In times of emergencies, such as natural disasters or unforeseen crises, the availability of conventional cooking supplies may be limited. However, with a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, it’s possible to create nourishing meals using minimal ingredients and tools. This article explores various emergency food hacks to help you make the most of what you have during challenging situations.

Maximizing Shelf-Stable Staples:

• Utilize long-lasting staples such as freeze dried fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, and dried legumes as the foundation of your meals. Briden Solutions has numerous options – check it out!
• Create hearty stews or one-pot dishes by combining beans, vegetables, and grains.
• Try pre-made meals – whether in a pouch (5 year shelf life), or in a can (up to 30 years unopened).

Improvise with Non-Perishables:

• Get creative with non-perishable items like canned or freeze dried meat, fish, or vegetables. Make a list of recipes or meals that you can make with what is in your non-perishable stock.
• For example: transform canned tuna or salmon into a makeshift meal with pantry items like pickles, and mayonnaise.
• One-pan wonders: cook an entire meal, such as chili in a single pan to simplify cleanup on top of it

Make the Most of Condiments:

• Condiments can add flavor and variety to simple dishes. Keep the basics (ketchup, mustard, mayo for example) in your storage.
• Combine soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar for a makeshift stir-fry sauce or use ketchup and spices to create a flavorful marinade for proteins.

DIY Baking:

• No oven? No problem!
  • • Use a thick-bottomed pan to simulate baking right on your stovetop. Place a wire rack or trivet inside the pan, and put your baking dish on top. Cover the pan with a lid to trap heat.
• No rolling pin? No problem!
  • • Use a clean, smooth bottle or a tall glass to roll out dough.
• No baking powder? No problem!
  • • Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar as a substitute for baking powder.
• No eggs? No problem!
  • • Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Substitute 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for one egg in recipes.
    • Yogurt or Buttermilk: Use 1/4 cup of yogurt or buttermilk for each egg.
• No buttermilk? No problem!
  • • Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk as a substitute for buttermilk.
• No vanilla? No problem!
  • • Use maple syrup, almond extract, or even a bit of coffee as a substitute for vanilla extract.

Here’s a few more baking hacks, just for fun!

• Cold butter? No problem!
  • • Grate cold butter using a cheese grater to quickly bring it to room temperature.
• Brown sugar hard? No problem!
  • • Microwave hardened brown sugar with a damp paper towel for a few seconds to soften it.
• Separate your eggs with ease!
  • • Crack eggs into a slotted spoon, allowing the egg whites to separate through the slots while retaining the yolk.

Outdoor Cooking Techniques:

• Explore outdoor cooking methods, such as grilling or using a portable camping stove, to prepare meals when indoor resources are limited.
• Many people love BBQ, if this is you, be sure to have spare fuel handy!
• Campfire cooking options:
  • • Cooking with a stick
    • Dutch oven
    • Foil wrapped food
    • Tripod
    • Burying food in the coals
    • Grilling

Foraging for Flavor:

• If safe and possible, explore foraging for edible wild plants or fruits to supplement your meals.
• Learn about local edible plants in your area beforehand to ensure safety and avoid toxic plants.
  • • Field guides & local experts can help you educate yourself further in safety while foraging.

Kitchen Tools:

• On the go: stock a mess kit to supply all of the items necessary for you to cook comfortably on the go. The running joke in preparedness world is “don’t forget your can opener”!
• These tools can enhance your ability to prepare a variety of meals with limited resources. Think about what it is you use the most and what you would want and need in an emergency.

• • • Chef’s Knife: A high-quality chef’s knife is indispensable for chopping, slicing, and dicing. It’s the workhorse of the kitchen.

What type of kitchen knife should I have?:

I spoke with Cory, from our “Cooking With Cory” videos, and he told me that you do not have to spend a fortune on a knife, as long as its sharp, and fits your hand/grip. He also explained to me that a serrated knife vs a straight edge have different purposes.

For example: I watched him chop onions, and asked him if he cries every time. He explained to me that keeping the onions in the fridge (think the concept of viscosity), and using a sharp, straight edge knife minimizes the release of whatever enzyme is within the onion.

• • • Cutting Board: A durable cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for food preparation. Look for one that is easy to clean and won’t damage your knives.
    • Spoon and Spatula Set: Spoons and spatulas for stirring, flipping, and serving.
    • Saucepan(s) with Lid: Essential for boiling, simmering, and preparing sauces. Look for a durable and heat-conductive material.
    • Mixing Bowls: Durable mixing bowls in various sizes are essential for combining and preparing ingredients. Choose bowls made of stainless steel, glass, or durable plastic.
    • Meat Thermometer: Ensure accurate cooking temperatures, especially for meat, with a meat thermometer. It’s crucial for food safety and achieving the desired level of doneness.
    • Oven Mitts: Protect your hands from burns when handling hot pots, pans, and baking sheets.

Community Cooking:

• Pool resources and collaborate with neighbors or community members to share ingredients and cooking tools.
  • • When I see this type of suggestion, to me this suggests that we need to have positive relationships with our neighbors and community, so that if “push comes to shove”, we can help one another out during a challenging time.
• Community kitchens can help everyone make the most of the available resources and ensure that everyone is well-fed during challenging times.

Conclusion:

In times of crisis, resourceful cooking becomes a valuable skill. By incorporating these emergency food hacks, you can turn limited ingredients and tools into satisfying meals that provide comfort and nourishment during difficult situations. Stay resilient, stay prepared, and keep your creativity alive in the kitchen even when faced with unexpected challenges.

When it comes to outdoor adventures, one brand has become synonymous with convenient, delicious, nourishing, and allergy friendly meals—Mountain House. Renowned for its extensive product line, Mountain House has been a trailblazer in the world of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. Let’s explore the taste of adventure that Mountain House offers. Click here to peruse the variety of choices we carry!

A Legacy of Excellence: Origin Story

Founded in Oregon in 1968, Mountain House has spent over five decades perfecting the art of creating lightweight, easy-to-prepare, and satisfying meals for adventurers. Originally focused on serving the needs of the United States military, the brand has since expanded to become a staple for outdoor enthusiasts on their journeys.

Freeze-Dried Brilliance:

At the heart of Mountain House’s success lies the innovative freeze-drying process. This technique involves removing moisture from the ingredients without compromising flavor, texture, or nutritional value. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable meal that retains its original taste and nutritional goodness.

Diverse Menu Options:

Mountain House offers an array of meal options to suit preferences and dietary needs.  Popular choices include Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Teriyaki with Rice, and Biscuits and Gravy for a comforting start to the day. With vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available, Mountain House ensures there’s something for everyone around the campfire.

Convenience at its Core:

Lightweight and easy to pack, these meals require minimal preparation—just add hot water, wait a few minutes, and enjoy a piping hot, flavorful dish. This simplicity makes Mountain House an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize efficiency without compromising on taste.

Emergency Preparedness:

Beyond catering to outdoor adventures, Mountain House has earned a reputation as a go-to for emergency preparedness. Their long shelf life and compact packaging make them a reliable choice for individuals and families preparing for unexpected situations. Having a stash of Mountain House meals ensures preparedness with nourishing and familiar flavors.

Conclusion:

Mountain House stands as a testament to the marriage of culinary excellence and outdoor adventure. They offer a product line with a diverse menu of flavors and allergen friendly choices. As you embark on your next journey, consider bringing along the taste of adventure with Mountain House—a brand that understands the true essence of savoring life in the great outdoors.

Have you tried Mountain House pouches? Email us your favorite flavor, and what you purchase them for at BridenAcademy@BridenSolutions.ca

Surviving in the wilderness requires not only finding shelter and water but also sourcing food. Knowing how to forage and hunt for sustenance is a helpful skill. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and specific examples to help you procure food in the wild.

Edible Plants:

Many wild plants are safe to eat, while others can be toxic. Learning to identify edible plants is essential for foraging. Some common examples include:

• Wild Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. They are easy to identify and rich in nutrients.
• Dandelions: Dandelion leaves and roots are edible and can provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Cattails: These plants offer edible shoots, roots, and pollen. The shoots are a great source of carbohydrates, while the pollen can be used as a protein-rich supplement.

Insects:

Insects are a reliable source of protein in the wild. Some safe-to-eat insects include:

• Grasshoppers: These insects are plentiful in many wilderness regions and can be roasted for a crunchy, protein-packed snack.
• Ants: Ants can be collected and consumed for their protein content.
• Earthworms: These are a good source of protein and can be found in moist soil.
  • Note: I would have to be at a very low point in my survival to resort to insect consumption. (I imagine Simba in the Lion King when he moves away from Pride Rock – “slimy yet satisying”). However, I do appreciate knowing that it is technically safe to do should I ever find myself in a situation where foraging to save my life was necessary!

Fishing:

If you have access to a water source, fishing can provide a consistent food source. Techniques to catch fish include:

• Improvised Fishing Gear: Craft a fishing pole using a long, flexible branch, fishing line, and hooks made from thorns or bone.
• Traps: Construct fish traps using rocks to create a barrier, forcing fish into a confined area for easy catching.
• Consider putting basic supplies in your emergency kit or pack: fishing line and a hook.
  • Do not forget to pack your patience!

Small Game Hunting:

Hunting small game animals is a valuable survival skill. Common animals to hunt include:

• Squirrels: Use a sling or improvised bow and arrow for hunting squirrels (or rabbits).
• Birds: Birds can be snared using simple traps or hunted with a slingshot.

Trapping:

Setting traps can provide a passive way to secure food. Examples include:

• Deadfall Traps: These are heavy objects that crush the prey when triggered (ex: bumping the stick and the rock pile falls)
• Snare Traps: Create snares with loops of cordage to catch animals as they pass through. (My son and his friend did this with a rope over a gopher hole in our campsite this past year, and I kid you not, it actually worked!)
• Pitfall Traps: Dig a hole and cover with foliage. The concept is the animal would fall into the hole.

Water Purification:

• Always purify water before consuming it to prevent waterborne illnesses:
  • Boil water for at least 5 minutes to kill harmful microorganisms.
  • Use water purification tablets or drops to chemically treat the water.
  • Carry a LifeStraw or an XStream Straw 

Cooking:

Should you find yourself in the wilderness by choice, cooking food with a JetBoil or Kelly Kettle are excellent food sources. Be sure to have matches (and other applicable camping gear, like a knife) to more easily cook. Also, consider premade meal pouches and bars or snacks to avoid the need to forage for those bugs and other food sources.

In a wilderness survival scenario, knowing how to source food is important for your well-being. Remember to always be cautious when foraging and hunting, as misidentification or improper preparation can lead to illness. Consider reading books on food sources in your area, plant identification books, or other resources to educate yourself. With practice and knowledge, you can become proficient in sourcing food in the wild and increase your chances of surviving in challenging situations.