What preps are you doing this week? part 2.

[Wales1]

Space is a problem (When does keeping things for 'Just in case' become hoarding?) I have a small 'coal' shed in which to store all my tools & preps, plus the washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer all live in there. So today there will be a few runs to the tip.
I've almost completed my CB radio go box. Pics will follow when its done.

[Scousebob]

Space is a problem (When does keeping things for 'Just in case' become hoarding?) I have a small 'coal' shed in which to store all my tools & preps, plus the washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer all live in there. So today there will be a few runs to the tip.
I've almost completed my CB radio go box. Pics will follow when its done.

Same here, shed has the dryer and an additional freezer, but little space for preps. We are currently having a massive clear out in the house too. I was in the attic yesterday lowering down years worth of boxes of rubbish that all went to the dump. Also hoping to clear various tat from under beds too so I can start storing plastic containers for tinned food.

[Chairmouse]

I joined this community, and have been trawling the threads and making list of the items which seam most sensible to me for preps. Have also started stocking up with water, have 30ltr of water in 2ltr bottles already, had no idea I cranks so much Pepsi,lol

[fapplan]

I finally did my first prep food shop. It's nothing particularly exciting but it does include enough water, food and sanitary items to keep myself and my partner in relative comfort for a few days.

I've always had a few extra bits in the cupboard but I carefully planned this food shop specifically for "just in case". I now feel more organised because I have a solid foundation to build on.

I must admit that I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all but it's amazing what a few bottles of water, tins of food and some toilet roll can do!

[Decaff]

I finally did my first prep food shop. It's nothing particularly exciting but it does include enough water, food and sanitary items to keep myself and my partner in relative comfort for a few days.

I've always had a few extra bits in the cupboard but I carefully planned this food shop specifically for "just in case". I now feel more organised because I have a solid foundation to build on.

I must admit that I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all but it's amazing what a few bottles of water, tins of food and some toilet roll can do!

Good stuff! Nothing beats the peace of mind having food etc stored away just in case. I find I sleep much better knowing its all there waiting should I need it. One step at a time is the best way and if you see a bargain and know you will use it - stash it! It's coming up to the time of year when pectin is plentiful in the supermarkets, a few weeks later they slash the prices to get rid of it, I'm using my stash from last year and will restock when the price drops at the end of summer.

[Chairmouse]

I've received three spare bow strings, 100mtr spool of Dacron, 1lb of string wax, 100 arrow piles, and will be getting several lengths of ceder dowels at the weekend, should keep my bow and crossbow going for a while.

[Deeps]

I've bought the gear to make jam, we've got a load of rasps and strawbs so at the moment I've got all the gear and no idea although Mrs Deeps has done it before and I've been getting loads of advice from a couple of neighbours. Everyone seems surprised that 'little old me' fancies a crack at jam making, I suppose I can understand that, I probably don't seem the type.

I'll post my results, I'm planning on making a batch of raspberry jam tomorrow night, its my favourite and more importantly I've been told its easier as theirs plenty of pectin in the berries.

Forgot to say, made raspberry the other night and it was pretty good although I say it myself. Last night tried strawberry, not quite so successful, it was a bit on the solid side, I suppose I can use it as some kind of weapon. I'll give it another go, we've got some more strawbs. A skill learned and all that.

[Brambles]

Sounds like you overcooked it, Deeps. Best recommendation: get a sugar thermometer, it takes all the guesswork out until you have the 'eye' for knowing when the setting point is reached. You could also use Certo (commercial pectin) or some lemon juice to aid setting.
Don't forget to remove the jam from the heat whilst testing it for setting, watch the jam carfully and you will soon get to know by how it boils that it is nearly ready, it goes from a fast liquid boil to a more viscous slow boil as the liquid evaporates off and the chemistry of the jam changes. Have a saucer in the fridge ready for the crinkle test. I don't make much jam these days, but I still make loads of Marmalade.
Keep at it, it's a great hobby and is one of those things that provides a *smug* moment when you open the cupboard and see the fruits of your labours.

[Decaff]

Sounds like you overcooked it, Deeps. Best recommendation: get a sugar thermometer, it takes all the guesswork out until you have the 'eye' for knowing when the setting point is reached. You could also use Certo (commercial pectin) or some lemon juice to aid setting.
Don't forget to remove the jam from the heat whilst testing it for setting, watch the jam carfully and you will soon get to know by how it boils that it is nearly ready, it goes from a fast liquid boil to a more viscous slow boil as the liquid evaporates off and the chemistry of the jam changes. Have a saucer in the fridge ready for the crinkle test. I don't make much jam these days, but I still make loads of Marmalade.
Keep at it, it's a great hobby and is one of those things that provides a *smug* moment when you open the cupboard and see the fruits of your labours.

+1 keep at it Deeps, make jam tarts with the thick jam

[Deeps]

Thanks for the advice, I've got a jam thermometer, I think this was part of the problem, I was obsessed with getting the temp to 105 and it took an age to get up there, I think that might have been the problem. First go at the strawberries though, the jam tarts advice is good, one of my dog walking pals suggested something similar this morning too.

I'll stick with it and once I've got it weighed off I think I'll have a crack at chutney's and the like. Thanks again for the steerage.