Food prep, storage, etc

One of my favorite hobbies is food prep, storage, and cooking.  I like to take advantage of sales, so I can stock up with big purchases.

Before the Gross Out of 2013, the basement felt cluttered. I was aware it was time to do something about it when the Gross Out happened. We did lose a few things that we cared about, but in the end, we have a organized, and useful basement.

When we put the basement back together, I established our pantry. We have some bulk supplies (nuts, dried fruit, etc) and have been storing food as it comes in season, or goes on sale. For example, this year I made and canned apple sauce, and tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, peaches, and green beans. I also found a great deal on a vacuum sealer, and have been stocking up on meat as it goes on sale (like brats, salmon, and ground beef) and making beef jerky with a borrowed food dehydrator. I make and freeze broth regularly, and have really streamlined our food prep process.

I just love it. It's fun, it makes me feel like I'm doing something useful, and contributing to us having an healthy, efficient, and frugal lifestyle.

I don't know if anyone reads this blog, but if you're reading, do you have any experience with food storage, or do you have any times for prepping meals ahead of time?