Farmhouse Soup Mix

2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 tablespoons beef bouillon flakes
1/2 cup quick-cook barley
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup rice, uncooked, do not use instant
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/2 cup alphabet pasta, uncooked
1 cup flavored spiral macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup dehydrated carrots
1/2 cup dehydrated celery
1 cup dehydrated tomatoes
1/4 cup dehydrated cabbage
3 tablespoons tomato powder

Layer all ingredients in a large cone-shaped bag, jar, or vacuum seal bag; seal and attach a tag with directions.

Attach Tag:
Farmhouse Soup Mix
1 pkg. mix
Add 3 quarts water. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 50 minutes or until peas are tender.

(Source: R. Hatch, Ward Preparedness Specialist)

Dreaming of a White Christmas Soup Mix

1 (2.75 ounce) package Country Gravy Mix (regular or no-fat)
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons dried celery flakes
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2-1/2 to 3 cups uncooked wide egg noodles or other pasta

Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth quart jar. In small bowl, stir together bouillon granules, onion, celery and parsley. Pour into jar to make second layer. Add noodles. Close with lid; attach gift tag and decorate.

Gift tag directions:
Empty contents of jar into a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 8 cups water; heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to medium; add one (10-ounce) or two (6-ounce) cans cooked and chopped chicken. Cover and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. 8 servings.

(Source: R. Hatch, Ward Preparedness Specialist)

Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

1 (2.75 ounce) package Country Gravy Mix (regular or no-fat)
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons dried celery flakes
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 cup uncooked wild rice
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped dried mushrooms from the produce section (shitake, chanterelle or oyster)

Blend Gravy mix & seasonings and layer in jar with wild rice, white rice & mushrooms. Continue until its gone.

Attach gift tag with following directions:
Empty contents of jar into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 7 cups water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Or, place in crock pot in the morning with 7 cups of water and let it simmer all day until you get home.

(Source. R. Hatch, Ward Preparedness Specialist)

Split Pea Tortellini Soup Mix

3 ounces dried cheese-filled tortellini (2/3 cup)
1/4 cup dried tomatoes
1/3 cup dried split green peas
1/2 cup dried chopped carrots
1 tablespoon instant chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Add a couple tablespoons tomato powder

Layer all ingredients in a jar, or vacuum seal bag; seal and attach a tag with directions.

Attach Tag:
Split Pea Tortellini Soup Mix
1 package mix
Add 5 cups water. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 50 minutes or until peas are tender.

Option: Add imitation bacon bits to the mix above ahead of time for bacon flavor.
Serves 4.

(Source: R. Hatch, Ward Preparedness Specialist)

Potato Soup Mix

1-3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups dry milk
2 tablespoons instant chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon turmeric or curry
1-1/2 teaspoons favorite seasoning salt

Measure all ingredients in a canning jar or vacuum seal bag.

TO USE: Place 1/2 cup mix in soup bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth.

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS: Add small dehydrated potatoes or bacon bits OR small amount dehydrated broccoli or dehydrated corn or celery.

(Source: R. Hatch, Ward Preparedness Specialist)

Deal-ios

This morning I went to Maceys grocery store and found a deal on boneless chicken breasts - a 40 lb. box for $51.60 (1.29 lb.) I bought a box and have begun processing it in pint jars in a pressure canner. I have one batch on the stove at the moment and probably two more batches to go. So far so good.

Other deals at Maceys this morning:

• 50 lb. Honeyville Hard White Wheat - 16.00 (reg. $30)
• 6 gallon bucket with lid - 8.49 ea.
• Gamma lids - 5.99 ea. (reg. 10.99)
• 5 gallon water jug - 4.50 ea.
• 55 gallon water barrel - 39.99 ea. (reg. 63.99)
• Siphon pump - 11.99 ea.

Be on the look-out for deals in your area and be sure to share them with others. Everyone likes to save money. :)

Update: First batch finished!
(I've never canned meat before.
I'm pretty happy right now!)

Yield: 33 pints
LINK for canning chicken

Welcome to this blog! Whether this is your first time -- or if you're an occasional browser or an avid follower -- thanks for taking a look! Hopefully, you'll find something worth your time.

January is a time of beginnings. Often resolutions are made and goals are set for the coming year. If becoming better prepared is one of your goals, you've got a friend in me. :)

Some of the things I'll be focusing on this year:

1. Water Storage
2. Three-month supply
3. Longer-term supply
4. 72-hour kit
5. Emergency Car Kits
6. Ways to Use Food Storage

If you'd like to share any ideas or opinions, please leave a comment or contact me at:
www.preparednessnibblesandbits@gmail.com

Happy New Year