by Sherry Christensen, Temporal Welfare and Self-Reliance Specialist
I love January! It provides an opportunity to look back, look forward, and renew commitment.
Here’s a January check-list to plan what steps you may need to take during 2024 in preparing to be self-reliant in the area of food storage:
o Inventory what you have: food storage, water storage, fuel storage
(Redefine needs as you check expiration dates: maybe you have too much of some items because the expiration dates are closing in, or maybe you need to purchase more items due to depletion)
o Budget the purchase of items needed
o Rearrange storage area if needed
o Check items in the freezer for expiration dates; rearrange so that older items are to the front/top, making room in the back/bottom for new items
o Check water storage for container leakage
o Check fuel storage
o Update 72-hour packs, medications, batteries, toiletries

Remember:
Include each family member to teach self-reliance to all
Make it fun: make it a game, provide treats/some kind of reinforcement
Stay within your budget: don’t go into debt

Here’s one recipe to begin your new year, all ingredients can come from your food storage whether from a bottle or as a frozen commodity:

Meat Burrito (makes about 8 burritos)

Sauté 1 cup chopped onion and ½ green pepper until onions are translucent.
Add 1 pound of meat (steak, chicken, ground beef) cut into 5 “ thin strips and fry until meat is cooked through.

Drain/paper towel off the excess oil and place mixture in a bowl. Wipe down skillet to remove all traces of meat, onions, and peppers.

Place 2 TBLS oil in skillet and heat pan while filling the tortilla shells.

To one tortilla shell add in thin layers:
¼ cup meat mixture, 2 TBLS of black/red beans that have been cooked, drained and rinsed, 2 TBLS of tomato sauce, catsup, or salsa, and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese

Roll up, holding firmly so it won’t unroll. With tongs, place filled tortilla in the hot skillet on side that will keep it from unrolling. When tortilla begins to turn brown, turn it ¼ turn and brown, continue until all 4 sides have been browned. Place on a serving tray which has been lined with paper towels. Serve on a bed of chopped lettuce and top with a scoop of sour cream.