OK, so it's about time for hurricanes, which means no power.

Does anyone know any good references for finding things you can eat when your power's out, after canned tuna and peanut butter get really old? (and you'd be amazed how fast that happens!)

It also means not much in the way of produce; it goes bad really fast even in a cooler, not to mention the heat.

Do you have access to a gas grill?  We always kept extra propane tanks around for hurricane season when we lived in the south and would grill food.  We made casseroles and such out of canned chicken & tuna, also lasagna worked pretty well, using the no boil noodles.....all on the grill. 

Good luck & here's hoping you don't need these ideas this season!  :)

I just wishlisted this book today:  Apocalypse Chow-How to Eat Well When the Power Goes Out.  I am really hoping we have an slow hurricane season!!!  Where are you guys from?  I am in Miami : )

Roxanne

to COOK:    propane camping stove (use outside)

solar oven - you can build one out of cardboard - lots of designs online. 'course you do need the sun for it to work.

stock up on sterno fuel - you can buy little stoves that go over them at Wal-Mart.  you can make one from a coffee  or tuna can also.  http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/stoveoven.htm and at http://wings.interfree.it/html/hobostv.html

as far as what to EAT:   stock up on water. LOTS of it. more than you think you need. 

stock up on canned foods - soups, vegetables, fruits, meats. these can be eaten straight out of the can, if need be.  Can your own foods - not only much healthier, but you don't need to freeze all that meat, when you can can it. (pressure canner for meat and tomatoes).  Canned food can be heated on one of the above stoves.

 "Apocalypse Chow"----THAT"S funny!

  I live in S. Fla. too, and wouldn't you know it, after I posted this yesterday, now I hear there's a disturbance in the tropics. But I have all my basics, and I'm not getting excited until it gets MUCH closer!

  We have not had structural damage even in Charlie and Wilma, the two worst for us. But the power was out for 8 days after Charlie, and 7 for Wilma. So I kind of know the drill, I just get tired of eating the same old stuff!

  Grills ARE great, especially for getting rid of all the food in the freezer. But sometimes we just can't face the heat of the grill or the food.

Trail mix and beef jerky? I would assume you need protein and carbs so they would give you that.

If I don't see one, I'm going to start a camp food post so check there, I don't know how many I'll get added to day but I have several recipes that would work for emergencies too.  (Don't forget dutch ovens too, you can cook in them outside while you are inside or sitting under a shade tree-just need to keep an eye on them  :-)

Fran