You have probably felt the pressure already when pulling into a gas station and seeing the numbers higher than they were just weeks ago. Much of that jump is tied to the growing war with Iran, which has disrupted oil production and shipping routes in the Middle East. Gas prices in the United States have […]
The post Gas Prices Are Just the Beginning! Here’s What’s Skyrocketing Next appeared first on Ask a Prepper.
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
We all have those one or two recipes from grandma that have been passed down for generations, and they bring back so many memories of family fun around the table. However, what about old-school recipes that have been forgotten?
While the depression greatly affected how people fed their families, we can’t overlook the imagination and tenacity of past generations. Many of these recipes are easy on the budget, which makes them a great choice to add to modern tables, given the recent rise in inflation at the grocery store.
These old-school recipes may sound odd, but they are quite delicious! Consider trying one of these vintage recipes out, and you may even add one to your regular meal rotation.
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Vintage recipes were designed to be hearty and feed a crowd. Families often had a lot more kids in the house than we do these days, making it even more important to satisfy bellies and stretch the budget.
This is something my mom used to make on a regular basis, so when I grew up, I was surprised to learn that my wife and pretty much anyone I talked to had either never heard of it or never tried it.
Beef stroganoff features strips of beef cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. It's often served over egg noodles, but I prefer white rice. The following recipe comes from Betty Crocker.
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While you may get mega Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibes with this recipe, it was a staple for many homes for a good reason. Cabbage soup takes a cheap and easy-to-find vegetable and turns it into something that could fill you up.
Even if the main part of the soup consisted of hot water, many families relied on soup to help fill up bellies, and they could be stretched to accommodate guests or random neighborhood kids by just adding a bit more water to the pot.
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For me, this comforting dish brings back memories of family dinners and school cafeterias. Chicken à la King is a blend of diced chicken, peas, and bell peppers enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s traditionally served over rice, toast, or puff pastry shells.
The origins of Chicken à la King are somewhat disputed, with multiple chefs and restaurants claiming to have created it in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, it became a household staple, especially during the mid-20th century. Its simplicity and the ability to use leftover chicken made it a favorite among busy home cooks looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal.
The following recipe is from the April, 1916 edition of American Cookery (Boston Cooking School Magazine).
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Canned tuna is often an overlooked protein that is relatively cheap. Tuna noodle casserole is an old-school dish that could feed an army and was still tasty. It includes the classic casserole mixture of protein, noodles, vegetables, and creamy sauce.
You can substitute cornflakes for the bread crumbs and add in other veggies that your family prefers. Easily double this recipe if feeding more than four people. Bring back this old-school recipe this week!
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Classic old-school recipes included side dishes that were quick and easy to make. Both of these recipes could be seen on any table a century ago as a way to round out a meal. Just chop and chill for a classic dish that no one seems to make anymore.
Another old-school side dish that includes fruit and cream is the ambrosia salad. While you can find people making fruit salad these days, ambrosia salad takes it one step further by adding marshmallows.
Really, this salad could be considered dessert with how sweet it is. As with any of these classic recipes, home cooks were known for making their own versions, so use what you have on hand and be very creative with this one!
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Three Bean Salad is a classic dish often found at American cookouts and family gatherings in the mid-twentieth century. While some people still make it, you don't see it much anymore, which is a shame.
The salad combines green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans, creating a delicious mix of tastes and textures. The beans are marinated in a tangy dressing made from vinegar, oil, sugar, and sometimes, a hint of onion and spices. The following recipe is from My Homemade Roots.
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Said to originate from a fancy hotel in New York City, the Waldorf salad really isn’t fussy or fancy at all. This simple combination of fruits and vegetables makes it a great addition to any table at any time of the year.
The key to making a great Waldorf salad is to chop all of the ingredients into the same bite-sized pieces. There are many variations of this old-school dish, so mix and match to your heart’s content!
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While some Americans have dessert with almost every meal, a dessert a century ago usually appeared after dinner. Sugar was sometimes expensive and hard to come by, so many home cooks used what they had on hand to make it work.
Another old-school dessert includes more ingredients that you probably already have in the cupboard. Bananas foster is easy to make and is a sweet mixture of fruit, rum, and ice cream, making it a real treat!
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Many home chefs made their own bread every day to serve to the family, and sometimes there was some bread left over. Bread pudding is a great dish that uses this old bread for a sweet treat.
It doesn’t require any kind of special ingredient and is a warm dessert, making it satisfy stomachs at the end of a hard day. Try making this dessert tonight!
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This delicious dessert that has been charming diners since the early 20th century. It's is known for its signature top layer of caramelized pineapples with a cherry in the center of each ring, all set beautifully against a golden brown cake.
The process involves arranging the pineapples and cherries at the bottom of a cake pan, then pouring the batter over them. Upon baking, the cake is flipped upside down to reveal the artfully caramelized fruit topping.
It peaked on popularity about 100 years ago, but it's been making a comeback recently. Try it out at your next family gathering. The following recipe comes from Taste of Home.
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These old-school recipes may not be modern dishes, but they did the job of filling up bellies and satisfying the taste buds of our grandparents a century ago. Step back in time and consider making one main dish, side dish, and dessert for your crew this week as an ode to the good old days.
No matter what you choose, you’ll get a different mix of flavors, and a meal that is light on the budget since most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen.
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Originally published on Homestead Survival Site.
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The post 10 Old School Recipes Nobody Makes Anymore appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
If we have a war, stock these cleaning products now! When disaster looms or global tensions rise, most people think about food, water, and first aid. But experienced preppers and emergency planners know that sanitation is just as critical to survival and family health. Dirty living conditions breed illness, and illness in a crisis can be far more dangerous than the crisis itself.
Whether you’re building a bunker supply, filling a storage room, or simply thinking ahead for your family, stocking the right cleaning products now can make an enormous difference later. Here is a breakdown of essential cleaning supplies to prioritize before things get tough.
When I grew up living with my grandmother after my parents divorced, my grandmother had a canister vacuum that we poured some “Pine-Sol” into a container, and when you vacuumed the whole house would smell like it. I loved it! Well, here’s the deal: a week after we were married, Mark left for basic training in California at Ft Ord. Shortly after his basic training was completed, he mentioned he wished I would use a cleaner other than Pine-Sol when cleaning the house. I think it reminded him of cleaning the latrines; he doesn’t remember the story. But I do. I never used it again. LOL!
Unscented bleach is arguably the single most important cleaning product you can stockpile. It disinfects surfaces, purifies water in an emergency, sanitizes food preparation areas, and kills a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The unscented variety is preferred because it contains no additives that could interfere with water purification or cause respiratory issues in enclosed spaces.
Standard household bleach has a shelf life of around 6 to 12 months, so rotate your supply regularly and store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. A little goes a long way when diluted correctly, making it one of the most cost-effective items on this list. I understand some people won’t use bleach. Well, listen up, unless you’ve cleaned a home after a disaster or flood, you need bleach to effectively clean. Lots of bleach and lots of gloves.
Bleach: Everything You Need to Know
In a prolonged emergency, commercial laundry detergent may run out or become unavailable. Knowing how to make your own laundry soap and keeping the ingredients on hand is a skill and a supply strategy that can serve your family for months or years. The basic recipe typically calls for washing soda, borax, and a bar of soap such as Fels-Naptha or castile soap.
These ingredients can be stored virtually indefinitely when kept dry, making them ideal for long-term stockpiling. Homemade laundry soap cleans effectively, is gentle on sensitive skin, and can be made in large batches inexpensively. Learning to make it before you need it is the smart move.
Laundry Detergent Supplies and Glass Jar
White distilled vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaning agents available, and it’s been used in homes for decades. It cuts through grease, removes mineral deposits, deodorizes, and has mild disinfecting properties against some bacteria. In wartime or crisis scenarios, vinegar becomes especially valuable because it’s non-toxic, safe around children and pets, and can serve a dual purpose in food preservation and cooking.
A gallon jug takes up minimal space and costs very little. Stock several gallons and store them in a dark, room-temperature location. Vinegar doesn’t expire, which makes it one of the easiest long-term storage wins on this list. Regular White Vinegar 5%, and Special Cleaning Vinegar
Not all dish soaps are created equal, and Dawn Platinum stands apart for its degreasing power and versatility. Beyond washing dishes, Dawn can be used to clean tools, remove grease from clothing, wash produce, and even help in pest control around the home.
Wildlife rescue organizations famously rely on it to clean oil-soaked animals, underscoring its effectiveness at cutting through heavy grime without harsh chemicals. Dawn Platinum is concentrated, so a single bottle goes further than most competitors. Stock a few large bottles in your supply, and you’ll have a workhorse product that earns its shelf space many times over. If you have a casserole dish with baked-on food, try this gem; it’s magical. Dawn Platinum Dish Soap
Dr. Bronner’s is a legendary multi-purpose soap that can replace an entire cabinet of products in a survival situation. It works as a hand soap, body wash, shampoo, dish soap, laundry soap, and even a household cleaner when diluted appropriately. The pure castile formula is biodegradable, concentrated, and made with simple ingredients, making it gentler on the environment and your family.
A single large bottle of Dr. Bronner’s can be diluted and used for dozens of applications, making it one of the most space-efficient items to store. The unscented Baby version is a good choice for families with young children or sensitive skin. Just so you know, I love natural cleaners; some work, some don’t. I think it’s a personal thing. I still like my favorite commercial cleaners, so buy your favorites that you know work. Dr. Bronner’s Soap
When you need to scrub down hard surfaces quickly and effectively, Mr. Clean delivers reliable results. This multi-surface cleaner tackles floors, countertops, walls, and appliances without leaving behind heavy residue. In a crisis where maintaining clean living quarters is essential for preventing the spread of germs and illness, having a dedicated heavy-duty cleaner is important. Mr. Clean is also available in concentrated form, which significantly extends your supply. Store several bottles among your emergency supplies and rest easy knowing your home surfaces can stay sanitary even under difficult conditions. Mr. Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner
Clean windows and glass surfaces may seem like a cosmetic concern, but in a crisis setting, they serve a practical purpose. Smeared or dirty windows reduce visibility, which matters whether you’re monitoring your surroundings or simply letting in natural light during a power outage. A good window cleaner also works well on mirrors, glass food storage containers, and vehicle windshields.
Stock at least a few bottles of your preferred brand, or make your own by mixing water, white vinegar, and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Either way, this is an inexpensive item that pulls its weight in a well-rounded cleaning supply kit. I LOVE clean windows, there I said it. I used to have them cleaned monthly in Southern Utah; now we do them ourselves. So we’re lucky if it’s once a year. Window Cleaner
Clorox disinfecting wipes are a convenience item that becomes a necessity in a prolonged emergency. When water is scarce, or plumbing is compromised, these wipes let you quickly disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures without a bucket, mop, or running water.
They are individually moistened and ready to use straight out of the canister, which is a significant advantage when speed or simplicity matters. Keep multiple canisters on hand and rotate them, since they have a shelf life of around 2 years. Their portability also makes them useful in vehicles or in situations where you may need to move quickly.
Don Aslett built a career around professional cleaning science, and his toilet cleaning line reflects that expertise. His products are designed to be tough on stains, mineral deposits, and bacteria, yet straightforward to use without professional training. In a survival scenario where waterborne illness is a genuine concern, keeping toilets and bathroom surfaces clean is not a luxury but a public health necessity.
Don Aslett’s formulas are effective even with minimal scrubbing, which matters when energy and water may both be in short supply. If you’re not already familiar with his product line, it’s worth looking into as you build out your emergency cleaning kit. This may seem weird, but Sunday is my bathroom cleaning day. It literally makes me so happy for the week to have clean bathrooms. What’s funny, I only have two bathrooms, and one is a 1/2 bath, so life is easier in this small home.
Toilet hygiene is one of the most overlooked aspects of emergency preparedness, and neglecting it can have serious health consequences. Clorox Clinging Toilet Bowl Cleaner is specifically formulated to stick to the bowl surface rather than run off immediately, giving the disinfecting bleach formula time to work and kill germs effectively.
This clinging action is especially important when water pressure is reduced, and flushing is less forceful. A clean toilet bowl helps prevent the spread of intestinal illness, which can spread rapidly through a household under stress. Stock several bottles and make toilet sanitation a non-negotiable part of your emergency hygiene plan. I confess, I am a clean toilet lover. I have to have clean bathrooms. Clorox Clinging Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Lysol Disinfectant Spray is one of the most effective and fast-acting surface disinfectants available to the average household, and it deserves a dedicated spot in any emergency cleaning stockpile. Unlike wipes or liquid cleaners that require direct contact and scrubbing, Lysol spray can reach into corners, crevices, fabric surfaces, and hard-to-wipe areas that other products simply can’t. It kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses on soft surfaces like mattresses, pillows, couch cushions, and curtains, which is a capability very few other products on this list can match. Lysol Disinfectant Spray
In a wartime or crisis scenario where people are living in close quarters and medical care may be limited or unavailable, controlling the spread of illness through your immediate environment becomes critically important. A single can covers a large area quickly, making it ideal for disinfecting a room after someone has been sick. Stock several cans, store them at room temperature, away from heat sources, and make sure every member of your household knows to use them on both hard and soft surfaces during a health emergency. Just think of the bacteria on TV remotes, light switches, door knobs, you get the idea. It’s not good.
20 Items For Emergency Cleaning Buckets
Building a cleaning supply stockpile isn’t about paranoia. It’s about protecting your family’s health when the systems and supply chains we normally rely on are disrupted. Disease, infection, and illness are historically far more dangerous to civilian populations in wartime than direct conflict, and most of those health threats come down to sanitation. The products on this list are affordable, widely available right now, and proven in real-world use. Start building your supply a little at a time, rotate your stock to keep it fresh, and make sure every adult in your household knows where supplies are kept and how to use them. Preparedness is simply another form of love for your family. May God bless this world, Linda
The post If We Have A War: Stock These Cleaning Products appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Are you a coffee lover with a green thumb? If so, don't waste those coffee grounds. There are actually many ways that coffee grounds can improve your garden and boost your harvest.
Coffee grounds have lots of nitrogen, calcium, potassium, and other minerals that are beneficial to plants. They also help to retain moisture, improve soil structure, and prevent plant diseases.
So, brew another pot of coffee, grab your gardening gloves, and check out these 12 ways to use coffee grounds in the garden.
Coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Add a thin layer of coffee grounds on top of the soil, gently mixing it in.
Coffee grounds improve the soil structure and enhance the retention of water to the roots of the plant. You can use coffee grounds when you're transplanting new plants or apply them weekly to your flowers, vegetables, and fruits. It can help improve their color and overall appearance.
Worms are key factors in soil health. They move through the soil, breaking down organic matter, aerating it, and, most importantly, providing beneficial nutrients. If you want to increase the number of earthworms in your garden, then coffee grounds can come in handy.
Worms are attracted to the organic matter released by the coffee grounds. They will help mix the coffee grounds into the soil, which can prevent soil erosion and improve drainage. As worms burrow through the soil, they create channels that improve airflow, leading to healthier roots for your plants.
Coffee grounds serve as an excellent natural mulch, which helps the soil to retain moisture. Simply sprinkle a layer of coffee grounds over the soil evenly and ensure to keep them away from the stems of the plant to prevent rot and mold.
Be cautious not to add too much coffee as it can lead to an acidic environment that can harm the plant. Coffee grounds' slow decomposition provides a long-lasting source of nutrients that enrich the soil with organic matter and improve the soil's texture as it breaks down.
Did you know that coffee grounds can repel slugs and snails? The caffeine and acidity in coffee grounds impair the mollusks’ senses, making them less likely to crawl over it.
If you want to try them, use coffee grounds in moderation around vulnerable plants and keep an eye on results. You may notice fewer slugs, but it’s still smart to combine this method with hand-picking, traps, or other garden-friendly slug controls
Using coffee grounds in the compost is a great way to add organic matter and nitrogen to the mix. Nitrogen is one of the key nutrients that plants need for healthy growth, and coffee grounds can be an excellent source of it.
Adding coffee grounds to the compost can also help to balance out the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, which is important for the composting process. Just make sure to mix the coffee grounds well with other compost materials, such as leaves and kitchen scraps, to avoid clumping.
Roses and hydrangeas are two popular garden plants that can benefit greatly from the use of coffee grounds. Rose plants, in particular, thrive in soil that is rich in nutrients, and coffee grounds can help to achieve this.
Sprinkling coffee grounds around the base of the plant can provide a slow-release source of nitrogen that will feed the plant over time.
Hydrangeas, on the other hand, will benefit from more acidic soil, which can be achieved by adding coffee grounds to the soil. This will not only help the plant to grow better, but it can also influence the color of the flowers.
Coffee grounds contain compounds that have antifungal properties, which can be helpful in preventing pathogenic fungi from attacking your plants. One way to use coffee grounds for this purpose is to mix them with water to make a spray that can be applied to the leaves of susceptible plants.
Another option is to add coffee grounds directly to the soil, which will create an environment that is less hospitable to fungal growth. This is especially helpful for plants like tomatoes, which are prone to fungal diseases. Just remember, it's not a guaranteed fix and you'll need to use it with other anti-fungal treatments.
Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These nutrients are essential for plant growth. Simply sprinkle some coffee grounds on top of the soil of your potted plants and mix it in with the soil. You can also use diluted coffee to water your plants.
This technique helps to retain and regulate moisture in the soil, which is vital for the healthy growth of the plants.
Weeds can quickly get out of hand in your garden and make it difficult for your plants to grow healthily. But coffee grounds can work wonders in this area, too.
By sprinkling coffee grounds on top of weed-infested areas, you can suppress weed growth because coffee grounds are acidic in nature. Just don't rely on it as your only weed control method.
If you have a vermicomposting bin, then you can put your coffee grounds to good use in this regard, too. Worms feed off of coffee grounds, as it is rich in nutrients. This will subsequently increase worm reproduction and help to maintain a healthy composting bin.
Plus, this will produce nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden for healthy plant growth.
If you have heavy clay soil, coffee grounds can help loosen things up over time when used in small amounts. As they break down, they add organic matter that can improve soil structure, which makes it easier for water, air, and roots to move through the soil.
The key is moderation. Work a thin layer into the top few inches of soil or, better yet, mix the grounds into compost first and then add that compost to the bed. Used this way, coffee grounds can help make dense soil more workable without creating a crust on the surface.
Coffee grounds can also be used on the lawn as a mild, slow-release nitrogen boost. Some gardeners like to scatter a light layer over thin or tired-looking grass, then rake it in so it doesn’t sit in clumps on the surface. Over time, the grounds break down and add organic matter to the soil.
Another bonus is that coffee grounds can attract earthworms, which helps improve the soil under your grass. Just don’t dump on a thick layer, because matted grounds can block water from soaking in properly. A light application works much better than overdoing it.
As you now know, one of the main benefits of coffee grounds is that they are high in nitrogen, a key nutrient that plants need for growth and leafy development. Coffee grounds also contain smaller amounts of other important minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.
However, there are some potential downsides to using coffee grounds in your garden.
First and foremost, coffee grounds are acidic, with a pH of around 6.0. While some plants like acidic soil, others prefer a more neutral or alkaline environment. If your soil is already acidic, adding coffee grounds could further lower the pH and harm your plants.
It's also worth noting that coffee grounds do not contain all the nutrients that plants need, so using them as a sole fertilizer may not be sufficient for optimal growth.
Finally, caffeine – a natural compound found in coffee – can inhibit the growth of certain plants, including tomatoes, and may also prevent seed germination in some cases.
So, what's the verdict? If you're interested in using coffee grounds in your garden, the key is to do so in moderation and with some precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Coffee grounds can be a useful addition to your garden as long as you use them responsibly and in moderation. They can help improve soil structure and provide some important nutrients, but should not be used as a sole fertilizer or around plants that prefer alkaline soil.
Happy gardening (and coffee drinking)!
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