Taco Seasoning Mix

1 tablespoon instant masa harina
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder - I am partial to Knorr powdered chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon chili powder (unseasoned)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground oregano
Makes enought seasoning for 1 lb ground beef.   Cook ground beef and drain.  Add seasoning and 3/4 cup water or 1 can of diced tomatoes. 

Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Onion Soup Mix
8 teaspoons dried onion flakes(church distribution has great dried onions)
4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon turmeric(optional)
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions:
Mix ingredients well. Cut a 6-inch square of heavy duty foil. Place all ingredients in center of foil. Fold foil to make an airtight package. Label with date and contents. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.

Well Stocked Pantry - Seasonings

With gas prices rising, it is provident that we have a well stocked pantry to reduce our trips to the grocery store.  So what does the well stocked pantry have in it?  This month we will be adding to our pantry.  Do not store spices on the counter in sunlight in a spice rack or carousel.  Store in a cool dark place away from the heat and moisture of the stove and dishwasher.  If your kitchen is stocked with these seasonings, you can make most mixes that you would normally purchase pre-made resulting in significant savings.  When you have these on hand, you are more likely to cook "from scratch" using your food storage. 

Seasonings
Bouillon granules/cubes (beef, chicken)
Liquid Smoke
Kitchen Bouquet(browning sauce)
Tabasco Sauce
Onion soup mix(recipe to follow)
Season salt(recipe to follow)
Soy sauce
Taco Seasoning (recipe to follow)
Vinegar(balsamic, cider, red wine and white)
Worcestershire sauce
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder/Granules
Peppercorns(buy a pepper mill, fresh milled tastes so much better)
Chili Powder
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Rosemary
Basil - grow your own in a south facing window.  The more you cut the faster it grows.
Sage
Tyme
Paprika
Parsley
Chives

Noah Project - Month 11 - Canned Meats and Stews - Hyperlinks

There are many great youtube videos showing how to can meats.  Below you will find some links that will be helpful.

Canning Hamburger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrJpNEvaigU

Canning Chicken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fINnsFJGyKU

Noah Project - Month 11 - Canned Meats and Stews - Recipe

Below you will find my favorite uses for canned chicken.  The Kirkland Brand from Costco has much better flavor than the Sams Club Brand but both are acceptable.  Makes about 4 good size sandwiches or salads.

1 can chicken, 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash no salt seasoning, 10-15 red grapes sliced in half, 1 stalk celery. 3 tablespoons mayo or Mircle Whip,  Chill

1 can chicken shredded, 1/4 cup favorite barb-b-que sauce, 1 stalk green onion sliced thin, mound on hamburger buns with shredded cheese and put in broiler or toaster oven, toast until bubbling.

1 can chicken, 1 can pineapple chunks drained, reserve liquid,  In small pot add pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon corn starch, 3 tablespoons soy or teriaki sauces, 1/2 cup water.  Bring to boil until thickened.  Add chicken and pineapple chunks.  Add steamed broccoli and serve over chinese noodles or rice.

Noah Project - Month 11 - Canned Meats and Stews - Canning FACTS

Choose fresh, chilled meat. With venison, add one part high-quality pork fat to three or four parts venison before grinding. Use freshly made sausage, seasoned with salt and cayenne pepper (sage may cause a bitter off-flavor). Shape chopped meat into patties or balls or cut cased sausage into 3- to 4-inch links. Cook until lightly browned. Ground meat may be sauteed without shaping. Remove excess fat. Fill jars with pieces. Add boiling meat broth, tomato juice, or water, leaving 1-inch headspace. Add 2 teaspoons of salt per quart to the jars, if desired.
Adjust lids and process following the recommendations in Table 1 and Table 2 according to the canning method used.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Ground or Chopped Meat in a dial-gauge pressure canner.
			Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Style of Pack	Jar Size	Process Time	0 - 2,000 ft	2,001 - 4,000 ft	4,001 - 6,000 ft	6,001 - 8,000 ft
Hot	Pints	75 min	11 lb	12 lb	13 lb	14 lb
	Quarts	90	11	12	13	14

Table 2. Recommended process time for Ground or Chopped Meat in a weighted-gauge pressure canner.
			Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Style of Pack	Jar Size	Process Time	0 - 1,000 ft	Above 1,000 ft
Hot	Pints	75 min	10 lb	15 lb
	Quarts	90	10	15

---

This document was adapted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2009.

Reviewed November 2009.

Noah Project - Month 11 - Canned Meats and Stews - Challenge

There is no person who knows the real purpose for which this welfare program is being instituted but hardly before sufficient preparation has been made the real purpose will be revealed and when that time comes it will challenge every resouce of the chuch to meet it. Harold B. Lee

Your challenge is to procure a canning pressure cooker for canning meats and vegetables low in acid.  Costs range from $65.00 to $200.00.