Eliminating the Grocery Store Challenge - Day 6: Ahh, the Luxury of Convenience

I think that one of the hooks that grocery stores, and restaurants for that matter, have in us is the desire for convenience foods. We all live insanely busy lives and unbelievably, our families still expect to eat three times a day. It's crazy; I know. So, how can we have good, healthy convenient food while eliminating the grocery store?

Actually, it was a lot easier than one would think. There are a few tools that you need to make it work. For starters, a good dehydrator. Preferably one with multiple shelves. Thus far, I really love my Nesco/American Harvester dehydrator with the extra shelves and screens. I dehydrate celery, carrots, potatoes, peppers, spinach, zucchini, corn, peas, beans, and so much more. These dehydrated foods are essential for preparing personalized convenient foods.

Second, you really do need a good vacuum sealing type of system. I use the 2-in-1 sealer from FoodSaver. So far, it has been doing the job.

Third, I would suggest getting some good books with a subject of Meals and Jars. Once you have these, and of course, a bunch of empty jars, you are set to go.

I spent about two hours assembling my convenience foods. Now, mind you, I was doing this while simultaneously monitoring my kids doing school work, so there was quite a bit of back-and-forth going on. However, after it was all said and done, I prepared 20 meals in less than 2 hours. What did I make?

I assembled four jars for each recipe:

• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken 'N Rice Soup
• Potato Soup
• Beef, Lentils and Rice Soup
• Beef, Lentils and Pasta Soup

Now, each of these does require a few additional ingredients to finalize the meal. The beef soups need a can of diced tomatoes as well as some of my home-canned beef. The chicken recipes need canned chicken and the potato soup requires some milk. If I don't have canned meat readily available, I can always cook up some fresh, too. Part of my plan for eliminating the grocery store is to continue canning meats like beef and chicken. While I have not done so in the past, I can also preserve my own diced tomatoes too, instead of using the store canned version.

Next, I need to determine a way to make and save homemade frozen pizzas. What are some of the convenience foods that your family is pretty dependent upon? Be sure to stay tuned.

Be blessed.