tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post3253632613275904055..comments2024-03-24T16:50:00.727-05:00Comments on Maria Zannini blogspot: Pantry Attacked! Oh, The Horror!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-59623654817424617452015-09-24T20:48:12.018-05:002015-09-24T20:48:12.018-05:00Lynn: I'm slowly accumulating gallon sized tea...Lynn: I'm slowly accumulating gallon sized tea containers (we don't drink milk). I bleach them then let them air dry. It's a slow process though. <br /><br />I think I might bite the bullet and do what you did, every spring buy at least one large water storage container a year. The plastic cisterns are good for animals and flushing toilets, but I'd like a more portable and potable container for drinking water.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-81952492992356116532015-09-24T20:14:56.258-05:002015-09-24T20:14:56.258-05:00On short-term storage containers -- a cheap way is...On short-term storage containers -- a cheap way is to save half gallon or fallon milk containers over time (assuming you buy the plastic kind.) Wash them out really well and store unlidded in a big garbage bag. Then if you need them they're clean and ready to go. Before every storm I fill about five, freeze them and then use them in our big cooler to keep milk and perishables cold (they melt slower than bagged ice.)<br /><br />When me and my guy first got together we began buying one or two new 25 gal. water storage containers every hurricane season, which is why we ended up having so many. The problem with them is actually storing them somewhere. We kept them in the attic until we realized the heat was making the plastic brittle. Now we keep them stowed in a little room under the staircase that is cooler. They're still getting old, though, and there's no way to permanently patch them if they crack. the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-43400428109462384652015-09-23T07:16:29.445-05:002015-09-23T07:16:29.445-05:00Lynn: I was pricing those plastic containers the o...Lynn: I was pricing those plastic containers the other day and they're terribly expensive. You can't take the chance reusing just any container either, but I'd like to find something for short term use.<br /><br />We have several 300 gallon cisterns Greg acquired from his company before he retired. They'll do for the animals and garden, but they're too far away from the house. I'm really hoping we can drill a well for home use as our rainfall is limited. We'll have to check its potability though. I'm hoping since the neighbors' wells are potable, ours will be too.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-87175281620443190392015-09-23T07:07:18.914-05:002015-09-23T07:07:18.914-05:00Rebekah: When you're used to a dishwasher (or ...Rebekah: When you're used to a dishwasher (or any appliance) it's hard to go without.<br /><br />I don't mind doing dishes, but it is disheartening to see a pile of them and no volunteers to help me. ;)Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-63138832663155137582015-09-22T23:29:17.638-05:002015-09-22T23:29:17.638-05:00Maria, if you get a decent amount of rainfall it m...Maria, if you get a decent amount of rainfall it might be worth it to invest in a covered rainwater cistern versus a well -- we're thinking about it as we get deluged here during the late spring and summer. I'm doing research into the ones with filtration systems so we can convert the rain we catch into drinking water and possibly pump it into the house. This is mainly because our groundwater is iron-heavy and we have to keep testing it for nitrates from the neighboring farms. <br /><br />At present we keep about a dozen 25 gal. plastic containers to store water (we keep them empty and only fill them when we get a hurricane warning), but they're getting old and eventually we'll have to replace them.<br /><br />the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-67833484362083345732015-09-22T16:24:39.231-05:002015-09-22T16:24:39.231-05:00I have a few staples I keep on hand - flour, salt,...I have a few staples I keep on hand - flour, salt, butter, rice, wheat berries (for freshly ground whole wheat flour!), sugar, lentils (because we eat a fair amount of Indian food now), etc. I don't keep my white flour in the freezer unless I (rarely) am able to buy more than 2 bags, because I will go through 2 bags in a few weeks.<br /><br />One of the downsize decisions we made when we transitioned from the rented condo to the house was giving up a dishwasher and a garbage disposal. I haven't really missed the garbage disposal that much, but the lack of a dishwasher is something I notice from time to time. Especially post-dinner when there's a stack of dishes to be done.Rebekah Loperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09910220361720811916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-23390723149350821632015-09-22T11:31:25.842-05:002015-09-22T11:31:25.842-05:00Barbara: Splitting costs helps a lot. I've oft...Barbara: Splitting costs helps a lot. I've often considered raising a calf and split the animal between friends. It's not necessarily cheaper than buying meat in the stores, but at least I'd know it was humanely raised with no chemicals or hormones.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-4363624615114646472015-09-22T11:28:41.268-05:002015-09-22T11:28:41.268-05:00Jenny: I do it with anything edible (by weevil sta...Jenny: I do it with anything edible (by weevil standards). Those suckers won't stop eating until they run out of food.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-44458449999367433432015-09-22T10:56:11.374-05:002015-09-22T10:56:11.374-05:00We have a hard time storing food because we both h...We have a hard time storing food because we both hate to cook. We do buy a lot of chili and tuna, though, anything that's really easy.<br /><br />Years ago, we bought in bulk and split it with friends. We don't have anyone nowadays to split with, though, but I remember it being very handy.Barbara Ann Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01751427987081847906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-74279721692069627812015-09-22T05:06:10.539-05:002015-09-22T05:06:10.539-05:00I hadn't thought of freezing flour to deal wit...I hadn't thought of freezing flour to deal with weevils. Great tip! I've found that a bay lead taped to the inside of the lid of the jar (and I agree - glass every time!) helps prevent them getting into the flour.<br /><br />I love pantries :)<br /><br />PS Glad you're back on your feet Jenny Schwartzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320451924849353120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-36106381193896882072015-09-21T20:03:05.501-05:002015-09-21T20:03:05.501-05:00Angela: I'm glad I'm not the only one who ...Angela: I'm glad I'm not the only one who ignores the dishwasher. :) <br /><br />I wait all year for the pre-Thanksgiving sales. I'm making room in my freezer right now in anticipation.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-27459439423029760532015-09-21T20:01:16.189-05:002015-09-21T20:01:16.189-05:00Lynn: We no longer live in hurricane country, but ...Lynn: We no longer live in hurricane country, but I know the drill. Most of the natural disasters where we live now are tornadoes and wildfires.<br /><br />I am woefully neglectful of storing water. We've been discussing having a well built, but we're not sure where to start drilling. Our area is kind of dry so a well would be a godsend.<br /><br />Re: variety <br />Good point! When we got hit with Hurricane Rita we got tired of canned foods fast. It was 90 miles to the nearest operating grocery store so you ate what you had or went without. <br /><br />Variety and a few sweet foods would've helped a lot.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-25757158954904958152015-09-21T18:55:25.619-05:002015-09-21T18:55:25.619-05:00Glad you're feeling better :-)
Since it's...Glad you're feeling better :-)<br /><br />Since it's just me and the kiddo, we don't use the dishwasher either. Our pantry isn't large but I try to purchase staple foods that can last for a few weeks then go for the fresh fruits and veggies on the weekend.<br /><br />Thanks for the tips. Will have to make use of them.Angela Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03324366495151363782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-40987637654800634872015-09-21T18:47:56.743-05:002015-09-21T18:47:56.743-05:00I'm glad to know you're feeling better, to...I'm glad to know you're feeling better, too. :)<br /><br />I generally stock enough canned and nonperishable food in the house to keep us going for about three or four months and, during hurricane season, enough drinking water to drink, bathe and use the bathrooms for at least a month. We have the well and a generator to run it if the power goes, but after the nightmare season of 2004 I take nothing for granted.<br /><br />I like to handwash dishes when I can, because it helps to soak my hands, but I'll run the dishwasher when we have guests so I can spend time with them instead of the sink.<br /><br />I don't like to freeze too much because we're plagued with power outtages here, particular during the summers, and I had to lose three freezers full of meat before I learned not to store too much perishable food at one time. But when buying in bulk I always try to go for variety versus a big quantity of any one thing. Canned peas are great, but after a week of eating just peas you never want to see one again. :) <br /><br />the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-75416173646206483542015-09-21T15:34:52.629-05:002015-09-21T15:34:52.629-05:00Melissa: LOL. A smart person should link her book,...Melissa: LOL. A smart person should link her book, wouldn't she?<br /><br />You got me. When I get home I'll update the post. Thanks for reminding me.<br /><br />My next victim will be the big freezer. It won't take as long, but I hate getting cold. :)<br /><br />Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-31967783730100224772015-09-21T12:12:58.455-05:002015-09-21T12:12:58.455-05:00I have a pantry, but it's in disarray at the m...I have a pantry, but it's in disarray at the moment. We could get buy for awhile if we needed to. Hmmmm. Why are you not linking to that great book of yours that helped me get mine in order? Melissa McClonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16715664439441831529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-87776164929728186962015-09-21T11:35:12.330-05:002015-09-21T11:35:12.330-05:00Madeleine: True! I get some of my best ideas washi...Madeleine: True! I get some of my best ideas washing dishes by hand!Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-11694551447983225822015-09-21T11:34:17.769-05:002015-09-21T11:34:17.769-05:00Anne: I have to thank Greg for the new improved li...Anne: I have to thank Greg for the new improved lighting in the pantry. I was grumbling once that my eyesight was failing because I couldn't find anything in there.<br /><br />He pulled out a ladder and put in two new LED lights that made it nice and bright. It's a pleasure to go in there now.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-43124736520631179842015-09-21T11:32:58.548-05:002015-09-21T11:32:58.548-05:00I rarely use the dishwasher. Either my husband or ...I rarely use the dishwasher. Either my husband or I wash the dishes by hand. I actually find washing dishes to be therapeutic in a weird way. Madeline Mora-Summontehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05529397293165046430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-42797636166365037102015-09-21T11:32:13.571-05:002015-09-21T11:32:13.571-05:00Susan: When I was a kid, my mom used to make all f...Susan: When I was a kid, my mom used to make all four of her daughters take turns washing dishes. We each had a day. <br /><br />Sadly, the boys in the family were exempt. (pre-women's lib!)<br /><br />Kids make the most dishes. It only seems right to make them clean up. LOL.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-90219341236753940342015-09-21T11:30:19.358-05:002015-09-21T11:30:19.358-05:00Diane: It doesn't take long, does it? Part of ...Diane: It doesn't take long, does it? Part of my problem is that I had to incorporate the food Greg had in his house and put it into the rotation. He had a lot of ready-made food that I just don't use as I prefer to make it from scratch. So now I have to make a conscious effort to use up his stuff first.<br /><br />Throw some pictures up of your cleaned out pantry when you're done. I almost always see your updates on Facebook.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-41964777388877610662015-09-21T11:27:23.946-05:002015-09-21T11:27:23.946-05:00Stacy: You travel so much it makes it an extra bur...Stacy: You travel so much it makes it an extra burden to make food plans.<br /><br />Re: freezer<br />Oh, yes. Please do. Chances are there are bug eggs in all our foods, but freezing them will keep them from hatching.<br /><br />Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-30187844425842860122015-09-21T11:25:05.656-05:002015-09-21T11:25:05.656-05:00Mike: I love that story! I did regret not using my...Mike: I love that story! I did regret not using my dishwasher all those years (mostly because it took up space) so using it as storage made up for it.<br /><br />Welcome to the 21st century!Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-71631943613032378642015-09-21T11:23:30.015-05:002015-09-21T11:23:30.015-05:00Betty: Ever since Hurricane Rita, I've been a ...Betty: Ever since Hurricane Rita, I've been a believer in having a stocked larder. I thought we were ready for emergencies back then, but after living 21 days without power or water, we came to realize how wrong we were. It was a valuable lesson I'll never forget.<br /><br />I think the most critical part about stocking up is being organized. I try to keep all my foods sorted by type. It's not so easy when someone else helps you put stuff away. That's how the pantry got so messy in the first place. Greg is slowly starting to learn where I keep everything. :)<br /><br />Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-9364114136462807962015-09-21T11:16:46.686-05:002015-09-21T11:16:46.686-05:00Ah yes, the dishwasher as cabinet. I'm guilty ...Ah yes, the dishwasher as cabinet. I'm guilty there, although not so much anymore. And your pantry looks a lot like the one we had at the restaurant. I loved that pantry, so spacious, so bright. Mine is now a dark closet I'm tearing out when I do the kitchen remodel. I used to prepare for the zombie apocalypse with food stuffs, but not so much now. I find I'm not using it and then it expires. No use wasting good food.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.com