Tuesday, February 17, 2015

What to Cook During a Southern Ice Storm


Like true Memphians, we went to the grocery store for a big shop on Sunday ahead of the ice storm. People who didn't grow up here can laugh all they want at how much we all prepare. Following this tradition has paid off since we're still stuck inside the house for the time being, and for once, we have actually had electricity the whole time. This never happens! (Making do has inspired many desperate recipes in the past.)

Maybe we're still very scarred from the 1994 ice storm in Memphis, when everyone was on standstill without power for up to two weeks. Trees and power lines, making the most unnatural sounds as they fell, toppled due to the weight of ice. It was a pretty trying time; it's a blessing it didn't happen again this round.

So earlier this week at the store, we went through the aisles thinking of possibilities along with stocking up on necessities since cooking sure does pass the time nicely after you've gotten work done, organized all drawers, read everything, and cleaned the house. So y'all in the same situation, stay safe and warm and let us know what you're going to make with your own provisions! Here's what has been going on so far in our kitchen, along with what might happen next:

Amazing Almond Fluor Biscuits (Gluten Free)

Cajun Boiled Peanuts in the Slow Cooker

Squash and Sage Lasagna / Summer Herb Lasagna

Peanut Butter + Banana Smoothie

Vegetarian Pot Pie

Meaty Portobello Chili

Triple Tomato Soup

Banana Pudding

Apple-Ginger Crisp

& of course, since we pretty much make them every week or so, Katie's Black Bean Brownies

3 comments:

genejan said...

We know of ice storms in the Great White North (Toronto). Just over a year ago, a biggy had power cut off around Christmas - mine came back Xmas morning. I survived with a wood-burning fireplace for warmth and have a gas range so could boil water and cook on top. The fridge felt risky (though I froze jugs outside and put them in)so I figured I'd better make clean-out-the-fridge soup. More like stew actually, and there was so much, I spread it out on dehydrator sheets and made "ice soup powder" after the power came back. Channelling our pioneer ancestors at such time. Good luck.

Jane Miller said...

Peanut butter and banana, what a great combo! Planning to make it for breakfast tomorrow. Awesome list!

Jane said...

I think Memphis is ready for the next big one and although we faired better during Hurricane Elvis, preparation is absolutely crucial. It's always better to stock up when the Memphian instinct kicks in. And thank you for the Banana Pudding, it is one for the road!