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Food Preservation Tips

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7 methods for preserving your harvest at home

There are many methods for extending the lifespan of your food through home preservation. Some work better for certain crops than others. Choose the best one for your harvest.

Freezing

Probably the simplest way to keep your food is to pop it in the freezer. If you have a cube freezer with ample storage space, you can likely keep your food fresh or near fresh for many months.

While food stored below freezing will not technically go bad, its quality will degenerate and it will lose flavor as the months go on. One way to extend its lifespan is to vacuum seal your food before freezing. Biodegradable bags are now available to help cut down on the plastic waste from this preservation method.

Canning

The process we call ‘canning’ most often involves placing food in jars, submerging those jars in water, and then heating them to temperatures best suited for killing bacteria. Home canning usually involves a water bath canner (best for fruits and some vegetables) or a pressure canner (best for meats, fish, and many vegetables).

Freeze drying

Once the mainstay of preppers and survivalists, freeze dryers are becoming more mainstream as people learn the benefits of this fast and safe home preservation method. Freeze drying involves placing a frozen food item into a vacuum chamber. The vacuum removes the moisture, including the ice, without first turning it to water. Left behind is a solid item that will store in an airtight container for many months.

Dehydrating

Dehydrating your food eliminates the conditions bacteria need to grow and thrive and helps it last longer. The key is to reduce the moisture content in food to between 5 and 20%. This is easy with an electric dehydrator, available now in many sizes.

Fermenting

Kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh, kefir and miso: these are just a few of the popular fermented foods many of us eat regularly. Fermentation sees carbohydrates like starch or sugar transform into acid or alcohol thanks to a bit of salt and an oxygen-free environment. Most home fermentation creates lactic acid, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing and extends the lifespan of your food.

Pickling

This method involves pouring a brine over foods that are high in salt and acid, notably vinegar. At this low pH, bacteria doesn’t have a chance. Dilled cucumbers are the most well known of all the ‘pickles,’ but beans, carrots, beets and onions all work just as well.

Preserving with sugar

Jams and jellies are delicious as well as beautiful–and they also prolong the use (and taste) of fresh fruit. With a high sugar content, these tasty treats offer an environment harmful to bacteria but (relatively) benign to humans. Of course, too much sugar can harm humans as well.

Every method of preserving has its pros and cons. The method you choose will depend on what you’re preserving, the size of your storage space, how much time you have and your budget.
little boy and dog look out the window

National Window Safety Week

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Windows Rank Among Top 5 Hidden Hazards

Falls from windows are more common than people might think. According to a report by SafeKids Worldwide, an average of eight children age 5 and younger die and more than 3,300 are injured each year from falling out of windows.

The Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to help protect children from accidental window falls:

  • When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked
  • When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach
  • Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors
  • Don’t place furniture near windows that young children can climb on to gain access
  • Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls
  • Don’t rely on insect screens; they are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in
  • Install ASTM F2090-compliant devices that limit how far a window will open, or window guards with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency
  • Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire

Window Safety Week is observed on the first full week of April each year. NSC and the Window Safety Task Force provide materials and information you can use to share the window-safety message with your family.

February-Fred-Meyers-Insurance-Maryland

Why February has only 28 days

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With 28 days, February is the shortest month of the year, but why is this?

If you want a super-quick answer to this, then – perhaps surprisingly – the fact that February has 28 days is based on nothing more scientific than Roman superstition.

But you’d probably like a little more explanation than that, so let’s dive in…

Now that pretty much the entire world uses the Gregorian calendar, we tend to think of its division of the year into months as being somehow carved in stone, but that is far from the case.

Before there was the Gregorian calendar, there was the Julian calendar – still used in Turkey until as recently as 1927 – and before that there was the Roman calendar.  The latter originally divided the year from March to December into 10 months of either 29 or 31 days, based on lunar cycles, with the early part of the year simply left unnamed.

No crops could be planted or harvested during this time, so it wasn’t considered important.  Later, the Roman king Numa Pompilius added two ‘new’ months, January and February, to ensure that the calendar covered the full year.  The reason there were always 29 or 31 days, never 30, was simply that the Romans considered even numbers unlucky.

Unfortunately, 12 times (any odd number) is always an even number. To make the number of days on the calendar add up to 365 in a year, there would have to be one month with an even number. February was chosen to have 28 days as this was when the Romans honored their dead.

Presumably they figured you don’t get much unluckier than being dead, so what harm could it do?  Later, Julius Caesar rearranged the calendar to reflect the ‘movements’ of the Sun rather than the lunar cycle, while his Julian calendar would itself be fine-tuned on the orders of Pope Gregory XIII in 1583 to give us the Gregorian calendar we know today.

But somehow, little old February with its unique 28-day length survived all these changes. Except in leap years, of course, when it becomes the lucky recipient of a whole extra day.

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Doggy Date Night

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Spending time with your dog lifts the spirits of both owner and pooch alike. Not only that, petting your furry buddy for just 10 minutes a day curbs your stress and improves your well-being. That’s according to a recent study published in American Educational Research Association Open.

Who’s always there when you come home after a tough day with a smile and maybe a chewed-up shoe? National Doggy Date Night on February 3 means it’s time to give back some of that unconditional love. So mark your calendar and start gathering your best doggy date night ideas to get tails wagging.

Stay-at-Home Date Ideas for You and Your Pup

If the weather’s bad or you’re just in the mood for an at-home doggy date night, no problem. With a little effort, you can put together a memorable evening that doesn’t require stepping a foot — or a paw — outside. Consider the following ideas:

Movie Night with Spot

Grab a cozy blanket, pop some popcorn for yourself, get a rawhide chew for your pooch, and cuddle up together in front of a favorite film. The two of you may want to unwind with a dog-related comedy like “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016) or “Marley & Me” (2008). If you’d prefer a film that tugs at the heartstrings, choose something like “A Dog’s Journey” (2019) or a true canine classic like the original “Benji” (1974).

Pet-Friendly Mani-Pedi

Do you and your pet need some pampering? How about giving yourself and your canine buddy a mani-pedi? Buy some pet-friendly nail polish and get creative. Mix and match colors, and maybe throw in a paw massage. (Just make sure to only use nail polish and nail polish remover made especially for pets. Nail products made for people aren’t safe for dogs.)

Yoga, Canine Style

It’s time to learn downward-facing dog from a true expert. Roll out your yoga mat, exhale a nice long Om, and give “dogaExternal link:” a try. You can try holding your smaller dog in standing poses for strength-building benefits, or practice stretching poses alongside your larger dog. Some yoga studios even offer doga classes, if you need guidance. You can also find videos and articles across the internet that offer tips for getting the most out of a doga session.

Game Night à la Pup

Arranging a game night with your pup can get the blood and laughs flowing. Try blowing bubbles for your dog to chase or playing a game of tug-of-sock. Another option: Create an agility course for your dog using objects like a hula hoop, broom, and soccer cones and test out your training skills. Don’t forget a hefty supply of treats to encourage your dog along the way!

Bubble Bath and Toys

A bubble bath full of toys and a soggy doggy can make for the perfect doggy date night. If your pup doesn’t mind getting wet — and neither do you — draw a warm bath, pour in some dog-friendly bubble bath that won’t dry out their skin, and put your massaging hands to work. While you’re at it, throw in some squeak toys. When it’s time to drain the tub, have a big towel nearby and a good dog brush to comb out the tangles.

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How often should I rotate my tires

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What is a tire rotation?

First things first, what’s a tire rotation? Simply put, a tire rotation is when you move your tires from their current position to different spots on the vehicle.

While it may sound simple, tire rotations provide massive benefits.

This routine tire maintenance helps your tires perform at their absolute best and even helps extend their tread life. In fact, regular tire rotations can help prevent your tires from developing uneven or irregular wear, tire noise and ride disturbances. Plus, not performing regular tire rotations can void your tire’s manufacturer warranty.

Far and away one of the questions we hear most often is “When should I rotate my tires?” The answer is pretty straightforward.

We recommend rotating your tires every 6-8,000 miles, or every other oil change. If your tires develop irregular or uneven wear, you may want to rotate them sooner.

Regular visual inspections can help you catch this. And if you swing by your nearest store for a monthly tire air pressure check, we can inspect them for you, just to make sure your tires are in tip-top shape.

Your next question is probably, “Why do tires develop uneven or irregular wear?” A lot of factors can cause this, including:

  • Improper air pressure

  • Suspension issues

  • Vehicle alignment

  • Rotation intervals

  • Wheel/tire imbalance.

If your tires are showing signs of uneven wear, your best bet is to get them inspected and have them rotated ASAP.

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Homemade Hot Chocolate

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Hot Chocolate Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions

Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 4 cups of milk to a pot.

Turn the burner onto medium heat. Stir frequently while the milk is heating up. Do not boil it.

Once it has reached the temperature you prefer, remove it from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Then, serve and enjoy!

Hot chocolate is delicious in and of itself, but you can make it a little extra special by adding:
  • Mini marshmellows
  • A dash of nutmeg or cinnamon
  • A candycane
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
Fire Safety and Candles 2024

Fire Safety and Candles

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How to Burn a Candle Safely

Before Lighting:

  • Before burning, always trim the wick to ¼ inch. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
  • Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
  • Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.

 Burn candles in a well-ventilated room:

  •  Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use. In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.
  • When lighting a candle, use long matches or a long-reach lighter. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.

While Burning:

  • Never leave a candle unattended.
  • Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
  • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
  • Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch remains in the container or 2 inches if using a pillar candle.
  • Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another. This is to make sure they don’t melt one another, or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.
  • Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
  • Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.
  • Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure. Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fueling equipment – such as a lantern or kerosene heater.

When Extinguishing a Candle: 

  • Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering.
  • Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container.
  • Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
  • Don’t touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
  • Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.

National Fire Protection Association

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How to Carve a Jack-o-lantern

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To carve a Jack-o-Lantern you will need the following materials:

1 Pumpkin – 1 Medium Serving Spoon – 1 Medium Knife – 1 Small Knife – Newspaper – Medium bowl – 1 Dry Erase Marker – 1 Candle – 1 lighter

Step 1: Preparing for Carving

Cover your working surface with the newspaper.

Step 2: Cutting Out the Stem 

Cut a hole around the stem at about a 45 degree angle towards the center of the pumpkin big enough for your hand to fit through.

Step 3: Scooping Out the Pumpkin

Using the medium serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and pulp (the orange stringy material inside the pumpkin) and put it in the bowl.

Step 4: Sketching the Face

On roundest or best looking side, Sketch the desired face or design of your Jack-o-lantern.

Step 5: Carving the Pumpkin

Using the small knife, cut at a perpendicular angle along chosen design. Remove loose pieces of the pumpkin and discard them in to the medium bowl.

Step 6: Lighting the Pumpkin

Light the candle with the lighter and place inside the Jack-o-lantern. Put the stem back on.

Step 7: Displaying the Jack-o-lantern

Place the pumpkin where desired.

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How to Make Caramel Apples

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Best tips for perfect Caramel Apples

Choose small to medium apples. Large apples can become a bit too cumbersome to handle, especially if you decorate them.

Refrigerate the apples. Once the apples are prepped, pop them into the fridge. Cold apples make it easier for the caramel to cling.

Gather the tools for making homemade caramel before you start working on it. Once you put the caramel ingredients on the heat, you shouldn’t step away from your stove until it is ready. So, make sure you have a wooden spoon, candy thermometer, pastry brush, and a small bowl of water ready and nearby.

Use a wooden spoon to stir the caramel. Wooden spoons don’t conduct heat well, so it won’t affect the temperature of the caramel or burn your hands while you stir.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot. Pots that are too thin can cause the caramel to burn on the bottom and become bitter.

Invest in a candy thermometer. This inexpensive tool is vital for a perfectly cooked caramel. It removes all the guesswork and makes the whole process a lot less stressful.

Pop bubbles in the caramel coating. While bubbles in the caramel won’t affect the flavor of your caramel apple, they will affect the look. So pop them! It’s really easy to do by lightly blowing hot air over the coating with a hairdryer or heat gun right after dipping.

Don’t waste leftover caramel! Pour it onto parchment paper and shape the caramel into a fairly uniform log. Once the caramel has cooled completely, cut it into smaller pieces and enjoy delicious buttery caramel candies. Or, wrap each one in some parchment paper to eat later.

Gift caramel apples. Homemade gifts are a sweet and thoughtful way to show appreciation for the special people in your life. After the caramel has set, wrap the apple in cellophane and tie it securely with a cute ribbon. Voila! You have a handmade gift ready to deliver!

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Winterizing Your ATV

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Clean Your ATV Thoroughly

Before storing your ATV, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. Remove any mud, dirt, or debris, as these can cause corrosion or rust over time. Cleaning your ATV not only protects it but also gives you the opportunity to inspect the vehicle for any damage that might need attention.

Change The Oil And Filter

Old oil can contain contaminants that may damage your engine during storage. Changing the oil and filter will help to protect the engine’s internal components and ensure your ATV is ready to go when you are.

Add Fuel Stabilizer And Top Off The Tank

Fuel can degrade over time, leading to buildup and clogs in your fuel system. Adding a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas can prevent this. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the system.

Take Care Of The Battery

A battery left idle can lose charge and potentially freeze in very low temperatures. Consider removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, you can connect the battery to a trickle charger to maintain its charge over the winter.

Protect The Tires

Long-term storage can put extra pressure on your ATV’s tires and may lead to flat spots. Elevate your ATV on blocks or stands to take the weight off the tires. Additionally, check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Moisture and cold can cause rust and corrosion. Lubricate moving parts such as chains, cables, and suspension components to protect them during storage.

Block Off Openings

Mice and other small critters can make their home in your ATV during the winter. Block off any openings where they could enter, such as the exhaust pipe and air intake, to prevent this.

Cover Your ATV

Even if storing your ATV indoors, a breathable cover can provide an additional layer of protection against dust and moisture.

Choose A Proper Storage Location

Store your ATV in a dry, secure location. A garage or storage shed is ideal. Avoid places with high humidity, which can lead to rust and corrosion.

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