Shelf Stable Table
I include shelf stable milks for a couple of reasons. They are great for a quick cereal breakfast or snack, can be added to oats and left to soak for a quicker overnight oat, or sometimes you may want something other than water to drink. Especially if you have any chocolatey protein or granola bars stocked away, then you may really prefer a small glass of milk. You can use almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, flax milk, vegan milk, and so many others. Purchasing in smaller containers, like Horizon’s organic chocolate milk boxes. Remember, shelf stable milks should be stored in the fridge after opening and not left out for more than 2 hours. With all the benefits of these various shelf stable milks, there should definitely be room in your pantry for one of them.
When I say grains, I understand that many people have allergies to grains. This is why it’s important to point out varieties that are wheat free. Seek out barley, oat, quinoa, corn and rye. I have been very addicted to whole grain rice cakes lately, but their corn counterparts are also very tasty. There are many cereals that include different grains available on the market, like quinoa and oats, and like I previously stated, cereal is a great quick food. With brown rice or wild rice, you would need a way to cook them. If you have gas, you’re golden, if not, it’s a good idea to keep some sterno cans in your emergency preparedness kit.
Canned and dried beans and lentils. Canned beans are truly the best because they can be safely eaten without being cooked or heated up. Though the thought of this may not seem appealing, once rinsed and mixed with a few key seasonings, they can be truly yum. I love chickpeas. Add a little salt or a dash of pink sea salt and they are delicious, as well as an extremely nutritious snack or protein in a meal. Dried chickpeas come in a variety of flavor additions nowadays, and hold up very well. Lentils are another that will require some boiling water, but this is when we turn to the trusty sterno! They can last on the shelf for 2 to 3 years, which is crazy but very useful.
by Catie Zimmerman