enough to last the two of us for about three months. I'm hoping to expand our stocks over the next few months.

I'm originally from North Carolina, and there during the summer it's nothing for a large storm or hurricane to come through and knock out power for 2-3 weeks or so, which knocks out the water supply as well after 2 days for those with 'county' water. Those with electric wells have absolutely NO water during power outages like this. During the winter we don't get snow, we get ice, and with most people living at least 5-10 miles from the nearest store there isn't such a thing as a quick jaunt to the store. Plus any time that the weather forcaster even mentions the word 'snow' there is a major rush on the stores. During stormy weather in the States good luck finding milk, bread, fruits, veggies, or flour! Growing up like this taught me to always keep at least something extra in the event of an emergency. It can be as much or as little as you like, so long as it's well managed.

Since moving to the UK to be with my husband I've realised how nice it is to have a butchers, a corner store, and three supermarkets within half a mile that's an easy walk away. As some others have said, when you haven't a car sometimes getting the heavier or bulky items home can be a challenge, since using a taxi or such typically negates any savings.

Even though I'm not Mormon I have read their articles and such on food storage and emergency stores. They strongly believe that everyone should have a minimum of 6 months worth of stores at all times. Take what you will and leave the rest I say. Sometimes I think that having 6 months worth of things would be nice, but where in the world would I put it?! I say store what you can, when you can, how you can. Only store things you will actually use, otherwise it's a waste. An emergency situation is not when you want to learn that certain flours won't rise or that something is horrid!

Something else to point out, some food allergies/sensitivities may not become apparent unless you are consuming the same foods nearly every day. Wheat/gluten sensitivities are horrid, especially when most of what you have stocked is wheat flour, whole wheat berries, etc. Spread out your grains if you're going to do major storage. I have different flours for different things. I have 7 different types of flours in our pantry, but we are currently eating everything that has gluten in it to be rid of it. I have a barley sensitivity already and don't want to risk developing a wheat sensitivity on top of that.

Wow, I've done quite a ramble! If I think of anything else to add, I will later on.

Own_My_Own

Christmas Stock week 7

2 x Toothpaste (99p store)
1 x girly monthly things for dd.(99p store)
1 x black bag (£1.80 Lidls for 10)

I know these black bags aren't the cheapest, but they are massive and very thick. Just what I need over the Christmas period, as we miss a collection and I don't want lots of bags outside.

danetastic

Store cupbourds looking a lot healthier now - had an AF order delivered . Put the flour I ordered into the freezer to keep it bug free . Only down side is its all plain and I KNOW there is something you add to make it SR but I can't remember what ! Does anyone know .
It's such a good feeling opening the cupbourds and seeing them full . Only things I need to buy til payday is a bit of veg then restock. Loving this and im saving £ too !!!

Justamum

danetastic wrote: »

Store cupbourds looking a lot healthier now - had an AF order delivered . Put the flour I ordered into the freezer to keep it bug free . Only down side is its all plain and I KNOW there is something you add to make it SR but I can't remember what ! Does anyone know .

Baking powder - I think it's 1tsp for every 8oz of flour.

ETA just had a quick google, and I've seen 1 tsp for 8oz and 2 - 3 tsp for 8oz.
ETA (again) just found another which says 4tsp!

I've done it before and used 1tsp.

Butterfly_Brain

1kg bags McDougalls flour are 39p in B&M this week, don't forget that flour can last 30 years so you don't have to be a slave to BB dates

debrag

We don't. We have like 2 salad dressings, a few spices, stuffing mix, veg mix, oil, salt, marmite. Thats about it.

grandma247

On the back of my baking powder tub.
Baking powder is a raising agent for baking cakes,scones,muffins and cookies.
Use the quantities as stated in your recipe
OR
3 level tsp for every 225g(8oz) of flour

The following is a guide to the amount of baking powder for each 225g(8oz) of plain flour for specific uses. Variations of the amounts may be necessary for individual recipes.
sponge sandwich cake 3tsp
rich fruit cake 1tsp
batters,biscuits and pastry 1 tsp
suet and steamed puddings 3tsp

Justamum

grandma247 wrote: »

The following is a guide to the amount of baking powder for each 225g(8oz) of plain flour for specific uses. Variations of the amounts may be necessary for individual recipes.
sponge sandwich cake 3tsp
rich fruit cake 1tsp
batters,biscuits and pastry 1 tsp
suet and steamed puddings 3tsp

That makes sense really as you don't want as much rise in a rich fruit cake as in a sponge. It sounds like it would make more sense to only buy plain flour and add the relevant quantities of baking powder depending on what you are making. I might start doing that.

D&DD

I don't remember ever buying sr flour as when my mum taught me how to cook she never bought it and always used plain with baking powder.
I noticed however on the tubs I've bought recently they've taken that off the wrapper Grandma..I had to salvage the wrapper off an old one and stuck it on the inside of my baking cupboard.
No matter how many times I do it I'm damned if I can remember without looking it up lol

While I'm here I got my tbags Decaf PG are on at MrS so I have plenty now for the forseeable