Consider this: You’ve spent half a year planning and storing provisions, covering all the essentials from water to vital supplies. You’re prepared for any unexpected situations that may come your way. Yet, in your thorough planning, did you account for the significance of comfort foods? Here’s my reasoning for incorporating feel-good foods in your emergency storage plan.
The Value of Comfort Foods:
Imagine a sudden turn of events. A massive disaster occurs, forcing you and your family to rely only on the resources you’ve gathered. The days of grocery shopping, dining out, and fast-food treats are gone. Your family’s well-being is now dependent on the stockpile you’ve amassed.
There could be many reasons for such a scenario – an economic meltdown, a devastating natural disaster, civil unrest, or a sudden halt to your income. When circumstances force you to solely rely on your stockpile, the emotional strain is intense. This is where the soothing touch of comfort foods can make a significant difference.
Picture this: Amidst the chaos, it’s dinner time. Instead of the regular meal of beans and dried veggies, the family is greeted by a tray of freshly baked brownies. The sheer joy and brief return to normalcy these brownies provide underlines the power of comfort food in your emergency provisions.
(Don’t miss this delightful rice and beans recipe, it’s a treat!)
Understanding the Science Behind Comfort Foods:
Comfort food has a fascinating interplay with our emotions and brain chemistry.
The Ingredients:
Such foods are usually rich in sugar, fats, and carbs, which stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s pleasure neurotransmitters. Consuming these foods induces feelings of well-being and happiness.
Emotional Bonds:
Comfort foods provide a sense of stability in tumultuous times. They’re deeply rooted in our memories and associated with moments of joy. Maybe it’s your mom’s special meatloaf, or for another person, a homemade apple pie that transports them to more peaceful times. For my spouse, oddly enough, it’s fried Spam with rice.
The combined neurochemical reactions and emotional ties make comfort foods effective in uplifting spirits during stressful periods. No wonder we gravitate towards specific dishes in tough times!
My Go-To Comfort Foods:
For me, it’s Mac-n-cheese.
This creamy, cheesy delight is my children’s preferred dish. In the short term, the easily available Kraft version works wonders. But for the long haul, I’ve stocked up on macaroni and cheese powder and have hidden away several brownie mixes. We do have a soft spot for brownies!
Integrating Comfort Foods into Your Storage:
List down your family’s favorite dishes and gradually add them to your emergency stock. Keep an eye on their storage conditions. Some might need special packaging for longevity.
If cookies are a family favorite, read our article on storing cookie ingredients.
For pasta lovers, try my marinara sauce with freeze-dried cheese. Delicious!
For items not suitable for long-term storage, seek alternatives that mirror the original’s taste and sentiment. Ensure regular rotation of these items in your storage.
Other Suggested Comfort Foods:
- Chicken Soup: Here’s a versatile recipe.
- Pizza: With a bit of planning, you can store ingredients.
- My Special Mexican Rice: Trust me, it’s worth a try.
- Pancakes with syrup: Check our guide if you can tap maple trees.
- Chicken Pot Pie: Use freeze-dried chicken.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Here are some recipes.
- Beef Stew: Canning beef can help it last.
- Tacos: Stock up on freeze-dried beef and homemade ingredients.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: Store peanut butter and make your own bread and jam.
Conclusion:
So, did you remember to include those cherished comfort foods in your planning? While being prepared is vital, we mustn’t forget the emotional comforts. During challenging times, comfort foods offer more than just nutrition; they provide emotional solace and a hint of normalcy. Hence, it’s essential to factor in these foods in your readiness plans.
Which comfort foods are a must-have in your pantry?
