October 2010 Challenge

If there is a real disaster or emergency you cannot count on cell phones or land lines for your primary way of communication. About 2 years ago there was an earthquake that shook the Southern California area pretty well. Instantly the cell phone companies received an overload of calls and it completely shut down all phone lines for hours. You could have the same problem with land lines.

In case of an emergency, our family needs to have and know a plan. Make sure everyone, especially the kids, know what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Our challenge this month is:

1. Review Family and Neighborhood Communication and Emergency Plan
2. Invest in a GOOD set of walkie talkies and check the batteries to make sure they work (check periodically)
3. Try the new food storage recipe - Microwave Carmel Corn

Food Storage Recipe:

Microwave Caramel Corn

Ingredients:

4 quarts hot air popped or Stove Top Method (see below) popped popcorn

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup butter

¼ cup honey

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Combine sugar, butter, honey and salt in 2 quart microwavable bowl. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes until boiling. Remove from microwave and stir in baking soda. Put popped corn in a large brown paper grocery bag and pour hot syrup mixture over the popped corn. Close bag and shake vigorously. Cook in bag on high power for 1-2 minutes. Remove and shake bag vigorously again. Cook in bag for another 1-2 minutes on high power. Remove and shake bag vigorously again. May need 1-2 more minutes depending on individual microwave. Pour onto a cookie sheet to cool. When cool, about 5 minutes, break apart and store in any airtight bag or container.

Alternate Stove Top Method for popping corn:

• Heat ¼ cup cooking oil and 1/3 cup popcorn (enough to cover bottom of pan no more than 1 kernel deep) into heavy, 3 quart or larger pan with a lid.
• Cover pan and shake over medium high heat, allowing steam to escape while popping.
• Remove pan from heat when popping has stopped.
• Season to taste or leave plain for above recipe.

Popcorn kernels have a shelf life of about 5 years.