In the last few weeks we have seen a number of storms form in the Atlantic Ocean and head to the Caribbean. September is normally an active month during the hurricane season and today I thought it prudent to write a piece to remind you of getting proactive in preparedness. Many of us stock up on batteries, flashlights, matches, candles and other essentials. We have plywood to barricade our windows, and try to make sure we have an adequate fuel supply in our vehicles, and for those who can afford to have one - a generator. Naturally, I will speak about food.
We go about our daily lives and have our usual supplies in the fridge and freezer. What to do when inevitably we are hit, and there is no electricity temporarily, what then? Many people have gas stoves and therefore can cook their perishables quickly. Those with electric stoves may think about investing in gas-operated hot plates as a backup appliance. Some of us have grills or coal stoves in storage, so we should make sure those are cleaned up and ready to go in case we're out of power and it is safe to cook outside.
Food in the freezer can last between 24 to 48 hours after electricity is cut if the door remains closed and depending on how full it is. A fuller freezer stays colder longer. Afterwards, I'm afraid, you may have to chuck out some of that food because it will harbour bacteria. Food in the fridge can last up to four hours with the door closed. Some perishables will deteriorate right away, but certain items like some cheeses and ketchup can last for a day or two if the temperature is cool. If you can get your hands on some ice and have an igloo, you can probably store some food stuff in there also.
BAKED CHICKEN MOZZARELLA
BUTTERBEAN AND CORN SALAD
TUNA SPREAD FOR SANDWICHES
OR CRACKERS
Invest in practical non-perishables. Foods: canned tuna, mackerel, corned beef, sardines, bread and crackers and snacks like nuts and dried fruit. Many fruits and vegetables are normally stored at room temperature anyway and can hold their own for a bit. Liquids: long-life milk, juice drinks and most importantly, drinking water. Water is life. I can't stress this enough because water can become contaminated during an emergency situation, so make sure you have an adequate supply to meet your family's needs for a few days. Remember this drinking water will also be used to cook with and to brush your teeth.
The better prepared we are, the easier it is to face a tough situation. Do not wait until the last minute and stress yourself out panic-shopping and spending huge amounts of money. Prudently build up your collection over time so when Mother Nature does decide to strike, you won't concern yourself by worrying and instead, face the situation calmly. Let's pray Jamaica is not adversely affected this storm season, but if we are in danger's path, that we are totally ready for survival.
Baked Chicken Mozzarella
I love dishes with cheese. I find them so comforting at times. I had some leftover mozzarella cheese I used in another dish and this recipe is great for the current rainy weather. It's lovely with garlic bread.
Ingredients:
1 pack chicken breasts
1 pack mozzarella cheese slices
1 jar traditional pasta sauce
1 small pack mushrooms, grit removed and sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 to 2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil
Fresh herbs to garnish
Method:
Season chicken to taste with salt and pepper on a grill pan on either side for four minutes each or until cooked through. Remove and keep covered.
In a separate pot, sauté onions, mushrooms and garlic, then add tomato sauce, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
Add chicken breasts to a baking tray and pour over sauce.
Add mozzarella slices on top.
Set oven to grilling temperature and place the baking tray inside the oven.
Bake until lightly browned on top, roughly five minutes.
Hurricane Recipe # 1: Butterbean and Corn Salad
This no cook dish is perfect for a hurricane side dish with canned and fresh vegetables. Serve with sliced cucumbers and lettuce.
Ingredients:
1 can of butterbeans, drained and rinsed
1 can of corn, drained and rinsed
1 sweet pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
1/2 red onion, sliced (optional)
1 or 2 tomatoes, diced
Oil and vinegar to dress
Dried or fresh herbs to garnish
Method:
In a bowl simply add all of the ingredients and dress with one part vinegar to two parts oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add a sprinkle of dried herbs if you have no fresh herbs at hand.
Hurricane Recipe # 2: Tuna Spread for Sandwiches or Crackers
If you've got any mayonnaise or sour cream in your fridge, or cheese such as parmesan or cheddar that you need to use up quickly with some canned tuna, this recipe is for you. This is one of those recipes that I just put together so bear with me that there are no measurements, and gauge what is right for you.
Mix a can of tuna with a squeeze of lime juice, heaped tablespoon mayonnaise or sour cream, a teaspoon of mustard, some shredded cheese, chopped escallion and sweet pepper, mix all together. Spread on bread for sandwiches or as a topping on crackers.
Thanks, MegaMart
Please contact me at info@juicychef.com
Bon Appétit!
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