Today I’m continuing to fill up our recipe box, but today will be a host of recipe’s that I’ve collected over the years for using wheat, beans and other food storage items.

Basic food storage is a must now days for all of us. At least a 3 month supply for a family of 4 is critical. Storms, power outages, floods and the current state of our economy has given us all pause for thought and some encouragement to try and plan ahead. Emergencies happen in everyone’s life, a little preparedness can be a great comfort and stress reliever.

Food storage can be as simple as stocking up on your families favorites when they are on sale, or as complex as storing enough food to last for a year. There are lots of websites that help you plan, give you ideas of what to store and how to store it as well as sites that will sell you bulk food items and even an entire year of long term storage. Find what fits your lifestyle and your budget and begin to plan ahead.

The recipes I will put in the recipe box today are some really great ideas for using that long term storage. These ideas can be experimented with now to help rotate that storage or if you’re using your storage out of need these recipes can boost the flavor level and give some variety. There are tons of ideas and recipes that seem really “out there” but be brave and give them a try, you may even find a nutritious equal to your favorite unhealthy recipe.

Let’s also remember that basic food items that are essential for life are also great nutrition! If you desire to eat and live a healthier lifestyle or if you are a vegetarian these recipes are for you. It’s true that cooking with dried beans and wheat takes some preparation and extra time, but soaking over night or experimenting with a slow cooker can cut your time in half. Also refer to Kim’s article on this blog titled Comfort and Joy, where she talks about how to prepare ahead when you have time so that you can have hearty, healthy meals even on busy week nights.

So go and explore the recipe box you'll find these great food storage recipes in all the catagories, just search for beans, rice or wheat, and return often to find new ideas.