Self Reliance: Buttermilk

Did you know that you can cultivate your own buttermilk?  I found a tutorial online, and was going to link to it, but now I can't find it anywhere. (If anyone knows the link, would you please post it in the comments?)

Basically you get a container and put 1 part buttermilk in. Then put 3 parts milk. Shake it and leave it on your counter for 24 hours.  After 24 hours shake it again and if it is thick and clumpy, the cultures of the buttermilk have spread and created more buttermilk.  Now store your buttermilk in the fridge and use it for recipes!  Always keep 1 part in your container so you can continue replenishing the buttermilk using the same instructions.

I used this quart jar, so I put 1 cup of buttermilk and followed it with 3 cups of milk.

I put my label right where the 1 cup measurement is, so I will always know that's where I stop pouring out my buttermilk.

It's so nice to always have buttermilk on hand for pancakes and waffles!

Have any of you ever made your own buttermilk?

Food Storage Tuesday

Every Tuesday, we post specific items you should gather in order to supplement your 72-hour kit, your three-month supply, and your longer term storage.  If you are new to our blog, don't worry!  You won't be left behind.  Just start up where we are and follow along.  You will eventually have everything completed.  Once the 72-hour kit is complete, we'll be putting together emergency car kits again (week by week).  Once those are done, we'll gather the 72-hour kits again.  So don't worry, just jump on in and join us where we are today!    


This week for your 72-hour kits, add a 5 gallon bucket.  Most likely this won't actually fit in your kit, but you can always carry it along with you.  A bucket would come in handy for hauling and carrying things like water, dirt, etc.  You could also use it upside down as a stool to sit on.... you just don't know what kind of situation you will find yourself in during an emergency!


How's your three month supply coming along?  Food is not the only thing you should stock up on.... Don't forget to have a supply of medications and other OTC medicines on hand.  Also, remember to stock up on food and other things for your pets!


This month for our longer-term supply, we've been gathering oats.  In March we'll be gathering beans.

Motivational Monday

Work is a spiritual necessity as well as an economic necessity. Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of all accomplishment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to work. (See Gen. 3:19.)

“Chapter 11: Provident Living: Applying Principles of Self-Reliance and Preparedness,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006),114–23