How to Cook, What to Eat If You Lose Power

As most recreational campers can attest, a little foresight can really help mealtime if you lose power during a hurricane or natural disaster.

How to Cook

Disposable charcoal grills (usually run $10 to $16 at most party stores, Target, Publix, and home improvement stores)

• Don't forget:Wind and waterproof matches or for disposable camping lighters (store them in an airtight container).

Portable backpacking stove

• Don't forget: propane, white gas, butane, or whatever fuels your stove.

A headlamp (in case you need to cook while it’s dark)

What to Eat

Almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, canned tuna, chicken and peanut butter or other nut butters can be paired them with jarred chutneys or jams and nutritious whole grain crackers. Peanut butter now comes in individual packets, which make a great on-the-go snack. I’ve also seen honey in plastic bottles.

Jerky, salami or summer sausage can be stowed. 

Lentils, chick peas or cannellini beans can be a main dish if necessary, or add them to tuna, which can be bought in flat, vacuum-sealed packages. Add olive oil or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Pack up Greek dressing in a plastic bottle or spices to improve flavor. 

Canned grilled eggplant, peppers and zucchini are good on their own and add flavor to any meal. If you can boil water, you can pair them with whole grain pasta and balsamic vinegar, rice or canned diced tomatoes that can be enhanced with spices and a packet of sun-dried tomatoes.

Cereals: Oatmeal and whole grain cereals offer easy options for getting protein. Both can be purchased in individual servings. You can add cranberries, dried figs, walnuts or almonds. 

Rice, soy and milk drinks come in individual or family-sized boxes for easy storage, and do not require refrigeration until opened. They can be added to tomato soup or sauces for thickening and lend a creamy taste and texture to rice or pasta dishes. You can also use dry creamer instead. 

Soups: Opt for lower sodium varieties, since they’ll make you less thirsty, when fresh water is in short supply. Plus they can be heated in the can. Some soups come in a paper cup and you only have to add water. 

Canned Goods: Lower sodium varieties of veggies are a must when water is in short supply. Carrots, potatoes, beets and white corn can be added to soups, pasta or rice dishes, or even eaten alone. For an easy way to spice up whole grain pasta, one can for every two people a day of diced tomatoes with basil and peppers works well. (Be sure to pack a manual can opener!)

Rice and Pasta: Boil-in-the-bag brown or jasmine rice takes only 10 minutes to boil and cook. But watch the sodium listings.

Snacks: Pack a few bags of dried apples, cranberries, prunes, and pears. Small cans of Mandarin orange slices, pineapple rings (which can be grilled) make a nice addition. So does applesauce, Jell-O or rice pudding, which come in individual tubs and may serve as comfort food when nerves are frayed. Granola bars are essential.

Beverages: Gatorade, bottle water and juices are a must. A good rule of thumb is that each person needs at least one gallon of water a day and you should have three-seven days on hand. Tea bags can add flavor to the water. Packets of coffee or powdered drink additives may be helpful. These days, you can purchase and store four-packs of wine and champagne with screw-tops.

Supplies

• Bamboo skewers
• Bowl for mixing ingredients
• Cutting board
• Drinking cup
• Foil, self-sticking Saran wrap
• Flipper
• Fround coffee, assorted tea bags, sugar or a substitute
• Oven mitt and pot holders, 
• Paper towels, napkins
• Plastic bin for dish washing and trial size dish soap
• Plastic measuring cups, utensils and plates
• Skillet
• Titanium or camping pots/pans
• Sponge
• Tongs
• Trash bags with twisty-ties
• Wipes
• Ziploc bags

Having a cooler to stow fish, meat and frozen foods, can be helpful to have on hand. Freeze bottles of water ahead of time and toss them in the cooler when needed. When they thaw, you can drink the water. 

Editor's Note: This information came from a 2011 Hurricane Preparedness column by Patch freelancer Judy Gray.