The Ultimate Survival Companion: How to Avoid Fried Rice Syndrome

Have you ever eaten leftover rice or pasta and felt sick afterwards? If so, you might have experienced Fried Rice Syndrome, a type of food poisoning caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. This bacterium can grow in cooked rice and other starchy foods that are left at room temperature for too long. It can produce toxins that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within hours of eating contaminated food .

Fried Rice Syndrome is not only unpleasant, but also potentially dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bacillus cereus causes about 63,400 cases of food poisoning each year in the United States, and some of them can be fatal . For preppers, who rely on stored food and may not have access to medical care in an emergency, avoiding Fried Rice Syndrome is crucial for survival.

In this article, we will discuss how to store, cook, and reheat rice and other starchy foods safely, and how to prevent Fried Rice Syndrome from ruining your day.

How to Store Cooked Rice and Other Starchy Foods Safely

One of the most important steps to prevent Fried Rice Syndrome is to store cooked rice and other starchy foods properly. Bacillus cereus can grow rapidly in warm and moist conditions, so you should refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking . Use airtight containers and label them with dates, so you know how long they have been stored. The recommended shelf life of cooked rice and other foods in the fridge and freezer are shown in the table below :

Food	Refrigerator (40°F or below)	Freezer (0°F or below)
Cooked rice	3 to 4 days	6 months
Cooked pasta	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
Cooked beans	3 to 4 days	6 months
Cooked potatoes	3 to 4 days	10 to 12 months
Cooked corn	3 to 5 days	8 months

How to Cook Rice and Other Starchy Foods Properly

Another important step to prevent Fried Rice Syndrome is to cook rice and other starchy foods properly. Bacillus cereus can be present in raw rice and other grains, so you should wash them before cooking to remove any dirt and dust . Use clean utensils and equipment, and boil water for at least one minute to kill any bacteria . The recommended cooking time and temperature for rice and other foods are shown in the table below :

Food	Cooking Time	Cooking Temperature
Rice	15 to 20 minutes	212°F
Pasta	8 to 12 minutes	212°F
Beans	1 to 2 hours	212°F
Potatoes	15 to 20 minutes	212°F
Corn	5 to 10 minutes	212°F

How to Reheat Rice and Other Starchy Foods Safely

The final step to prevent Fried Rice Syndrome is to reheat rice and other starchy foods safely. Bacillus cereus can survive cooking and reheating, so you should reheat leftovers to at least 165°F, stirring them well and checking for hot spots . The recommended reheating time and method for rice and other foods are shown in the table below :

Food	Reheating Time	Reheating Method
Rice	1 to 2 minutes	Microwave, oven, or stove
Pasta	1 to 2 minutes	Microwave, oven, or stove
Beans	2 to 3 minutes	Microwave, oven, or stove
Potatoes	2 to 3 minutes	Microwave, oven, or stove
Corn	1 to 2 minutes	Microwave, oven, or stove

Conclusion

Fried Rice Syndrome is a type of food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can grow in cooked rice and other starchy foods that are left at room temperature for too long. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps within hours of eating contaminated food. To avoid Fried Rice Syndrome, you should store, cook, and reheat rice and other starchy foods safely, following the guidelines in this article.

As a prepper, you should be aware of the risks of Fried Rice Syndrome and how to prevent it. It can make you sick and weak, and compromise your survival in an emergency. By practicing good food safety habits, you can enjoy your rice and other starchy foods without worrying about getting sick.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family, and check your pantry for any leftovers that might be unsafe to eat.

EMERGENCY BREAD From The Great Depression Era

You will also need a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a loaf pan, and an oven.

 "Emergency" No Yeast Bread - A quick & easy loaf with no rising time (fussfreeflavours.com)

Hello and welcome to The Ultimate Survival Companion, the blog where I share tips, tricks, and recipes for surviving any situation. Today, I’m going to review a Depression era bread that is cheap, easy to make, and only requires four basic ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and milk or oil/water/butter. This bread is also known as emergency bread, because you can whip it up in a matter of minutes when you have nothing else to eat. It’s a simple but satisfying way to fill your stomach and get some energy.

The recipe I’m using is from Fuss Free Flavours, a website that offers delicious and affordable recipes for everyday cooking. The recipe is very straightforward and adaptable. You just need to mix the dry ingredients, add the liquid, and bake in a loaf pan for about 25 minutes. You can also add some herbs, cheese, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. The bread comes out soft and fluffy, with a golden crust. It’s perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or dipping in soup.

If you want to try this Depression era bread for yourself, you can find the recipe here. I’ll show you how I made it and what I thought of the taste and texture. Let’s get started!

To make the Depression era bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 
  500 g (4 cups) plain flour (regular cake or all purpose flour not bread or wholewheat / wholegrain)

• 2 tsp (2 tsp) baking powder

• 1 tsp (1 tsp) salt

• 310 ml (1 1/3 cups) milk (or water with a spoon of oil or melted butter)

• 
  

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your loaf pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add the milk or oil/water/butter and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the type and consistency you use. If the dough is too dry, add more liquid. If the dough is too wet, add more flour.

4. Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula or your hands. You can also make some slashes on the top with a knife for a rustic look.

5. Bake the bread for 25-45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your Time will depend on your oven!

6. Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.

You can enjoy the bread as it is, or you can customize it with some variations. Here are some ideas:

• 
  

  
  
  Add some dried or fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, to the dough for a savory flavor.

• Sprinkle some cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella, on top of the dough before baking for a cheesy crust.

• Mix in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans, to the dough for a crunchy texture and extra protein.

• Drizzle some honey, maple syrup, or jam on top of the bread after baking for a sweet treat.

And that’s how you make the Depression era bread, a cheap, easy, and versatile recipe that can save you in a pinch. I hope you enjoyed this review and learned something new. If you did, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts and experiences. I’d love to hear from you!

Here's My Results, Not bad for a first Go!

This bread is not only a great way to use up some pantry staples, but also a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the people who lived through the Great Depression. They faced many hardships and challenges, but they also found ways to cope and survive. They made do with what they had, and they created some amazing dishes that we can still enjoy today. We Can learn from them incase we go through another financial depression, an emergency situation where going to the store may not be an easy option, or for that last meal at the end of a tight budget cycle. These recipes are great to keep printed out and saved in a physical form!

Thank you for reading The Ultimate Survival Companion, the blog that helps you prepare for any situation. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and recipes, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media to get notified of new posts. Until next time, stay safe and happy!

"Emergency" No Yeast Bread - A quick & easy loaf with no rising time (fussfreeflavours.com)

Installing A Backup Hand Pump

 Welcome to “The Ultimate Survival Companion”! In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a backup hand pump to your water well. This is a great way to ensure that you have access to water even during power outages.

To install a backup hand pump, you will need a few tools and materials. These include a hand pump, a well cap, a well seal, a check valve, a pitless adapter, a T-fitting, and a length of pipe. You will also need a wrench, a hacksaw, and a drill.

Here are the detailed steps to install a backup hand pump:

1. Remove the existing well cap: Use a wrench to remove the existing well cap. This will give you access to the well casing.

2. Install the pitless adapter: The pitless adapter is a device that allows you to connect the hand pump to the well casing without having to remove the electric pump. Install the pitless adapter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Install the T-fitting: Install the T-fitting on the top of the pitless adapter. This will allow you to connect the hand pump to the well casing.

4. Install the check valve: Install the check valve on the T-fitting. The check valve will prevent water from flowing back down the well when you are pumping water with the hand pump.

5. Install the hand pump: Install the hand pump on the T-fitting. Make sure that the hand pump is securely attached to the T-fitting.

6. Install the well seal: Install the well seal around the hand pump. The well seal will prevent debris from entering the well.

7. Attach the pipe: Attach a length of pipe to the hand pump. The length of pipe should be long enough to reach the surface.

8. Test the hand pump: Test the hand pump to make sure that it is working properly. Pump water from the well and check the flow rate.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can install a backup hand pump to your water well and ensure that you have access to water even during power outages. Stay safe and prepared!

Here is a GREAT video to give you a visual reference:

Survival Shelter Basics:

 Welcome to “The Ultimate Survival Companion”! In this article, we will discuss how to build a shelter with minimal tools and resources in a survival situation.

First, it is important to choose a site that is dry, flat, and not right next to a body of water. It should also not be underneath any cliffs, falling rocks, or dead limbs which could fall on you. The site should be readily visible or very well hidden (depending on whether you want to be found or not). You should also have a good place for a fire right in front of the doorway .

Next, you need to assess your needs. Here are some of the things you need to consider: How many people are in your group? Does your shelter need to be camouflaged? How cold is it? Will you build a fire inside or directly in front of your shelter? How much time do you have to make the shelter? Is the shelter for long-term or short-term use? .

There are many types of shelters you can build with minimal tools and resources. Here are some examples:

1. 
   Tarp Shelter: You just need a plastic tarp and some cordage for this survival shelter. You can even make it with a rain poncho in a pinch. Just tie each end of the tarp to a tree. Pros: Fastest to build, very easy to build, good for larger groups. Cons: Poor protection from wind and rain, could easily break from falling sticks, hard rain, etc., no protection from animals .

2. Tarp Tent: Just tie some cordage between two trees and drape your tarp over it. Then use some rocks, sticks, or more cordage to anchor the sides of the tarp away from you. Pros: Fast and easy to build, protects from rain. Cons: Only moderate protection from wind, could easily break from falling sticks, hard rain, etc.

   

3. Debris Shelter: Debris shelters are simple but sturdy shelters made from natural resources. You can create them out of wood, stone, mud, etc. These huts provide protection from the elements, and they are easy to make. Best of all, no special tools are needed to make a debris hut.

   
   
   

4. Body Heat Shelter: To build a simple body heat shelter, use debris from the ground such as dirt, leaves, and twigs, to create a mound and use larger sticks to frame it. Clear a hole just big enough to crawl into and cover the opening to block air flow and limit the open space. Your body heat will be trapped inside the shelter, keeping you warm throughout the night .

It is important to note that while these shelters can be built with minimal tools and resources, it is still important to have some basic tools available such as a survival knife, bushcraft axe, folding saw, and machete.

I hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to build a shelter with minimal tools and resources in a survival situation. Remember to always practice building shelters so that you are prepared should you ever need this survival skill! Stay safe out there! 🏕️

Make The Government Pay YOU to Switch to Solar!

 

Welcome to The Ultimate Survival Companion! Are you considering switching to solar power? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss the various incentives available for solar power in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. We’ll also provide an overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which is the most significant incentive offered by the US government. Additionally, we’ll cover other incentives such as state and local tax credits, net metering, rebates, grants, and sales tax exemptions. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to determine your eligibility for these incentives and how to consult with a professional tax advisor to make the most of them. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the benefits of solar power and how you can take advantage of the incentives available to you. Let’s get started!

The Federal Government offers incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power. The most significant incentive is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. It can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer. The installation of the system must be complete during the tax year. Solar PV systems installed in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit. In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) It will decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. The tax credit expires starting in 2035 unless Congress renews it. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed .

It is important to note that this is a general overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit. or more detailed information, please refer to the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics . This guide provides an overview of the federal investment tax credit for residential solar photovoltaics (PV). It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance and may change based on additional guidance from the Treasury Department. Please see their published Fact Sheet for additional information .

If you are considering switching to solar power, it is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the Federal Solar Tax Credit and other incentives that may be available to you .

In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, there are other incentives available for switching to solar power. These incentives vary by state and utility company. Some of the most common incentives include:

1. State and Local Tax Credits: Many states offer tax credits for installing solar panels. These credits can be used in addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit .

2. Net Metering: Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. This credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity they consume when their solar panels are not generating enough electricity .

3. Rebates: Some utility companies offer rebates to customers who install solar panels. These rebates can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

4. Grants: Some states offer grants to homeowners who install solar panels. These grants can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

5. Sales Tax Exemptions: Some states offer sales tax exemptions for solar panel installations. This can help reduce the overall cost of installing solar panels 4.

It is important to note that these incentives vary by state and utility company. It is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine which incentives are available to you .

Grants for installation: There are several grants available for solar power. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports funding opportunities on photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, technology to market, and soft costs projects. These funding opportunities encourage collaborative partnerships among industry, universities, national laboratories, federal, state, and local governments and non-government agencies and advocacy groups. Solicitations may include financial or technical assistance .

In the UK, there are two grants that may help you buy solar panels for your home: the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) and the Home Upgrade Grant. ECO4 can provide up to £14,000 towards energy-saving initiatives for your home if you qualify..

The Canadian government has also announced a grant for homeowners to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences. Homeowners will be able to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations .

I hope this information helps!

The Federal Government offers incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power. The most significant incentive is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. It can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer. The installation of the system must be complete during the tax year. Solar PV systems installed in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit. In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) It will decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. The tax credit expires starting in 2035 unless Congress renews it. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed .

It is important to note that this is a general overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit. or more detailed information, please refer to the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics . This guide provides an overview of the federal investment tax credit for residential solar photovoltaics (PV). It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance and may change based on additional guidance from the Treasury Department. Please see their published Fact Sheet for additional information .

If you are considering switching to solar power, it is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the Federal Solar Tax Credit and other incentives that may be available to you .

In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, there are other incentives available for switching to solar power. These incentives vary by state and utility company. Some of the most common incentives include:

1. State and Local Tax Credits: Many states offer tax credits for installing solar panels. These credits can be used in addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit .

2. Net Metering: Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. This credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity they consume when their solar panels are not generating enough electricity .

3. Rebates: Some utility companies offer rebates to customers who install solar panels. These rebates can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

4. Grants: Some states offer grants to homeowners who install solar panels. These grants can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

5. Sales Tax Exemptions: Some states offer sales tax exemptions for solar panel installations. This can help reduce the overall cost of installing solar panels 4.

It is important to note that these incentives vary by state and utility company. It is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine which incentives are available to you .

Grants for installation: There are several grants available for solar power. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports funding opportunities on photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, technology to market, and soft costs projects. These funding opportunities encourage collaborative partnerships among industry, universities, national laboratories, federal, state, and local governments and non-government agencies and advocacy groups. Solicitations may include financial or technical assistance .

In the UK, there are two grants that may help you buy solar panels for your home: the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) and the Home Upgrade Grant. ECO4 can provide up to £14,000 towards energy-saving initiatives for your home if you qualify..

The Canadian government has also announced a grant for homeowners to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences. Homeowners will be able to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations .

I hope this information helps!