I don’t really know how to begin this post. We are in the middle of a global crisis that has escalated so quickly and we are all spinning.
Life is changing, and some things may never be the same, but the need to nourish ourselves, both physically and emotionally, always will be.
Without going into crazy panic mode, I am channelling my inner Girl Guide and the motto that was instilled in me as a child – Be Prepared.
Here are a few of the things that we can all do to Be Prepared:
- Pick Through Your Pantry – chances are you already have items in your pantry that are due to be used so sort through that first before stocking up on more. It’s a good time to give that pantry a spring clean.
- Stock Up A Little – it makes sense that we want to minimise our exposure in public areas and shop less, so sensibly stocking up on few staples, without clearing the shelves is wise but let’s not overdo it. There is enough to go around and we must trust that our supply chains are strong.
- Place An Order – support the businesses that are offering home delivery such as smaller grocery stores, fruit and veg shops and butchers, plan your shopping list ahead and place the order in good time. Larger supermarkets are still offering online ordering and delivery for the elderly and those with special needs in the community.
- Buy Whole Produce – remember that whole fruit and vegetables will keep longer than cut ones.
- Freeze Meat – when freezing meat, make sure you use a freezer grade plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze flat for easy defrosting. Defrost by leaving in the fridge overnight or do it carefully in the microwave on Defrost setting.
- Don’t Forget The Cheese – harder style cheeses will keep for months, choose soft cheeses that are vacuum sealed or have a longer use by date.
- Double Batch Cook – now more than ever it makes sense to double batch cook and freeze when you can. Be sure to label and date what you freeze to make it easy to identify and freeze in small batches for quick defrosting.
- Grow Herbs – plant a few of your favourite herbs in pots where you can see them from the kitchen window so you remember to tend to them and you can easily snip a few when you want to add a bright freshness to your cooking.
- Soup For The Soul – make up some of your favourite soups and stocks to freeze as we head into the Winter months, so they are on hand when you need them.
- Keep Up The Hygiene – stock up on soap, detergent, disinfectant, sanitiser and microfibre cleaning cloths and keep those surfaces wiped down regularly, particularly metal surfaces.
- Check The Gas – refill the BBQ gas bottle, just in case you need to use it.
- Get Your Meds – make sure you have prescriptions filled and common medications such as paracetemol, cold and flu tablets, cough lozenges, tissues, vaporub, nasal sprays etc in case someone in your household happens to get sick.
- AND WASH YOUR HANDS!
All of these are really common sense in practice but I do want to add that in these uncertain times, we also need to keep up our spirits so my next post will be about things you can do at home to make everyday meals at home an event!
Stay safe and happy everyone.
