National Hurricane Preparedness Week

This week is National Hurricane preparedness week and it is a great time to make sure you are prepared for any extreme weather.  

 If you live in an area that is affected by hurricanes or other extreme weather, please take a few minutes to update your preparedness plans and supplies.

Follow these three simple steps to make sure that you are prepared for hurricanes and other severe weather conditions:

1.         BE INFORMED: Make sure you know the weather risks in your area and how you’ll be notified if emergencies occur.

Staying informed in an emergency is critical.  An emergency radio can be your lifeline in an emergency make sure you have new batteries and that your radio is functioning correctly.  If you don’t have an emergency radio you might consider:

Solar Link FRX 2 $47.49

Solar Link Scorpion $57.70

Dynamo Radio – Weather Band $17.90

2.       GET PREPARED: Make plans for what your family will do during dan­gerous conditions and put together the food and supplies you’ll need.

A well-stocked emergency kit saves time and allows for quick evacuation.  On sale this week only are two great kits:

·         Providence Basic, 2 person Emergency Kit,  $95.99

·         Expedition Basic, 4 person Emergency Kit, $174.99

      3.       TAKE ACTION: During an emergency, keep calm, follow the plans you’ve made, and stay safe.

20 Minute Refried Beans made from Instant Beans

I love instant beans.  Similar to instant rice, the beans have been cooked and the dried, allowing you to cook dry beans in 20 minutes or less, with no soaking required.  Ever since I found instant beans I have been switching over my food storage to contain instant beans instead of regular dry beans.    

20 Minute Refried Beans

½         c. bacon, diced

2½      c.  Instant Pinto Beans

1          tbsp. Chopped dehydrated Onions

1          tsp. Iodized Salt

1          tsp. all-purpose seasoning blend

1          tsp. granulated garlic

4          c. water

1          tbsp. lime juice

¼         c.  freeze dried Shredded Cheddar Cheese, reconstituted (or fresh)

In a 2-quart saucepan, brown the bacon and remove from the pan.  Add instant pinto beans and stir to coat with bacon grease.  Add onions, salt, all-purpose seasoning, garlic and water.  Cook on low simmer for 20 minutes.  Add lime juice and puree mixture with a hand blender until reaches desired smoothness. Top with shredded cheese.

Recipe adapted from: Chef Todd