Maximize Your Blessings w/ THRIVE

1. Use the Thrive Shopping List to help you figure out what to place in your first couple Thrive Q orders. 2 weeks worth of meals is a good idea.

2. "Your best tools….Spray Bottle, strainer and whisks of different sizes

· For all freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried cheeses, the more delicate vegetables (broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, celery and onions) yogurt bites and ice creams use the spray bottle or strainer to better judge the amount of water needed." Sandi's Hints

Shelf Reliance fruit is a great snack for:

• Work (instead of vending machine sugar highs)
• Commuter Snacks (leave the fruit & yogurt bites in your car. The comparisson to storing fresh fruit and yogurt in your car for days on end has no competition!)
• Healthy Snacks for Children: In the Car or At Home as rewards for jobs well done-sure beats candy!
• Late Night Snack-instead of the ice cream, chips, candy, & cakes

• Rehydrating the fruit in the drink mixes is a great way to bring more flavor to your fruit.

• Use any residue at the bottom of the cans for smoothies. I mix the residue as well as the broken pieces of all of the different fruits and store in zip lock bags or air tight container.

Veggies:

• Measure out the needed amount; 1 cup for 2 to 4 people and put in sauce pan with water to the top of the vegetables but not cover the top. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes and season as you prefer.

· When making a soup, make desired soup base using either the chicken or beef bouillon or tomato powder. Cook any dehydrated vegies; carrots or dehydrated potato chunks with the base for around 5 to10 minutes before adding freeze dried vegetables and meats.

· FD vegetables may be rehydrated in the microwave by putting the desired amount in a glass bowl, bringing water to the top and nuking for about 40 seconds. The zucchini is wonderful so be sure and try it in soups.

· For items that you use a lot in cooking, store in air tight containers rather that opening the can every time you need some. *purchasing the #10 cans since is so much cheaper per serving.

· When making the Potato Beads make sure to do ½ of the recipe on the label or less. The recipe makes enough for 8 to 10 people so be careful!

· The Tomato Powder is one of my favorites. It replaces tomato paste and tomato sauce. I use it often but it is very concentrated so bring your water to a boil and then whisk in the Tomato Powder until it reaches the desired thickness. ~Sandi's Hint

Eggs:

Don’t be afraid to try the eggs. They are excellent to cook with. 1 whole egg is 2 Tblsp of water to 1 Tblsp egg powder. In any recipe that calls for an egg, you may add the egg powder with the amount of water without having to rehydrate first. The eggs are great in omelets, scrambled or in a quiche. I have found that they do cook much quicker that a raw egg so have all of the ingredients ready before you cook them. Do not overcook; cook until they are lemony yellow and they are done. It is easy to overcook them so be cautious. After opening the eggs it would help extend the shelf life if the eggs are stored in the fridge or freezer.

Beans:

We now have instant FD red beans, pinto beans and black beans. I found the best way to rehydrate is to put the beans in a bowl, cover with water and microwave for around 45 seconds. Otherwise, bring the water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the beans and let set for no more than 15 minutes. If you are making a soup or chili, cook the meat and whatever else you are adding with the water. Add the beans the last 3 to 5 minutes.

Meats:

The freeze dried meats, especially the chicken and ground beef are wonderful. Remember when you open a can of meat that has a high content of fat; such as the ham or sausage, it would be best to store it in the refrigerator in zip lock or some air tight container to keep the fat from going rancid. You may rehydrate by the label directions or put in bowl and cover with water and then microwave for 45 seconds.

Shortening:

I have been experimenting with the shortening powder. You do not need to rehydrate it to bake with it. Just add extra water to the recipe. I make biscuits that I just sift the shortening with all the dry ingredients. Whatever the recipe amount is, just add the same amount of the dehydrated form before rehydrating.

Desserts:

We all need to make sure that we have the “psychological”foods as part of our home store. I love the macaroons, brownies and the ice creams. The Neopolitan Bits are a favorite of my grandchildren. Again, the spray bottle is the best tool if you want to eat the ice cream rehydrated and frozen. Just spray and put in freezer and they are delicious! ~ Sandi's Hints