Thrive Life Blogger

Shelf Reliance has changed its name to THRIVE LIFE

2013-04-02T16:30:00.000-06:00

This decision was made by founders Steve Palmer and Jason Budge, who feel that this new name better encompasses the growing vision of the company. “We hadn’t fully envisioned what this company would grow into when we started out eight years ago with Food Rotation Systems being our only product,” says Budge. “Now that we sell over a thousand products, including our own food line, our vision still focuses heavily on self-reliance, but it also extends beyond that.”

What better way to celebrate our new name than with a special offer?

If you have ever considered becoming a consultant with THRIVE LIFE now is the time. Not only will you earn commission, free and half off products, but when you Become a Consultant in the months of April or May you will receive $50.00 cash when your Consultant ID is received.

You must contact me Nikki DeNiro directly for this special.

801-301-0406 or nikkade@msn.com .

Your THRIVE LIFE Neighborhood

Independent Consultant

Nikki DeNiro

801-301-0406

nikkade@msn.com

www.nikki.thrivelife.com

Freeze Dried Cheese?

2013-02-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love cheese? I know there are people out there that don't, but I haven't met any of them. Ooey gooey melty goodness that warms my heart and makes me smile. Yep, I loooove cheese and my hips will attest to it.

First things first, if you have purchased Thrive Freeze Dried Cheese, do not look at the rehydrating instructions on the can. No, no, no. Simply follow the instructions below or you will end up with a glopy goopy mess o’ cheese. Yes, I have made a glopy goopy mess o’ cheese, it still tasted wonderful because it was cheese, but not what I was hoping for.

How to Rehydrate Freeze Dried Cheese:

Decide how much cheese you need to rehydrate.

1 Cup Freeze Dried Cheese =1 Cup rehydrated Cheese.

Place cheese in a bowl.
While stirring cheese, slowly drizzle warm water over until it won’t accept anymore.
Keep adding water until the cheese is coated with water until moist, not soggy.
If the water starts to puddle on the bottom of the bowl stop! You have added too much.
Don’t stress out if you add too much water simply pour the excess water off.
After the cheese is moist, store in an air tight container, like a zip lock bag, then refrigerate it for 1 hour or overnight. (If you are in a hurry you can use your cheese as soon as it is reconstituted, but it melts better upon sitting.)

Rehydrated cheese will last up to 8 days in the fridge.

SPINACH BROCCOLI CHEESE DIP

This is a wonderful recipe for Spinach Broccoli cheese dip from Chef Leonard at Shelf Reliance.

http://www.shelfreliance.com/c/kitchen/recipe/spinach-broccoli-cheese-dip

Try this cheesy goodness at your next party!

Prep Time – 20 minutes Yield – 12 servings

Ingredients

2 c thrive chopped spinach

1⁄4 c thrive chopped onions (fd)

1 c thrive broccoli

16 oz cream cheese

1⁄2 c thrive shredded cheddar cheese, reconstituted

1⁄2 c thrive mozzarella cheese, reconstituted

2 T parmesan cheese

1⁄2 t cholula hot sauce

1 t thrive iodized salt

1⁄4 t black pepper

1 t season salt

1⁄4 t granulated garlic

1⁄2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

Reconstitute vegetables together in a bowl and remove any excess water. In an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese for 2–3 minutes. Add all ingredients and blend together. Serve immediately or warm in an oven-safe baking dish first.

Serving Ideas: Serve with grilled pita bread, chips, or crackers!

Still unsure on how to reconstitute cheese?

Click the link below to watch Chef Todd Leonard in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFjcQkfgNvY

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

2012-04-26T01:55:00.003-06:00

I hope you participated in the Great Utah Shake Out (or whatever state you live in)event held 4/17/2012. Even if you hid under your desk for a couple of seconds cursing your employer for making you play along, at least it made you think for a small fraction of time about being prepared.

At work we were invited to watch a video (Watch Utah Preparedness Now Video) which depicts what will likely happen in the Wasatch Front if a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits, then we had a speaker from the Utah Emergency Management Association speak to us on preparedness.

One thing that really stuck with me was when our speaker said his first responsibility was to his family. When and if a major emergency hits, all emergency response individuals will be checking on their families first, then they will turn to helping others. I am not sure why it was such a shock to me to learn this, I guess I just assumed it was their responsibility to immediately start helping, but if I were in their position I would do the exact same thing.

During the video and discussion 72 hour kits were addressed repeatedly, along with having adequate water, food, emergency supplies, heat and communication devices. It certainly made me think about how far I have come in my preparedness journey. I was only missing three things on their list of recommended prepping tasks. One was a fire extinguisher, which I now have. I purchased the fire extinguisher for less than $20.00 (Click to purchase extinguisher). The Second is to secure the water heater. I have not done this yet, but it is next on my list, hopefully this weekend. Here is a video for installing straps to secure your water heater, it is quite lengthy, but gives several scenarios for different installation types. (secure water heater video). The Third prepping task that I have not completed is retrofitting my 1913 house to current earthquake standards. Well, that isn’t on my list at all, maybe if I hit the lottery, but chances are I will buy a new house instead.

Here are some of my favorite emergency supplies:

2 Person 72 Hour Kit Sale Price $79.10 (You must contact me directly to get this sale price unless you are a Q customer.) We have 14 different Pre-assembled kits to choose from if the 2 Person kit isn’t what you are looking for. Click for all Pre-assembled kits

First Aid Kit Sale Price $35.99 (You must contact me directly to get this sale price unless you are a Q customer.) We have several different First Aid Kits available to choose from depending on your specific needs. Click for all First Aid Kits

QuickclotSport Silver $23.99. This is a must have in your 72 hour kit, to stop any bleeding from heavy wound. We also offer Quickclot Sport $12.99, this version is not anti bacterial to help with infection but will stop the bleeding just as well as the Quickclot Sport Silver.

Gas shut off tool $6.49. Remember to only shut off your gas main if you smell gas. Only an employee from the gas company can turn your service back on.

100 GallonWater Filtration Bottle $29.99. If you are on the move or are suspicious of your water source, this is a wonderful light weight bottle that removes harmful microscopic pathogens such a Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Viruses and other cysts and spores.

Red Cross Microlink Radio $39.99. This solar-powered AM/FM/NOAA radio comes complete with a flashlight, USB port and earphone jack. Both lightweight and weatherproof, this 3 in 1 tool is a must in any emergency.

Cat Emergency Kit or Dog Emergency Kit $59.00. Don't forget your four legged friends during an emergency.

Below are some preparedness guides complied by the Utah Seismic Safety Commission.

You may also visit their website at http://beready.utah.gov/beready/earthquakePreparedness.html

Preparing Your Family For An

Earthquake

When preparing for an earthquake, plan on having enough supplies to get you and your family through at least the first 72 hours. After a major earthquake, there's a good chance that traditional emergency response teams will be too busy to take care of you and your family. You need to prepare your home and neighborhood.

The Plan

Stock up on at least a three-day supply of food, water, clothes, medical supplies and other necessary equipment for everyone in your family. Make sure everyone knows where to find them.
Decide where and when to reunite your family should you be apart when an earthquake happens.
Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Do not use the phone immediately after the earthquake.
Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get them.
If you have a family member that does not speak English, prepare an emergency card written in English indicating that persons identification, address and any special needs such as medication or allergies. Tell that person to keep the card with him/her at all times.
Conduct Earthquake: Duck, Cover & Hold drills every six months with your family.
Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to move from one room to another during an earthquake.
Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your utility company.
Make copies of vital records and keep them in a safe deposit box in another city or state. Make sure originals are stored safely.
Before a quake occurs, call your local Red Cross chapter and Office of Emergency Services to find out about their plans for emergency shelters and temporary medical centers in case of such a disaster.
Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those areas clear.
Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.
Take photos and/or videos of your valuables. Make copies and keep them in another city or state.
Include your babysitter and other household help in your plans.
Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and house and car keys on hand.
Keep extra cash and change. If electricity is out, you will not be able to use an ATM.

General Tips

Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large glass panes, shelves holding objects, and other large decorative masonry, brick or plaster such as fireplaces.
Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to be during an earthquake.
Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most dangerous places because of the many items kept there.

Tips for Pet Owners

Before an Earthquake

Store enough food and water to last for 72 hours, preferably for one week.
Prepare a shelter or evacuation kit for your pet, including an unbreakable dish, veterinarian records, a restraint (leash or pet carrier) and medication with instructions.
Keep your pet’s ID tag up-to-date.
Make sure nothing can fall on your pet.
Arrange for a neighbor to take care of your pet if you are not able to get home after earthquake.

During and After an Earthquake

Do not try to hold on to your pet during the shaking. Animals will instinctively protect themselves and hide where they’re safe. If you get in their way, even the nicest pets can turn on you.
Be patient with your pets after a quake. They get stressed just like people and need time to readjust. They may disappear for some time, but they generally show up again when things have calmed down.
If you have outdoor pets, you should keep them indoors until the aftershocks have subsided and they have calmed down.
If you must evacuate your home, leave your pet secured in a safe place. Pets will not be allowed at shelters. Be sure to leave plenty of clean water and food. If possible, visit pet daily until you can return home.

Tips for Preparing Children

Infants and Toddlers

For infants and toddlers, special emphasis should be placed on making their environment as safe as possible.

Cribs should be placed away from windows and tall, unsecured bookcases and shelves that could slide or topple.
A minimum of a 72-hour supply of extra water, formula, bottles, food, juices, clothing, disposable diapers, baby wipes and prescribed medications should be stored where it is most likely to be accessible after an earthquake. Also keep an extra diaper bag with these items in your car.
Store strollers, wagons, blankets and cribs with appropriate wheels to evacuate infants, if necessary.
Install bumper pads in cribs or bassinets to protect babies during the shaking.
Install latches on all cupboards (not just those young children can reach) so that nothing can fall on your baby during a quake.

Preschool and School-age Children

By age three or so, children can understand what an earthquake is and how to get ready for one. Take the time to explain what causes earthquakes in terms they'll understand. Include your children in family discussions and planning for earthquake safety. Conduct drills and review safety procedures every six months.

Show children the safest places to be in each room when an earthquake hits. Also show them all possible exits from each room.
Use sturdy tables to teach children to Duck, Cover & Hold.
Teach children what to do wherever they are during an earthquake (at school, in a tall building, outdoors).
Make sure children's emergency cards at school are up-to-date.
Although children should not turn off any utility valves, it's important that they know what gas smells like. Advise children to tell an adult if they smell gas after an earthquake.

Tips for the Elderly

Before an Earthquake

Eliminate hazards. Make it as easy as possible to quickly get under a sturdy table or desk for protection.
Anchor special equipment such as telephones and life support systems. Fasten tanks of gas, such as oxygen, to the wall.
Keep a list of medications, allergies, special equipment, names and numbers of doctors, pharmacists and family members. Make sure you have this list with you at all times.
Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and medication with emergency supplies.
Keep walking aids near you at all times. Have extra walking aids in different rooms of the house.
Put a security light in each room. These lights plug into any outlet and light up automatically if there is a loss of electricity. They continue operating automatically for four to six hours, and they can be turned off by hand in an emergency.
Make sure you have a whistle to signal for help.
Keep extra batteries for hearing aids with your emergency supplies. Remember to replace them annually.
Keep extra emergency supplies at your bedside.
Find two people you trust who will check on you after an earthquake. Tell them your special needs. Show them how to operate any equipment you use. Show them where your emergency supplies are kept. Give them a spare key.

During and After an Earthquake

If you are in bed or sitting down, do not getup.
If you are standing, duck and cover or sit down. You could be thrown to the floor if you are standing.
Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days.
Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and instructions.
Prepare for aftershocks.
If you evacuate, leave a message at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.

Tips for the Physically Challenged

Before an Earthquake

Set up your home, apartment or workplace so that you can quickly get under a sturdy desk, table or other safe place for protection. Identify doorways that do not have doors in which you can take cover.
Maintain a list of medications, allergies, special equipment, names and numbers of doctors, pharmacists and family members with you at all times.
Keep extra medication with your emergency supplies.
Keep extra emergency supplies at your bedside and by your wheelchair.
Have walking aids near you at all times.
Place extra walking aids in different rooms of the house.
Put a security light in each room. These lights plug into any outlet and light up automatically if there is a loss of electricity. They continue operating automatically for four to six hours, and they can be turned off by hand in an emergency.
Have a whistle near you to signal for help.
Find two people you trust who will check on you after an earthquake. Tell them your special needs. Show them how to operate any equipment you use. Show them where your emergency supplies are kept. Give them a spare key.

During an Earthquake

If you are in bed or out of a wheelchair, stay where you are and cover your head and neck.
If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it and go into a doorway that doesn't have a door. Cover your head and neck with your hands.
Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days.
Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and instructions.
Prepare for aftershocks.
If you evacuate your home, leave a message at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.

Thrive With Hemsath: Cheese Blend - the quest for the perfect Mac and Cheese

2012-04-07T09:56:00.003-06:00

Thrive With Hemsath: Cheese Blend - the quest for the perfect Mac and Cheese

I have had a ton of questions about the Cheese Blend and how to use it. I must admit, I tried it once and ended up with the "Hot Orange Water" Whitney shows in one of her trial batches. The blue link above shows four different recipes and the best out of the four. Give it up for Whitney for taking the time to search out the perfect Mac and Cheese.

Thrive Cheese Blend Video You Tube
You may also click on the link above to view a video from Shelf Reliance test kitchen showing you how to prepare the Cheese Blend Powder.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-02-04T12:13:00.001-07:00

Makes 10 Cookies

Adapted from Skinny Girl Daily – see link below.

https://www.skinnygirldaily.com/blog/banana-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies-serves-10-cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oat flour

3/4 cup Shelf Reliance Quick Oats

1/2 teaspoon Shelf Reliance Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Shelf Reliance baking soda Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Shelf Reliance Salt

1/2 cup Shelf Reliance Sugar

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon canola oil

1/3 cup Milk or 1 tablespoon Non Instant powdered milk and 1/3 cup water added to wet ingredients

1/2 cup banana puree (1 medium-size banana) or 1/2 cup Freeze dried banana reconstituted in 1/2 cup water and pureed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, if using powdered milk add powder here. Combine all the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, if using powdered milk add the 1/3 cup water to reconstitute here. If using Freeze dried banana, place 1/2 cup bananas in blender with 1/2 cup cold water for 3-5 minutes and puree, add to wet ingredients. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, until well combined. Use a medium-size ice cream scoop or a large spoon to scoop batter onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Makes 10 Cookies. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking, or bake until the edges of the cookies are light brown.

Oat flour is expensive; try running Oat Groats through your grain mill to make oat flour. Oat flour makes a rich thickener for soups, gravies and stews. Adding 25% oat flour to wheat flour in bread mixes will prevent the bread going stale because of the anti-oxidant vitamin E in the oats. Oat flour can also be added to ice cream and other dairy products as a natural preservative. Need an Oat Roller or Grain Mill ? Click on the blue links to see our special pricing.

Low Fat Curried Chicken Salad

2012-01-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

So Lowfat is not my idea of a good time, hence the way I look.

I finally decided to go back to weight watchers and try my hardest

at eating healthier.

I love Shelf Reliance Chicken Salad due to it being quick, easy, and

tasty, so I thought I would try making a healthier version.

By the way, if you know anything about weight watchers, this comes out to

3 Points per serving on mixed greens. (Not too bad if I say so myself.)

ingredients

1 cup Freeze Dried Chicken
1/2 cup Freezed Dried Celery
1/4 cup Freezed Dried Onion
1/2 cup Fat Free Mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1 cup Grapes (I used green grapes in this version, I prefer red) quartered. You can also try craisins, but they are more fattening.
1 small apple (I used Honey Crisp with skin on for color).
3 c. water

directions

Combine water, chicken, celery and onion in a sauce pan over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low and simmer until reconstituted (about 10 minutes.) Drain in a fine gauge colander and rinse with cold water to cool. Make sure to get all the excess water out. Combine the cooled chicken mixture with mayonnaise and any mix-ins (apples, pecans, almonds, grapes, craisins etc. the options are limitless) Season with curry powder, salt and pepper to taste. Serve on bread, bagels, crackers, mixed greens or pitas.

ZUCCHINI COOKIES

2011-09-05T12:20:00.000-06:00

Adapted from all recipes http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Zucchini-Cookies/Detail.aspx

If you planted your own garden this year chances are you have an over abundance of zucchini. That is the zucchini reality (or calamity, depending on how you look at it) I'm in. I have been scouring the internet for any zucchini recipe I can find. Here is a great one I found for a not so sweet cookie.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter powder

2 Tablespoon water (to reconstitute butter powder)

1 cup White Sugar

1 Tablespoon Egg Powder

2 Tablespoon water (to reconstitute egg powder)

1 cup grated zucchini

2 cups white flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup raisins (I used 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans).

Directions

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. (When a recipe calls for butter to be “creamed” with sugar, add the butter powder, sugar and water (to rehydrate the butter) and cream together. It will not look the same as when using fresh butter, but it will bake the same. ) Beat in the egg and water for egg powder then stir in the zucchini. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into the zucchini mixture. Mix in raisins. Cover dough and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. (I didn’t chill at all, I could never wait 1 hour or overnight for cookies, they turned out fabulous.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Cookies should be about 2 inches apart. (Teaspoonful? Ok, whatever, I dropped by 1/4 cup to handful, who am I kidding.)

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until set. Allow cookies to cool slightly on the cookie sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely. (Note the line above; allow to cool slightly. No need to wait until the chocolate chips are cooled, pop one in your mouth and scream in pain as they burn the flesh off the roof of your mouth.)

Do you have any recipes using THRIVE or food storage items? Join the recipe link party at http://www.cookingwithmyfoodstorage.com/

To Quiche or Not To Quiche

2011-08-26T20:17:00.007-06:00

Quick and delicious Quiches

If you have read any of my blog then you know I own chickens. My boyfriend refuses to eat eggs unless it is during breakfast, so why he decided to get chickens I’ll never know. Anyway, the problem is TOO MANY EGGS. We have eggs coming out of our ears. Okay, I will get on with the story and stop my ranting.

I was getting ready to present a Shelf Reliance brunch party and decided to use up some of my eggs. My mom kept telling me how easy a Quiche was to make with THRIVE ingredients, so I figured what the heck. Quiche to the rescue !

I had never made a Quiche let alone tried it with my THRIVE ingredients, so it was totally foreign to me. But I knew I could do it, have faith. I looked up a few recipes online and found a basic recipe that seemed easily adaptable. The recipe I adapted was found on http://www.foodnetwork.com and was submitted by Elizabeth Gilroy called Quick Quiche.

Let me also mention that my computer is making the most horrific noise ever so this post will be quick. I hope there aren’t too many spelling errors.

I made two Quiche’s one is Sausage, Mushroom, and Cheddar Cheese; the other is Spinach, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Onion, Broccoli, and Monterey Jack Cheese. They were a big hit at the Shelf Reliance Party and I even heard a 20ish male remark to his mother “I never knew veggies could be this good”.

Success! I have found a new way to get rid of all those extra eggs, have a show stopping taster at my parties and a quick meal that I can get the boyfriend to eat, even though it isn’t breakfast time.

Sausage & Mushroom Quiche

Cook Time 1 hour Prep time 10 minutes 6 to 8 servings Level: Easy 350⁰ Oven

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 cup Half and Half

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Flour

1/2 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Sausage Crumbles

1/4 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Mushroom Pieces

1 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Cheddar Cheese

1 (9- inch) unbaked pie shell

Salt, Pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place THRIVE freeze dried sausage crumbles and mushroom pieces in a bowl. Cover ingredients with hot water; use just enough water to cover. Let ingredients reconstitute for 5 minutes. Meanwhile Hand whip eggs, half and half, mayonnaise, and flour in a medium mixing bowl. Add Cheddar Cheese to the freeze dried reconstituted ingredients; there should be a small amount of water left over in your bowl. If there is not enough water to wet the cheese add a little bit more, but not too much. Stir until all the cheese is wet. Let ingredients sit for 3 to 5 minutes.

Add egg mixture to reconstituted sausage, meat and cheese. Add Salt, Pepper, and nutmeg to your liking. My mom say’s “The more nutmeg the better.” Pour into unbaked pie crust and place in hot oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and a knife comes out clean from middle of Quiche.

Veggie Quiche

Cook Time 1 hour Prep time 10 minutes 6 to 8 servings Level: Easy 350⁰ Oven

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 cup Half and Half

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons Flour

1/2 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Broccoli

1/4 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Chopped Spinach

1/4 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Chopped Onion

1/4 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Red and Green Bell Pepper

1 Cup THRIVE Freeze Dried Monterey Jack Cheese

1 (9- inch) unbaked pie shell

Salt, Pepper and nutmeg to taste.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place THRIVE freeze onion, peppers, broccoli and spinach in a bowl. Cover ingredients with hot water; use just enough water to cover. Let ingredients reconstitute for 5 minutes. Meanwhile Hand whip eggs, half and half, mayonnaise, and flour in a medium mixing bowl. Add Monterey Jack Cheese to the freeze dried reconstituted ingredients; there should be a small amount of water left over in your bowl. If there is not enough water to wet the cheese add a little bit more, but not too much. Stir until all the cheese is wet. Let ingredients sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Does this look familiar?

Add egg mixture to reconstituted Veggies and cheese. Add Salt, Pepper, and nutmeg to your liking. Remember what my mom say’s. Pour into unbaked pie crust and place in hot oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and a knife comes out clean from middle of Quiche.

I think this is a wonderful base recipe, the options are limitless for Quiche. Why didn’t I listen to my mom just a little bit sooner? I’m sure when she reads this she will be thinking the exact same thing.

Nikki

Join the Food Storage Link Party http://www.cookingwithmyfoodstorage.com/2011/08/food-storage-friday-link-party.html submit your recipe.

Make your own Soup Mix

2011-07-21T10:34:00.010-06:00

Why make it homemade?

Well - not only is it cheaper, but it is healthier as well.

None of us need to keep eating pre-packaged, chemically processed and preservative-loaded foods. We can take a few minutes out of each day and try to live a healthier life style.

It just takes a minute or two to whip this up; store tightly in your pantry and you'll be all set.

HOMEMADE CREAM SOUP DRY MIX

Using a quart jar, combine and whisk well:

2 cups instant non-fat powdered milk mix

3/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules

2 tablespoons dehydrated chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Store in your pantry or a cool, dry place; any airtight container may be used if you do not have a quart jar.

This recipe yields 3 cups dry mix or 9 cans of creamed soup reconstituted.

To Reconstitute Cream Soup Mix

Combine 1/3 cup dry mix and 1 1/4 cups water. Heat over medium heat until thickened.

VARIATIONS:

CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP: Add reconstituted and sautéed freeze dried mushroom pieces.

CREAM OF CELERY SOUP: Add reconstituted and sautéed freeze dried celery.

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP: Add reconstituted and sautéed freeze dried broccoli.

Beefy Onion Soup Mix

1 1/2 cups freeze dried onion

2/3 cup beef bouillon granules

2/3 cup onion powder—(do not use onion salt)

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This recipe makes approximately 3 cups mix. I use 4 or 5 tablespoons when a recipe calls for one envelope mix.

For variations, add any Thrive vegetable powder that is left in the bottom of your #10 can, or add some chopped up freeze dried mushrooms to your mix. (Just remember to add a little more water to your recipe for reconstitution.)

Scallop Potatoes - What is the difference between Thrive Potato Products

2011-07-21T10:20:00.000-06:00

Scallop Potatoes

(click on highlighted product to view pricing and nutritional information)

2 cups dehydrated Potato Chunks

1 Tbsp dehydrated onion

2-3 cups water

2 cups Freeze Dried Shredded Cheddar Cheese (if you are really feeling frisky try using any other variety or mix and match our Freeze Dried Cheeses) Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella

2 Tbsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsp dry milk + ½ cup water

½ cup bacon bits (optional, but who wouldn’t add bacon?)

Reconstitute cheese, potatoes and onions separately, drain and add onion to pan. Sauté onion in butter until soft, but not browned. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk, cook until smooth and thick, stirring continually. Add reconstituted cheese, stir until melted. Remove from stove. Mix potatoes, bacon bits, and cheese sauce. Bake in a casserole dish 20-25 minutes at 325°.

Thank you to Shelf Reliance Sisters for posting this amazing information about the difference between our potato products.

http://www.shelfreliancesisters.com/2011/06/one-potato-two-potato-three-potato-four.html

The difference between: freeze dried potato dices, dehydrated potato chunks, potato beads and sweet potatoes. (click on these titles to follow a link to shop online with a discount)

Freeze dried potato dices are freeze dried as the title indicates. This gives these potatoes an extraordinary shelf life, around 25 years sealed and 2 year opened.

Freeze dried products are the same as fresh with no added preservatives or salts. So a freeze dried potato is simply a fresh diced potato that has undergone the freeze drying process. This process does not use any chemicals. It simply compacts the moisture under vacuum pressure and evaporates it away, leaving less than 10% of the products moisture intact. Less moisture=longer shelf life.

These potatoes are perfect for "mashed potatoes from scratch." So delicious!
Just reconstitute (add water back in) by boiling until soft and then mash. Add anything you normally would to your regular mashed potatoes. They are soft enough to break between your fingers.

This amazing product saves you time and money. No more peeling and dicing and no more rotting potatoes in your pantry. Just grab what you need, boil and it's prepared in just a couple of minutes!

Potato Chunks are a dehydrated product. That means they were placed under heat to remove moisture. They do not contain any added salt or preservatives and they will last 8-10 years sealed and 18 month opened.
They are great if you need a recipe that calls for chunks of potatoes; so texture. They are great for potato salad and chowders.
Chunks are hard and you can't break them with your fingers. They require a 15-20 minute boiling time to soften.

Potato Beads are an easy and quick version for flavored mashed potatoes. They contain flavoring and coloring. They are super tasty and a great little side dish you can whip up in a flash without needing to add any of your own other ingredients. When you open the can, it smells like buttered mashed potatoes. These beads are softer than any of the other potatoes and can be reconstituted quickly in hot water.

Ingredients:Potatoes, salt, partially hydrogenated canola oil, mono and diglycerides, artificial color, natural and artificial flavor, freshness preserved with sodium bisulfite and BHT.

Sweet Potatoes are a dehydrated product very similar to dehydrated potato chunks. Sweet potatoes have no added colors or sugars and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, 280% and 25% respectively.
To reconstitute add to boiling water for 15-20 minutes to soften and use in any of your regular recipes that call for sweet potato.
This is a real time saver! Sweet potatoes in their natural state are hard to peal and dice and they take forever to soften. This is a wonderful substitute without sacrificing any taste!

4th Of July Sale

2011-06-29T17:09:00.001-06:00

Double click image to enlarge.

Shelf Reliance is offering fabulous sale pricing beginning today June 29th, 2011 thru July 5^th2011, up to 30% off the items listed on the flyer.

Please note you must contact me at nikkade@msn.com or 801-301-0406 to receive the special pricing, the specials are not being offered on the website.

If you have ever considered becoming a Shelf Reliance Consultant our consultant kits are also on sale 20% off.

What a great way to earn extra cash and stock up your "Home Store".

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about becoming a consultant.

I hope you and your families have a wonderful and safe holiday.

#10 Can Stove Cooker

2011-06-13T11:39:00.000-06:00

Need a creative gift idea? Have too many used #10 and pantry cans?
Try making the #10 Can Stove Cooker to be used in case of power outages, save energy, camping or just for fun.

Thanks to Jodi and Julie of Food Storage Made Easy . net for the tutorial.
http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2011/06/13/10-can-stove-gift-idea/

#10 CAN STOVE CONTENTS

#10 can
4 mini bags of charcoal in ziploc bags
4 bags of Quickfire
4 packs of matches
cooking pot (any can, if it has a plastic lid, remove it to cook) This example uses a Shelf Reliance Pantry Can.
cut iron rods (coat hanger) to insert into can, and place pot on top of

To purchase Quickfire for your #10 Can Stove visit http://nikki.shelfreliance.com/quickfire.html

PDFdirections for making the #10 Can Stove.
http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/fsme/docs/10canstove.pdf

How to keeps eggs fresh 9 months to 1 year without refrigeration.

2011-06-01T13:06:00.000-06:00

http://www.preparednesspro.com/blog/eggsactly-right/

Very interesting information on how to keep eggs fresh without refrigeration. I have chickens so this is wonderful news to me.

Great comparison of serving sizes to Emergency Essentials by Hilary

2011-06-01T13:01:00.000-06:00

http://thrivehive.blogspot.com/2011/06/serving-comparison.html

Thanks Hilary, what a great comparison.

June News Letter

2011-05-31T23:13:00.001-06:00

Heartfelt thanks one and all for making the past few months records with Shelf Reliance and our Thrive products. It has been difficult to witness all the natural disasters and destruction in the world these past months. I am so proud to work with a company that can offer extra piece of mind for families in these trying times. We have some wonderful sale items this month to get you started on your “Home Store”, the sale is for a limited time so please contact me soon before the sales are over.

I am currently booking parties for the month of July and August. Parties are a great way to earn free and half-off products, while learning how to save time and money by incorporating healthy THRIVE foods into your family's meals. Call or email me today to set a date.

If you hold a party in July or August, you will receive a free #10 can of our Instant Black Beans $13.19 retail value. These beans are a wonderful addition to any pantry, no need to soak overnight, no added salt or preservatives and ready in 20 minutes. Click here for more information on hosting a party.

If you are interested in earning income and free product, there's never been a better time to start your own business as a Shelf Reliance Consultant. Click here for more information on becoming a Consultant. If you sign up as a Consultant in the Month of June, July or August you will receive some of my favorite items including a pantry can of Freeze Dried Banana Slices, a pantry can of Freeze Dried Colby Cheese, a pantry can of TVP Taco and a #10 can of 6 grain pancake mix. This is a retail value of $49.12 for free.

Thank you,
Nikki DeNiro
Shelf Reliance Independent Consultant
801-301-0406
nikkade@msn.com
http://nikki.shelfreliance.com

June Monthly Specials

2011-05-31T21:59:00.000-06:00

We have some great specials this month. Two of my favorites are the Macaroon Cookie Mix for $13.39 retail price is normally $16.69 and Freeze Dried Mango sale price $20.39 retail is normally $25.49.

Two Person 72 hour kit is on sale for $89.99 this month, normal retail price is $160.00. What a fabulous deal.

The Fruit Variety Pack (Pantry Can Size) is on sale for $82.09 and includes Apple Slices, Banana Slices, Blackberries, Blueberries, Mangoes, Peach Slices, Pineapple, Raspberries, Apricots and Strawberries. All are Freeze dried except the Apple Slices.

If you would like to purchase any of the sale items and are not a Q Club member you must contact me for the sale pricing.

If you would like more information about the Q Club and how you can build your Home Store on a budget please contact me.

http://nikki.shelfreliance.com/
thriveorders@hotmail.com
801-301-0406

Mushrooms will be back mid June.

2011-05-31T16:23:00.000-06:00

Well all of you that are missing the Thrive Freeze Dried Mushrooms you will be happy to know they are scheduled back mid June. I have thrown away so much money in spoiled slimy fresh shrooms that this is one of the first items I purchased from the THRIVE line. I was leery to try them simply because I love mushrooms so much. WOW, pleasantly surprised. So easy to use, simply reconstitute in a little bit of water. I love them sauteed, in spaghetti sauce, or simply placed in a light broth with a few veggies. Don't judge but I also throw them in with my ramen noodles. Yes, gourmet ramen made with THRIVE veggies. Quick dinner on the run.