My people used to own a couple of cottages on the very top of a Welsh hill, where the risk of being snowed-in in winter was quite serious. Snow could drift so high against the doors, that it was impossible to leave. People who lived in the area were advised to keep about 2 weeks worth of food in their houses.
Last winter we experienced something similar here when the roads were so iced-up that, even if one's car would start (the Compact Royce wouldn't), it was impossible to drive.
A couple of months back, Lady Magnon suggested we prepare a survival kit list, just in case this winter should be similar to last. I don't think there's anything exceptional on the list; flour to make (soda) bread, plenty of pasta and potatoes, and a couple of chickens in the freezer.
Of course we already have quite a stock of home bottled, tomato based, conserves, and there are always several large tins of 'confit de canard', and small ones of paté, in the cupboard. Also, if we could make it as far as Haddock's, there are fresh vegetables too (as well as plenty in storage).
Above is the actual list we drew-up a couple of months back. The 'Tins Veg/Fish' refers to tinned peas and tuna in olive oil, without which I can barely survive.
Any further suggestions for the list would be welcome; and, by the way, I have since added 'industrial pack of bog paper'.
Any further suggestions for the list would be welcome; and, by the way, I have since added 'industrial pack of bog paper'.
we are advised to purchase bottled water for emergencies. Also, I love sardines, so I would have several tins of those around, with crackers.
ReplyDeleteNow, I also adore peanut butter, and would have that on hand as well. Nourishing and filling on some fresh baked bread with jam.
What about dried fruit?
All noted, and added. I, too, love tinned sardines.
DeleteI always have Long Life Milk in the cupboard in case the electricity goes off as it did in the floods a few years ago and there's no refrigeration though I guess in your circumstances it would not be a problem like it is here.
ReplyDeleteNo floods here, but plenty of power cuts. I've just checked our milk (UHT), it's good till Jan 2013.
DeleteNy main concern would be cooking facilities as we are all electric in our village and frequently lose power during the winter. So gas bottles would be on my list plus torch batteries and candles. We could survive on stuff from the freezer as long as we still had power.
ReplyDeleteWe have a mixed cooker; Bottled Gas hob, Electric oven. And we also have a wonderful wood fired range cooker.
DeleteI dread everything in the freezer melting!
As a loving couple you should perhaps also decide in advance who will eat whom should the seige last beyond your standard emergency supplies. It save argument and regrets later.
ReplyDeletep.s. Add a reel of thin wire to the list (to make traps for squirrels and rats, or to stretch across the nearest road to catch Dispatch Riders).
wot no chocolate?
ReplyDeleteCoffee? I can't function without coffee . . . I presume you have a cellar full of wine?
ReplyDeleteCertain things are taken for granted.
DeleteI agree entirely.
DeleteWhen I saw the absence of wine on your list, I was concerned. How could Cro miss that, I thought. I was relieved to see that vino was a staple that needed no reminder.
ReplyDeleteWine, bottled water, powdered milk, batteries, chocolate...I know you have wood so you can cook on your fire or your barbque....flashlights, crank radio. Did I mention chocolate?
ReplyDeleteA pile of good books.
ReplyDeleteCoffee and chocolate were my first thoughts, but others beat me to the punch. Sounds like you're prepared to weather any storm!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good list, Cro. Power going off changes lost of things for us. We have a good supply of oil lamps, propane for the grill, as our stove is completely electric, as well as our heat in the house. We have gas logs for heat. Our folks north of us hopefully are prepared for storm Sandy heading their way. It is always good to be prepared. My kids always comment on the amount of food in our pantry (when they visit.) And yes, wine.
ReplyDeleteIn no particular order: marmite, brandy and baby wipes!
ReplyDeleteI think everything has been covered and I know you have Gentleman's Relish.
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no recollection of going to Kew Gardens with you - when on earth would that have been?
Well, I was about 4; and my main recollection of the whole day was seeing White Peacocks.
DeleteI could not survive for more than a few days without some fruit - tinned fruit if no fresh fruit available - and vegetables. A couple of kg of spuds, some dehydrated peas, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso don't forget plain flour, baking powder and castor sugar to make biscuits or chuck in in a can o lemonade to make scones!
Thanks everyone, I have 'cherry-picked' amongst your suggestions, and they've been added to the list.
ReplyDeleteI'd include a few more pulses and beans to the list: oats, lentils, peas, quinoa, millet, beans of all sizes and shapes, dried as well as tinned.
ReplyDeleteWe get a fair amount of snow here, so heading into winter, i like to have a stocked pantry on hand. Also helpful with Hurricane Sandy.
My only suggestion would be an entirely selfish one but you seem to have forgotten to pack tinned kippers and I would die a miserable death without a nice bottle of single malt Scotch.
ReplyDelete