Easiest Way to Make Corn on the Cob for a Crowd

 

52 Unique Techniques for Stocking Food for Prepper
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I like grilling out, but I have a problem timing everything to be ready at the same time, and I tend to run out of eyes on the stove and space on the grill when trying to entertain. This means I am always looking for better ways of doing things (plus I just love experimenting…)

I saw this tip the other day on pinterest for cooking corn on the cob in large amount easily and had to try it – it worked amazingly well so I felt I should share it.

If you dump raw corn (shucked and cleaned preferably) into a clean chest type freezer (not Styrofoam) you can cook large amounts of corn without doing a lot of work. Simply add boiling water to the corn filled cooler, close the lid and wait at least 30 minutes.
The corn will cook perfectly – will not overcook – and the cooler will keep the corn warm for hours.

Very simple, very easy, and when we tried it at our home it worked perfectly…

This way of cooking corn on the cob is crazy simple, and it turns out the water can be reused for making jelly.

I don’t think I will ever cook corn on the cob on the stove again, unless it is just for me.  It is just to easy to do it this way when cooking for groups.

How to Make a Zeer Pot

52 Unique Techniques for Stocking Food for Prepper
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Today’s project on how to make a zeer pot is something I wanted to do for some time, it is a cheap way of providing some level of refrigeration in very hot climates.

It is also an example of how preppers can learn from appropriate technology supporters as well as missionaries to third world countries.

Zeer Pot technology is used in some very poor countries to reduce food spoilage. It is also the technology behind Latin American ceramic water crocks called Olas which provide cool drinking water in hot arid conditions.

All a zeer pot is a simple fridge made of local materials. It is one earthenware pot set inside another, with a layer of wet sand in between. As the moisture evaporates it cools the inner pot, keeping up to 12kg of fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.

When I saw my local co-op had ceramic pots on sale, I grabbed a few and went to Lowes for some play sand.

My nephew and I stopped up the hole in the large pot with some tape, threw in a layer of sand, inserted the smaller pot, and had a good time filling the space between with sand.

We then put a thermometer in the small pot, poured some water in the sand, and covered the whole thing with a wet towel.

We did get a measurable decrease in temperature, but as it was very humid (and began to rain) we just could not get enough evaporation to make a huge difference. I have seen many people get temperature differences of up to 20 degrees using such a simple device.

During the Crusades, Saladin were able to use this technology (along with specially designed shade buildings) to get ice in the desert which greatly impressed King Richard.

PRN Episode #15 Bill Harrison

PRN Episode #15 Bill Harrison
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In today’s Shepherd School episode, David interviews Bill Harrison of Hardened Power Systems.  Bill has created a variety of portable power units that allow the prepper to store, transport, and use electrical power during austere times.

In this episode Bill and I talk about power.  Specifically, how to use it, how to make it, and some things that may be counter-intuitive, but make good sense.

Before this interview, I did not know how inexpensive a basic system could be.  A grid tie system that reduces your electric bill can be had for under $1500.00 That is a very reasonable cost.  I have seen Bill Harrison’s systems at prepper shows and he makes a very nice system.  It is much better engineered than my DIY battery box and I wish I owned a couple of his.

I recommend you visiting his site http://www.portableuniversalpower.com/

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

How to Make a Charcoal Starter From a Can

 

52 Unique Techniques for Stocking Food for Prepper
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I used to just dump copious amounts of lighter fluid on my charcoal and keep spraying it on until everything caught fire.  Unfortunately, that was both dangerous and wasteful.

Since it is getting into grilling season I was looking at buying a chimney charcoal starter.  However, a charcoal starter is just a metal cylinder with a charcoal grate mounted inside. I figured I could easily make one out of a #10 can.

All I did was get out my can opener to open the bottom of the can, and then used a church key bottle opener to punch out a few air holes around the bottom of the can.

To use, I simply wadded up some paper and placed unlit charcoal into the top of the cylinder. When the newspaper is lit, it burns and lights the charcoal above. The “chimney effect” causes the charcoal to light from the bottom all the way up to the top.

If you want the paper to burn longer you can coat it in vegetable oil before you light it.
I did this on a whim, and was surprised how well it worked. I may rivet a handle on it in the future, but probably not, as a pair of vice grips works well enough.

William’s First Birthday

William's First Birthday
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Today is my son William’s First Birthday, and nothing has changed my life in a more positive way than having such a wonderful son. It is so amazing to watch him grow, and to sit back and be amazed at how quickly he is developing.

Along with being so proud of my boy, I have to say one year ago my wife gave me a very special gift, and I don’t think I could have handled all she went through near as well.

My wife is a great mother, and she works very hard to take care of Tell’s physical needs so I can have the pleasure of his company without worrying about spit-up and messy diapers…

As he gets older I am looking forward to teaching all the things I wish I was taught growing up.  I am also looking forward to spending time with him and enjoying watching him grow.

But as much as I am looking forward to the future.  I am enjoying the present.   The last year was a whirlwind of excitement, and on William’s first birthday I am amazed at how much such a little package can change a life.

I Love my WT