My youngest son delivered a quarter beef to me on Wednesday. For several years he has been getting beef from a farmer who lives just a couple of miles from his house. The farmer doesn't sell directly to the public, but to a select group of customers. David still had beef in his freezer so I was able to take that order.
There was a total of 165 lbs. of meat. I sorted the meat out, setting some of it out to thaw and stacked the rest in the freezer. David had done the math and with processing and packaging at a local butcher, it came out to less cost per pound than a pound of hamburger at our local big box grocery. And I really like the idea of supporting a local farmer.
So Thursday I spent the day canning meat. I ended up with 33 pints of hamburger, 3 pints of stew meat and 12 pints of beef roast.
The stew meat and roasts were packed into jars raw. The hamburger was browned and then packed into jars. I didn't use any liquid in any of them. They were all canned for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 10 lbs. pressure for my elevation.
So with the meat in the freezer and the meat in jars, I have enough to last my oldest son and I for a long time.
Now is not the time to ease up on prepping. No matter how the election turns out in the end, I think we are in for a rough time. As a dear friend often says, "Stack it to the rafters. We're gonna need every crumb."
It ain't lookin' good. Can away!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Gorges...Stack it to the rafters is good advice.
DeleteI think next week is going to revolve around filling up as many jars as possible, leaving only enough to can what's left in the freezer should it die. Beans, beef, chicken, and potatoes. It's definitely not looking good out there.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Jennifer. The more we have stacked and on the shelves, the better off we will be should things get really ugly. I still have hope for a good outcome, but am continuing to prepare all the same.
DeleteI cannot think of a better way for one to spend their money and their time. Food should now be thought of as an investment. Now you will be even more food secure, Vicki...CW
ReplyDeleteCW...We spent money on car insurance, home insurance, life insurance. There is no reason to avoid food insurance. At the very least, we know our families will be fed. Makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteVicki~ I saw my cancer nurse the other day. She asked about my diet and I told her about grinding wheat for bread, and growing our own veggies. She wanted to know what to do this coming winter for healthy fresh food. Plus joining a local farm group for pickup. I mentioned sprouting and where to check for information and seeds.
ReplyDeleteToday we ground up dried home baked bread into crumbs. It came out to $10 store bought. With no additives. Anything to save a bit to use for later. Make a meal, break it down into portions and freeze it for later. Keeps food waste down and money in my pocket. Keep an eye out and a Mossy near just in case. Red
Red...Good on you for educating others not only about being prepared, but on how to eat healthy as well. I haven't tried sprouting yet, but it is on my list.
DeleteAfter having to toss some items from my freezer, I am paying closer attention to what I have and what I need to use up first. My mother taught me about using leftovers. Back when metal trays were used for TV dinners, she would cook extra and make her own.
If there is anything going on near by, I haven't heard. Local news won't report and the Minneapolis police channels have been taken off line. My neighborhood is quiet so far. Still, we are as ready as we can be.
We slowed down some, but we are adding to dry stores every two weeks from our daughters pay check and what extra help we get every month.
ReplyDeleteGov Dictator is at it again. Sports are going to get cut again. Daughter says bakery orders are down for Thanksgiving gatherings, at the market she works at.
Rob...After finishing this last canning session, I am doing much the same as you are. This weeks grocery order is mostly dry goods and cleaning products.
DeleteI saw where the MN legislature voted to let the gov be king for another month. This really has nothing to do with the virus and has everything to do with control.
I pray you and yours are all doing alright. Take care.