Boston Stake Relief Society

Great Grain Recipe

2009-02-20T20:24:00.000-05:00

This is a great recipe for those just starting the switch to whole grains or for those who just want to add more whole grains to their diet. No one ever said you had to jump with both feet from white flour to 100% whole wheat!

Multigrain Bread, from America's Test Kitchen Favorite Recipes, 2007

1 1/4 c. 7 grain hot cereal OR rolled oats
2 1/2 c. boiing water
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
4 T. honey
4 T. melted butter
2 1/2 t. instant yeast
1 T. salt
3/4 c. unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1/2 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

Pour the boiling water over the cereal mix. If you have a mixer, do it right in the mixer bowl. Let it sit until it cools to @100 degrees and resembles thick porridge, about one hour. Whisk the flours together in a medium bowl.

Once the cereal has cooled, add the honey, butter, and yeast and stir to combine. With the mixer on low and with the dough hook attached, add the flours and knead until dough forms a ball, @ 2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes. Add the salt and knead on med-low speed until it cleans the sides of the bowl (3-4 minutes). If it doesn't clean the sides, add 2-3 more tablespoons of flour and continue to knead for 5 more minutes. Add the seeds and knead for 15 seconds more. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead by hand until you have a smooth, taut ball. Place in a greased container, cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled, @60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 2 bread pans with non-stick spray. Divide dough in half. Shape loaves. Spray the loaves lightly with water or veg oil and roll them in an even coating of rolled oats. Let loaves rise until doubled, 30-40 minutes. Bake 35-40 minutes (internal temp of 200 on an instant read thermometer). Remove from oven, allow to cool before slicing.

Ongoing Electric Mill Orders

2009-02-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested in purchasing an electic grain mill, the Stake will be doing ongoing group orders, allowing for a discounted price for those who participate. For the electric Blendtec mill (pictured above), the regular purchase price is $199, while the group price is $139.
If you are interested in being part of a group order, please contact our Stake RS President, Nancy Nielson at npnielson@hotmail.com or phone # 781-259-9499. Once she receives 10 order requests, she will place the group order.

Water Purifier Order

2009-02-20T20:15:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested in purchasing a water purifier, the Stake will be doing a group order for the purifier pictured below, allowing for a discounted price for those who participate in the order. The price is usually $65, but for those who order 6 or more, it is $45. If you are interested in being part of the group order, please contact our Stake RS President, Nancy Nielson at npnielson@hotmail.com or phone # 781-259-9499. The order will be placed by February 24th. Send checks to Nancy.

Upcoming Fireside

2009-02-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Fireside sponsored by the Boston Chapter of the BYU Alumni Association
Saturday, February 21, 2009
7:30 pm
Belmont Chapel
15 Ledgewood Place, Belmont MA

Mormon Memories and the Tragedy at Mountain Meadows
Ronald W. Walker
Author of Massacre at Mountain Meadows

“The authors of Massacre at Mountain Meadows have written the best researched, most complete, and most evenhanded account of the Mountain Meadows incident we are likely to have for a long time. Above all they tell a gripping tale. Though I knew the end from the beginning, I began to sweat as the narrative approached its fatal climax. The authors won’t let us turn our gaze away from the horrors of that moment” Richard Bushman

For more information contact:
Jennifer and Michael Thomas 617-484-2336
Jennifer_w_thomas@yahoo.com

Hand-Powered (Non-electric) Marcato Marga Roller Mill

2009-02-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested in purchasing a hand-powered grain mill, the Stake will be doing a group order for the Marcato Marga Roller Mill (pictured below), allowing for a discounted price for those who participate in the order. The discounted price is usually $99, but for church members and friends, it is $74.95 plus $10 shipping. (No tax since they are shipped out of state.) If you are interested in being part of the group order, please contact our Stake RS President, Nancy Nielson at npnielson@hotmail.com or phone # 781-259-9499. The order will be placed by February 28th. Send checks to Nancy.

This oat roller mill is great for rolling oats for breakfast cereals and flaking grains. You can flake almost any grain, for instance: wheat, rye, spelt, millet, kamut and more.

Why should you roll your own oats?
Oat bran is great for your body and oats are considered a 'cleansing grain' because they help cleanse your blood and intestinal tract. Oats also give you many things your body needs to be healthy. They are a great source of protein, fiber, lysine, complex carbohydrates (which helps in reducing the risk of cancer and helps to control diabetes), and many other great nutrients. Plus, they taste great!

Better nutrition
Freshly rolled oats or freshly flaked grains have more of the origional vitamins, minerals and oils than those bought in the store. Fresh milled means better taste and health benefits for your body.

Stake Musical!!!

2008-12-18T06:16:00.000-05:00

The Boston Stake is going to produce “Charlotte’s Web” with performances March 20-21. Auditions will be held Thursday, January 8th and Friday, January 9th from 6:30-8:30 (ages 10 to adult). Pease prepare one minute of singing (a Primary song, hymn, musical theater song – memorized if possible – “Happy Birthday” would be fine!) Bring a picture of you and a list of any rehearsal conflicts with you. Rehearsals will be held on Saturdays from 2:00-5:00 in the Weston Building. Rehearsals begin January 10th.

Questions, please contact Dana Linder at linderfam@verizon.net.

Grain Mill Group Order Opportunity!

2008-12-04T10:56:00.001-05:00

For those who are interested in purchasing a grain mill, the Stake will be doing a group order, allowing for a discounted price for those who participate in the order.
For a hand grinder (example pictured above), regular price is $69, while the group price is $59.
For the electric Blendtec mill (pictured above), the regular purchase price is $199, while the group price is $139.
If you are interested in being part of the group order, please contact our Stake RS President, Nancy Nielson at npnielson@hotmail.com or phone # 781-259-9499.
The order will be placed by the end of December, so please contact Nancy before then.
Thanks!

The Challenge: Collect a 6 month supply of rice

2008-11-23T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Challenge:
Collect a six month supply of rice.

Rice:
Rice is a good source of energy and can supply vitamins and minerals to the diet. Its edible seed is the staple cereal grain for more than half of the world’s population. Rice is generally classified as a grain, but in family meals it can be used as a cereal, a vegetable (substitute for potatoes, as a base for meat, or in soups), or as a dessert (puddings and custards).—Be Prepared Lone Peak Pantry Cookbook

Storing:
Milled rice will keep almost indefinitely on the pantry shelf. Once opened, rice should be stored in a tightly-closed container that keeps out dust, moisture, and other contaminants. Brown rice, because of the oil in the bran layer, has a limited shelf life of approximately 6 months. Refrigerator storage is recommended for longer shelf life.—USA Rice Federation
Don’t store bags long-term on their own as moisture, rodents, etc. can get to them. Instead, place one or several unopened bags directly into plastic storage bins that can be purchased at Target. You might also consider purchasing one or more food grade storage containers to put some of your rice in so that it is more accessible. The Container Store sells some great products of many sizes.
I have an extra refrigerator in my garage and I always keep a 20 lb bag of basmati rice as well as short grain brown rice on hand as it is extremely nutritious and my kids happen to love it. We also keep several bags of the ever so convenient frozen brown rice that cooks in the microwave in about a minute.

Cost:
A 50 lb bag of white rice at Costco contains 500 servings and costs about $12. This provides almost a 6 month supply of food for one person. You really save money on buying larger quantities. An average 1 lb box of rice in the grocery store costs around $2.50 and contains about 10 servings. You do the math…

Calculator:
Whatever rice you buy, refer to the servings per container as your guide.
6 months=180 days x 3 servings per day=540 servings per person for a 6 month supply.

Things to consider:
Assess what is already in your food storage, as well. If you already have flour or wheat or beans or other food staples stored that you use or plan on using, you may want to store less rice. If you have nothing in your food storage and don’t own a wheat grinder and never bake, store the full amount.
This might seem like a lot of rice, but considering how inexpensive it is, how long it stores, and how versatile it is, $12 per person is a pretty cheap insurance policy if you were to ever need it. If you have kids and they like rice, PLEASE store food for them! They can’t do it themselves!

The Challenge: Collect a 3 month supply of lunch/PB and Jelly

2008-11-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

The Challenge:
Collect a three month supply of lunch- Peanut butter and jelly.

Peanut Butter:
*One 18 oz jar contains 16 servings (2 Tablespoons).
*Each person needs 2 jars for a month supply or 6 jars for a 3 month supply.

Jelly (or Honey):
*One 22 oz jar contains 31 servings (1 Tablespoon).
*Each person needs 1 jar for a month supply or 3 jars for a 3 month supply.

Extras:
*Consider storing crackers or pancake mix. If you bake bread, keep an adequate supply of flour, yeast, salt, and honey on hand. Consider storing a few extra loaves of bread in your freezer if you have room.

Cost:
I am not going to list pricing information of these items as prices vary depending on the size of the container you buy, whether it is organic or not, etc. This is not expensive, though. Buy containers in sizes you will use!

Calculator:
Amount my family needs to store for a
1 month supply ___ jars of peanut butter + ___ jars of jelly/honey
2 month supply ___ jars of peanut butter + ___ jars of jelly/honey
3 month supply ___ jars of peanut butter + ___ jars of jelly/honey
Keep these numbers on hand so you know how much to replenish your supply as you use it.

The Challenge: Collect a 3 month supply of breakfast/oatmeal

2008-11-23T20:06:00.001-05:00

The Challenge:
Collect a three-month supply of breakfast- Oatmeal

Quantities to store:
*One serving=1/2 cup dry oats, which yields about 1 cup when prepared.
*Each person needs 15 cups for a month supply or 45 cups for a 3 month supply.
*One 9 pound box available at Costco costs $6.49 and has 102 servings—enough for a 3 month supply for one person.

Extras:
*Consider storing your favorite oatmeal accessory: sugar, raisins, spices, powdered milk, maple syrup, or dried fruit.

Recipes:
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Blend ½ c oats until powdery. Into each of 10 zip-lock sandwich bags combine ¼ c regular oats, 2 T powdered oats, and a pinch of salt. To use, simply combine each packet with ½ c boiling water and stir until thick.

Variations—to each packet add:
Apple Cinnamon: 1 T sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 2 T chopped, dried apples
Cinnamon-spice: 1 T sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg
Raisins and brown sugar: 1 T packed brown sugar, 1 T raisins
Wheat germ: 2 T any kind of wheat germ

Granola
6 c rolled oats
½ c brown sugar
½ c raisins
¼ c sunflower seeds
1 c coconut
1/3 c sesame seeds
1 c chopped nuts
Mix all ingredients together except raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ c oil, 2 tsp vanilla, 1/3 cup honey. Pour over dry mixture. Stir to coat. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes stirring frequently. Add raisins or other dried fruit during the last 5 minutes of baking. Do not overbake. Cereal should be golden brown. Let cool on baking sheet. Break up large pieces and store in airtight container. Make 8 cups.

Wheat Ordering

2008-10-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

Sisters,

We have an opportunity to order high-quality white wheat in bulk. Prairie Gold, grown by Wheat Montana, is a Hard White Spring wheat and is great for bread. It has a protein content of about 16%, and a moisture content of only about 10%. Protein levels correlate to gluten levels, so the higher the protein, the more gluten there is, which means that you get a better, lighter loaf of bread. If you're baking other than yeast bread, gluten is not such an issue. Low moisture content means it will store well. The Bronze Chief wheat is a Hard Red Spring wheat; it has a stronger flavor, but is equal in quality to the Prairie Gold. (This is the wheat that I use, and have been looking for since I moved to Mass.)

We need to have our orders in and paid by the 9th of November. I know that's soon, but we're hoping that an early order will allow the wheat to be shipped and arrive before we get lots of snow. We will be able to order occasionally throughout the year, so you don't need to order a year's worth right now. There is, however, a price break if we order more than 440 50-lb. bags, and if we reach that amount, the difference in price will be refunded to you. Until we reach that amount, shipping is $9.50 per 50-lb bag. Below is the price list. Please contact me if you have any questions.

50# bag Prairie Gold Wheat Berries $27.83 (18.33 + $9.50 shipping)
50# bag Prairie Gold premium flour $29.90
50# bag Bronze Chief Wheat Berries $26.26 ($16.76 + $9.50 shipping)
50# bag Bronze Chief premium flour $28.04
50# bag Regular Rolled Oats $58.30
50# bag Oat Groats $45.96
50# bag Wheat Bran $33.60
50# bag 7-Grain Rolled/Flaked $55.99
50# bag Cracked 9-Grain Mix $68.22
50# bag Soft White Wheat $31.32
50# bag Whole Wheat Pastry Flour $34.81
50# bag Spelt berries $35.07
50# bag Spelt Flour $37.03
50# bag Kamut $61.50

The following items are also available, but the shipping prices may vary. Prices listed below
do NOT include shipping amounts.

25# bag Whole 7-Grain mix $28.04
45# bag Whole 7-Grain mix $55.72
45# pail Long Grain Brown Rice $76.78
25# bag Long Grain Brown Rice $39.36
100 pack Oxygen Absorbers $27.60
Empty Pail with Lid $8.63
Metal Pail Opener $10.75

Again, please let me know if you are interested, and call or email if you have any questions. Thanks so much!

--
-Lisle Hendrickson

(508) 925-5057

Bishop's Storehouse Information

2008-09-09T20:40:00.000-04:00

FYI Re: the Bishop's Storehouse:

The Storehouse address is:
231 Brooks Street, Worcester, MA 01606
Phone #: 508-853-6937
Days of operation are Thursdays and Saturdays.

To use the cannery, please call ahead to make an appointment. Please take note that at this time, appointments are being made several months in advance.

When using the cannery, please make sure that you have on hand the bulk packages of products you wish to can. The cannery has a canner as well as a mylar bag sealer for your use. They also have two portable canners, which wards may check out and use.

Please also note that the Boston Stake Relief Society has purchased a mylar bag sealer for the wards of our Stake to use. Relief Society presidents or ward preparedness specialists may check it out from Nancy Nielson, Stake Relief Society President.

For a product/price list of storehouse items that you can download, please refer to the Church's website.

72 Hour Kit Basics

2008-09-09T20:28:00.000-04:00

Below are instructions about how to put together a basic 72 Hour Kit. We will be putting together kits during our pre-broadcast activity on September 27th, but we wanted to share this information via blog for those women who are unable to make the activity. We hope this is helpful to you, sisters!

72 Hour Kit Basics

1. Water (in containers you can carry)
2. Food (see food list below)
Mess kit or dinnerware – plastic
Paper towels
Can opener
3. Clothes
Changes of clothing
Rain wear – ponchos
Gloves and hand warmers
4. Shelter
Tent
Tarp
Rope
Sleeping bags
5. Hygiene
Toilet paper
Soap
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Small towel
Disinfectant wipes
Feminine needs
Hand sanitizer
Deodorant
Comb/brush/mirror
6. Information
Emergency numbers
Copies of birth certificates
Banking numbers
7. First aid (small plastic baggie of first aid supplies in addition to a well-stocked first aid kit)
Prescription medication
Lip balm
Aspirin/acetaminophen
8. Other necessaries
Pocket knife
Duct tape
Large sturdy garbage bags
Radio
Flashlight
Whistle
Sewing kit
Entertainment – small games/cards
Pliers
Paper/pencil
Compass/map of local area

72 Hour Kit Food List

Day 1
Breakfast: 1 granola bar, 1 hot chocolate
Lunch: 2 beef jerky sticks, 1 boxed drink, stick of gum
Dinner: 1 MRE or small can of chili, hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc., several crackers
Snack: 1 fruit snack

Day 2
Breakfast: 1 granola bar, 1 hot chocolate
Lunch: 1 MRE or small can of chili, hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc., several crackers
Dinner: 1 pkg soup, 1 beef jerky, 1 fruit snack
Snack: 3 pieces hard candy

Day 3
Breakfast: 1 granola bar, 1 hot chocolate
Lunch: 1 pkg soup, 1 beef jerky, 1 fruit snack, stick of gum
Dinner: 1 MRE or small can of chili, , hot dogs, mac and cheese, etc., several crackers
Snack: 3 pieces hard candy

Everything you put in your 72 hour kit food supply should be air tight and individually packaged. This should help keep food fresh and bugs out. These foods fit into mylar bags or ½ gallon paper milk cartons or any other small container that will fit into your 72 hour kit (backpack). Copy this information and attach it to the outside of your food kit.

These are only suggestions. Of course you can put anything you want in your 72 hour kit food supply!

September Challenge

2008-09-01T11:19:00.000-04:00

September, 2008

The Challenge: collect a three month supply of Spaghetti Dinner.

The Pasta

* One 16 oz box = 8 servings
* One person needs 4 boxes for a month supply or 12 boxes for a 3 month supply.
* A family of 4 needs 16 boxes for a month supply or 36 boxes for a 3 month supply

Estimated Cost Per Person for 3 Months: $12

The Sauce

* 1 26 oz jar of sauce= about 6 servings
* One person needs 5 jars for a month supply or 15 jars for a 3 month supply.
* A family of 4 needs 20 jars for a month supply or 60 jars for a 3 month supply.

Estimated Cost Per Person for 3 Months: $30

The Extras

* Consider storing a container or two of parmesan cheese in your freezer if you have space.
* Keep olive oil on hand for a healthy fat that could also add extra calories if needed.
* A few other optional things could be salt, pepper, or crushed dried hot peppers.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Buy a variety. Don't assume that stores like Costco will have the lowest prices. They often times sell more expensive brands. Larger families should consider buying larger containers. Buy food that you eat anyway and replenish it over time. If you feel that you can't manage a three month supply, do at least a one month.

**************************************************

SAUCE CALCULATOR

5 Jars x # of people in family_____x # of months of storage_____ = _____Jars

PASTA CALCULATOR

4 Boxes x # of people in family_____x # of months storage _____ = _____Boxes

Start your food storage

2008-07-31T11:58:00.000-04:00

Monthly Food Storage Challenge
***Thank you to Amanda in Weston 1st Ward!***
This is a simple way to follow the prophets counsel to collect, store and rotate a year's supply of food.
Customize what is given here to fit your family's needs.
Remember the point of food storage is to have a life sustaining amount of food on hand.

Assignment for August:
Collect a 14-day emergency supply of water for your family (1 gallon / per person / per day)
For example: If there are 2 adults in your home, you will need 28 gallons of water as well as some bleach for treating--amounts listed below.
Want more information? Provident Living guidelines
Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.

Not enough room for all that is listed? Get creative, try to clean out a closet or under a bed, or just store as much as you can. Remember that you will be grateful for what you have if you should ever need it!

Food Storage Buckets

2008-07-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

You've got the food...

We've got the BUCKETS!Only $6 Each
No Shipping Fees
Pick up in Worcester, MA

Compare prices:
Walton Feed $7.40 +shipping
Emergency Essentials $7.50 +shipping
Survival Storage $6.95 +shipping

PRE-PAID ORDERS ONLY!
Contact the Boston Stake Relief Society for more information at bostonstakers@gmail.com

Deseret Book presents...

2008-07-16T09:34:00.000-04:00

Time Out For Women

sponsored by Deseret Book

location: Springfield, MA

dates: September 19-20, 2008

For more information:

http://deseretbook.com/time-out/event?event_id=343

If you are interested in volunteering in exchange for free admission contact the Boston Stake Relief Society at bostonstakers@gmail.com