The Plan:
Day 1: Butternut squash soup, Crusty bread
Day 2: Gluten free meatballs with pasta sauce, Balsamic roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts
Day 3: Homemade pumpkin-shaped pizza
Day 4: Grandma’s “Ghoul”ash, Halloween pumpkin pie (make a double crust and save half for quiche)
Day 5: Chopped salad with quinoa, sweet potatoes, and apples
Day 6: Broccoli, pepper, and leek Quiche
Day 7: Baked pork chops, Roasted delicata squash
Pantry Shuffle:
Out of Storage:
- Meat from Mastadon Valley Farm: ground beef, ground pork, pork chops
Into Storage:
- Meatballs: I am quadrupling my recipe. For best storage, freeze on cookie sheets in a single layer with no meatballs touching each other. Once frozen, move to a zip top bag. We use these to grab for snacks, lunches, and other quick meals.
- Squash: Needs to be cured, which means sitting in a warm place for 10-14 days. Can then be moved to a 50-55 degree F location for 3-6 months depending on the type of squash. An unheated storage room in a basement works well. Butternut, buttercup, and hubbard last longer. Acorn, spaghetti, pumpkin, and delicata will only last 2-3 months.
- Potatoes: Store in a cool (~50 degrees), dark place, away from apples and onions. They can store about 6 months this way. Similar to squash, an unheated corner of the basement works. If you don’t have a basement, try putting in a crate or box in an unheated garage. This won’t working if temps drop below freezing in the garage.
- Apples: last batch of local apples going into my “root cellar” (extra refrigerator). They store best in plastic bags with a few small holes (yes, I know – plastic 🙁 Reuse those bags over and over!). Keep at a temp of 35-40 degrees F. Make sure they don’t freeze or they will not be edible. Separate them from your other produce to avoid the ethylene gas they give off from overripening other storage produce.
- Yellow Onions: These will be kept in my spare refrigerator at a temp of 35-40 degrees F. I put them in paper bags that will absorb any excess moisture so that they don’t mold. If stored properly, they will keep 6 months or even longer!
Notes: Supply Chain
You may have heard warnings lately to start your Christmas shopping early due to disruptions in the supply chain. It’s all over the news that there is a back-up of shipping containers coming across the ocean and shortages of practically all goods are predicted in the near future. Consumers and retailers are freaking out, creating a mad dash to Amazon and big-box stores to stock up on stuff. The President is even considering sending in the National Guard to help with container unloading!
I have to say that I have had the exact opposite reaction. I know this may not be a popular opinion, but I think the global supply chain disruptions create the perfect time to dial back on our out of control consumption. This is the time to ask yourself if you really need or want something before you push that buy button.
As a start you can check out my latest blog post on Eco-Friendly Halloween Handouts (I would be so grateful if you would share with your friends too!) Then, when you are shopping for the upcoming holidays, rethink your strategy.
First of all, let’s see if we can all cut back on what we are buying. I have made a point to limit Christmas gifts for my kids to a book and one other item they desire, usually secondhand.
Second, support local shops with local goods. It feels so good to contribute to your community and often even your own neighbors!
Third, dive into the secondhand market (garage sales, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Buy nothing groups, consignment shops, Goodwill/St. Vinny’s, etc). We have found some pretty great used purchases for our kids over the years, including a super deal on a Calico Critters Toy House, American Girl dolls, and an almost new snowboard.
Finally, consider homemade gifts. Baked goods, a jar of strawberry jam, cards made from repurposed material, a handknitted scarf – your options are limitless.
If you are looking for more strategies to cut back on consumption, check out these suggestions from the 90 Day Plastic Challenge:
Day 76: Host a “No-Gift Birthday Party”
Day 79: Avoid the Target Effect
Day 81: Become a Garage Sale Pro
Day 86: Focus on Being Instead of Having
