stocking up for a storm - foods to have on hand if the power goes out for days

With Hurricane Sandy (aka "Frankenstorm") threatening to blow through our town in the next few days, my food focus this week has been on using up what we've got, and stocking plenty of vittles for a power loss. I don't want to get all crazy about this but a) we always lose power b) we usually lose power for several days and c) there's something comforting about having a stash of batteries, firewood, and food so you kind of feel like you've got control of what is usually a pretty dismal situation...turning it into a fun adventure (at least for the kids).

On the shelf-stable food front, here's what I picked up:

• freeze-dried and/or dried fruits
• nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts...)
• trail mix 
• granola bars (ideally with high protein, Clif and Lara bars are good bets)
• apple sauce (or other unsweetened canned fruit... check labels to make sure it's really just apple sauce!)
• bread
• peanut, almond, and/or sunflower seed butters
• jam (small containers so they can be "single use" if we don't have a fridge)
• peanut butter crackers (Late July ones are my preference, but we could only find Keebler ones yesterday, bummer on the HFCS)
• turkey and/or beef jerky (make sure no MSG)
• crackers (aim for ones with high fiber and/or protein. some good ones are: Ak-Mak and Mary's Gone Crackers)
• brown rice cakes (Lundberg has a bunch of good ones)
• shelf-stable veggie and/or bean-based dips (again, single use sizes, since you might not have a fridge)
• cereal
• shelf-stable milk (single-use sizes)
• cookies and/or another treat (we bought Halloween sugar cookies at Trader Joe's)
• water (if you're not on town water)
• wine, lots of wine

And then right before the storm (like, tomorrow apparently), I am purchasing these fresh fruits and veggies that will last a few days (the veggies will have to be enjoyed first):

• carrots
• celery
• bell peppers
• apples
• grapes
• bananas

The beauty of a well-stocked stash is that even in total weather chaos, we can still enjoy snacks like this, and it's still totally possible to pull together a well-rounded, colorful meals (aka "rainbow plates") for my family.

OK, so that's what I've bought this week. Then, in addition to making sure we had plenty of pantry-friendly foods, wine, books, board games, candles and flashlight batteries, I am also spending this weekend getting ahead of the curve health-wise + trying to use up what we have in our fridge and freezer. This morning, we enjoyed a "use-up-what-is-in-the-fridge frittata". Here's my simple, go-to frittata recipe if anyone else is trying to plow through eggs, cheese, veggies and or meat! (And here's the video if you prefer to learn a new recipe that way.)

The one fresh thing I did stock up on yesterday was a lot of organic greens-- more than normal. I've got the whole family enjoying 3 green smoothies a day, since we'll likely be eating 'junk' for several days in a row. (Junk being relative...much to my husband's dismay I didn't load up on the Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee of his childhood.)

Here's my go-to green smoothie, but you can add any fruits and greens you like. As you can see above, this morning's was a combination of: 1 banana + 6 oz spinach + a handful of frozen pineapple and strawberries + water and everyone loved it. You can use any ratio of greens: fruit. When I first started making green smoothies, I made them 60% fruit: 40% greens, but now we're more like 40% fruit to 60% greens. I only mention this b/c I know several readers have anticipated that their kids won't like the taste. I say, give it a try (perhaps in an opaque cup) before writing them off. Smoothies are simple, loaded with goodness, and you just need to taste as you go to arrive at the flavor your family is going to enjoy.

Alrighty, this might be it from me for a few days. Hope everyone stays safe, well-fed and has some fun family time these next couple of days. Cheers to this not being as major as the weather gods-- or newsmen-- are making it out to be!!