Prepping for Brexit thread

What a sensible idea for a thread topic!


I decided when we got the Yes vote on Brexit to look out and write down recipes for pulse based and veggie pottages and stew type meals and to start working them in to our diet now before it happens so not only do we get used to the different style of eating gradually but our digestive systems are broken in gently to the extra fibre in that diet. I found several recipes that we really enjoy too and it helps to keep housekeeping costs lower as well.


We are hopefully moving to a new house in the not too distant future and part of preparing for Brexit will be to have anything that is needed done before it happens so that we start with a sound dwelling and a sound heating system. We are going to have a wood stove put in as we have an open chimney there and we have a wood stove here which is a comforting part of winter life. I'm going to make sure the new one has either an oven or cooking plates (or both if I can find one) so that if gas/electricity become vastly more expensive we will use the stove when it's running to cook our hot meals. I have an inset stove here with only a narrow shelf to cook on but have even managed soda bread in a rectangular mess tin on this successfully.

We've invested in good outdoor clothing, I got some real goose down coats when on trips to the continent and have invested in some good quality waterproof and windproof lined trousers. I already have a couple of pairs of good boots with good sturdy soles that can cope with snow and ice. and sheepskin hat, gloves and a coney fur scarf all of which are toasty when it's arctic.

Brexit is such an unknown quantity without anything concrete to go on that I'm waiting on many things until I see just exactly what does happen. I have always tried to be prepared for untoward events, I'm a regular on the prepping thread and much of what I already do will cover Brexit and post Brexit events too. You may find some helpful ideas over there that will help you make your 'to do' list.

I ought to have said we already have an outdoor wood burner called an OzPig which we use in the warmer weather and it runs on any wood you have available, lots of wood we've burned in it has come from beach combing after a high tide (not by us but by a friend's Labrador who brings it home with him) but we also use scrap wood that we get from processing wood we 'womble' for the indoor stove. It will be useful if utilities really do get expensive.

I'm trying to wean us off the freezer as a way of storage, IF and it is only an if, we get fairly frequent disruptions to the power supply for any of a number of reasons that spring to mind it might mean spoilage of frozen stocks depending on the frequency and duration of the power outs. That would cost money that I'm rather inclined to put into different ways of storage. We have a dehydrator which is a very efficient way of storing fresh fruit and veg without the need for electricity as they keep for literally years in a sealed dry jar, yes it costs on electricity to dry the produce in the first place but the drying is effective even with the odd gap if the machine is off, the food still stays good. I'm also investing in kilner type jars for bottling fruit (haven't done meat or veg both of which are a potential source of botulism unless done correctly) and I do have a pressure canner, as yet untested in which I could feasibly can meat and veg as you need to get it to the right temperature for safety and it's difficult just on the hob. I make jams, jellies and pickles and chutneys too all of which store on a shelf. I'm lucky in having space for that type of storage and it might be difficult in a small flat but you could follow Grey Queen and store under beds etc. and behind sofas etc. so it's out of sight and not cluttering up your nice living areas. I also take advantage of seasonal items like elderflowers and elderberries in particular to make cordials and fruit vinegars which can be used for drinks, hot medicinal drinks and poured over ice cream or sponge puddings as a sauce. All helps keep the wolf from the door!