View Full Version : Prepping for the holidays
Hey guys-
I saw something on Reddit that made me go, "hmmm."
If what they say is true and this Virus makes a comeback in the fall, foodstuffs for the holidays are going to be mighty lean. You may want to start picking up some things that you would normally gather closer to September/October. Flour, sugar, spices, cans of veggies, etc.
By the way, if you've thought about getting a canner, know that they are backordered by at least a month. Chest freezers? Over three months. There's still time to get them, so don't be put off by the length of time. There are other methods of storing food than those two ways, so focus on your options hile you're waiting. But I would not delay much longer.
Hey guys-
I saw something on Reddit that made me go, "hmmm."
If what they say is true and this Virus makes a comeback in the fall, foodstuffs for the holidays are going to be mighty lean. You may want to start picking up some things that you would normally gather closer to September/October. Flour, sugar, spices, cans of veggies, etc.
By the way, if you've thought about getting a canner, know that they are backordered by at least a month. Chest freezers? Over three months. There's still time to get them, so don't be put off by the length of time. There are other methods of storing food than those two ways, so focus on your options hile you're waiting. But I would not delay much longer.Solid bit of advice right there.
Might not even hurt to start on gifts, if you do that sort of thing.
Heck, even in "normal" years all you hear about is people complaining about how they didn't get their "2 day shipping" on time.
Thanks for a pertinent reminder Grey.
Sent from somewhere...
My guess is that this will be a thing until the elections are over. That said, I will soon have all Thanksgiving foods in hand very soon. The turkey will have to wait til later.
Xmas dinner is less important. Ham and scallop potatoes, enchiladas, lasagna... It's a toss up.
New years eve/day is Hoppin' John and that is already in the freezer.
P.S. I have enough TP for the next day also. [Muaha]
There were local shortages here on Monday again of things like milk, butter, meat, lettuce of all things (saw some woman panic buying 5 heads of cabbage because no lettuce) [facepalm] I agree the supply issues will be a cycling issue for awhile, probably worse in the fall/winter.
I have a bad feeling that it's going to last beyond the elections, (not that there won't be blame thrown around for it) and that there will be hardships for those that are barely making ends meet.
Speaking of shortages, our Sam's Club looks like it did in the very beginning of March with lack of meat. I know Kings is having limitations of 2 packages per person. Has anyone been to Costco? I've never been to Shamrock foods- is it worth it for bulk meats?
I have a bad feeling that it's going to last beyond the elections, (not that there won't be blame thrown around for it) and that there will be hardships for those that are barely making ends meet.
Speaking of shortages, our Sam's Club looks like it did in the very beginning of March with lack of meat. I know Kings is having limitations of 2 packages per person. Has anyone been to Costco? I've never been to Shamrock foods- is it worth it for bulk meats?
Shamrock is good to go. Last time I was there, we grabbed 30lbs of breaded chicken tenders at $1/lb, 20lb ground beef, and some pork shoulders.
Prices are already going up. Get it now if you can. I feel with all this new money we will get inflation. Right now it seems baking goods are in short supply
Just a bit of input, while I see what you are seeing in the metro, I was in CS this weekend for Mother's Day, and when we went to the dog park on Tuesday, the Safeway off GoG and Centennial had an excellent selection of meat products. I was only there for bottled water and chips for lunch, but my step daughter went back by on her way home (let's say about 3:30-4:00), and was able to get what she wanted. Chicken, ground beef and pork. She didn't mention restrictions, but then again, she wasn't "stocking up" but she was headed back up to Breckenridge for a few weeks.
I do think it's going to get a dicey for 4-6 weeks before it comes back online.
Sent from somewhere...
And I'm not exactly sure when that 4-6 weeks will kick in in earnest.
Sent from somewhere...
Thanks for the info, guys! I will check out Shamrock tomorrow. And thank you for suggesting checking out the Springs- I guess I'm so focused that it never even occurred to me to go outside the area.
The paper goods aisle was ravaged, but the meat section was very solid. I didn't take the time to peruse in detail, but the end cap on one of the gondolas was probably 3 layers deep of Johnsonville brats, Italian, etc.
The wall shelves were pretty well stocked as well. Didn't veer over, but there not many, if any blank spots.
I was going to swing back by on my way back north, but I forgot until it was "too late" in my opinion.
Sent from somewhere...
The above mentioned conversation with my step daughter was after I had gotten back home a bit after 4. She had just finished shopping.
There is still hope (not to make it sound bad).
Side note: We watched Soylent Green with her this weekend. Her first time.
About 2/3 - 3/4 the way through, her eyes got wide and she actually looked at us and said "Holy Shit".
She got it. She's 33 btw. She was astounded, and she's not simple or sheltered. I do think a little light came on for her though.
Sent from somewhere...
The above mentioned conversation with my step daughter was after I had gotten back home a bit after 4. She had just finished shopping.
There is still hope (not to make it sound bad).
Side note: We watched Soylent Green with her this weekend. Her first time.
About 2/3 - 3/4 the way through, her eyes got wide and she actually looked at us and said "Holy Shit".
She got it. She's 33 btw. She was astounded, and she's not simple or sheltered. I do think a little light came on for her though.
Sent from somewhere...
My younger brother is the same way. He and my Mom are in another state, so I'm trying to make sure they both have what they need. Mom is compromised by age and by immunodeficiencies; I order groceries for her through the local grocery store (and I thank God they began home delivery less than a year ago.) But getting my brother to stop and grocery shop for them both is like pulling teeth. I called him and tried to explain I needed him to get to Costco and buy a few hundred dollars of meat and paper goods. He was unconcerned, and said, "If I run low on things, I'll run to the store and pick it up." He could NOT understand. I made a sufficient pain in the ass of myself that my niece drove two hours to shop for them. Even then, supply was low.
Light FINALLY dawned about the end of March when they could not find toilet paper anywhere. I ended up shipping them some of our own supply, which was some of the most expensive TP in the world. It is a blessing they both have chest freezers, and have been listening to me as to stocking up now.
It's about time for another grocery shop for them both, though. I'll have to schedule a shopper.
Amazing how even people you want to think are somewhat self reliant have no idea about real, day to day life.
Sent from somewhere...
Well, it's a different life they lead. They're kind of removed from the news right now, although I hadn't realized that they were QUITE as removed from it as they are.
I'll watch out for them. It's a little tougher than I expected, but I'll figure things out.
theGinsue
05-13-2020, 23:36
I have a bad feeling that it's going to last beyond the elections, (not that there won't be blame thrown around for it) and that there will be hardships for those that are barely making ends meet.
Speaking of shortages, our Sam's Club looks like it did in the very beginning of March with lack of meat. I know Kings is having limitations of 2 packages per person. Has anyone been to Costco? I've never been to Shamrock foods- is it worth it for bulk meats?
I just started shopping at Shamrock Foods here in COS in March (maybe February). I can't say I'm real impressed with their frozen meats selection, but they seemed to still have a very good selection of fresh (vacuum sealed) meats a week and a half ago when I went last. However (yeah, here's the "but.."), they did have signs posted along the various fresh meats rows indicating they were experiencing shortages in many meats and asking folks to bear with them).
FWIW, If anyone is looking, Shamrock Foods has had Nitrile gloves in 100/box for $6 about 1/2 of the time I'm in the store. About another 1/4 of the time they only have them in size Small.
So far, it seems, most folks are hitting the chain grocery stores and Sams/Costco for their purchases and most don't seem aware of Shamrock. Hopefully I can get all I need BEFORE this changes.
I've been trying to stock up on canned items @ Shamrock but I must admit my focus did not consider getting Holiday meal items. That has now changed - thank you Grey.
Thanks for the info, guys! I will check out Shamrock tomorrow. And thank you for suggesting checking out the Springs- I guess I'm so focused that it never even occurred to me to go outside the area.
If you need me to look for or even grab something for you, let me know. I can get it and hold it until we can meet.
I plan on filling my tags this year to fill my freezer....wait....that hasn?t worked very well recently 🤔
I just started shopping at Shamrock Foods here in COS in March (maybe February). I can't say I'm real impressed with their frozen meats selection, but they seemed to still have a very good selection of fresh (vacuum sealed) meats a week and a half ago when I went last. However (yeah, here's the "but.."), they did have signs posted along the various fresh meats rows indicating they were experiencing shortages in many meats and asking folks to bear with them).
FWIW, If anyone is looking, Shamrock Foods has had Nitrile gloves in 100/box for $6 about 1/2 of the time I'm in the store. About another 1/4 of the time they only have them in size Small.
So far, it seems, most folks are hitting the chain grocery stores and Sams/Costco for their purchases and most don't seem aware of Shamrock. Hopefully I can get all I need BEFORE this changes.
I've been trying to stock up on canned items @ Shamrock but I must admit my focus did not consider getting Holiday meal items. That has now changed - thank you Grey.
If you need me to look for or even grab something for you, let me know. I can get it and hold it until we can meet.
Have you walked in behind the freezer faces? They have a decent bit of frozen meat in there. For example, they have the name brand breaded chicken tenders out front for like $4/lb. In the back, generic (albeit good) tenders were $1/lb
At this point, I wouldn't wear their loaner jacket though....
ETA: for example, a 5lb box of tenders at Sam's was a touch over $14 for the same grade of tenders.
I plan on filling my tags this year to fill my freezer....wait....that hasn?t worked very well recently ��
You know how to make that happen, right? Fill your freezer to the brim, get your tags, and at the point that there's not room for a single ice cube in your cold storage, you'll bag the biggest, fattest critter out there. :)
Have you walked in behind the freezer faces? They have a decent bit of frozen meat in there. For example, they have the name brand breaded chicken tenders out front for like $4/lb. In the back, generic (albeit good) tenders were $1/lb
At this point, I wouldn't wear their loaner jacket though....
ETA: for example, a 5lb box of tenders at Sam's was a touch over $14 for the same grade of tenders.
This is GREAT to know. I've got a few families in my neighborhood that I'm keeping an eye on, and am picking up a bit of this and that for them when I see things available.
This is GREAT to know. I've got a few families in my neighborhood that I'm keeping an eye on, and am picking up a bit of this and that for them when I see things available.
Shamrock denver can be a bit misleading. I watched 4 people hit the same pallet of tenders I found back there after staring at the faced tenders.
You know how to make that happen, right? Fill your freezer to the brim, get your tags, and at the point that there's not room for a single ice cube in your cold storage, you'll bag the biggest, fattest critter out there. :)
That?s the truth!
Shamrock denver can be a bit misleading. I watched 4 people hit the same pallet of tenders I found back there after staring at the faced tenders.
I'm going to go for the one in the Springs, just to hedge my bet. :)
tactical_2012
05-14-2020, 13:15
Love the Shamrock picked up a 40lbs box of boneless skinless breast for $43.99 hard to beat that price. Have bought tons of meat there in the past. Also a great place to pick up rice, beans, sugar, salt, etc. for sealing in 5 gallon buckets for long term storage
Love the Shamrock picked up a 40lbs box of boneless skinless breast for $43.99 hard to beat that price. Have bought tons of meat there in the past. Also a great place to pick up rice, beans, sugar, salt, etc. for sealing in 5 gallon buckets for long term storage
Great to know that bulk items can be had in thos quantities. I've been mourning the loss of Zaycon foods.
I also recommend those food-grade 5 gallon buckets as mentioned earlier. You can also brine a turkey or whatever in them, just make sure they are food-grade for that. Not a bad idea to freeze any pastas/grains in advance to help kill any pests before they're put in a sealed bucket and find out one package had cereal moths 6 months later.
While things are much closer to normal through this summer is a good time to restock/stock up. It's easier to already have it than to try to run out and buy ten when the news becomes back-to-back coverage of Sodomy Geese. Most people contribute to the panic buying only because they know they won't be able to access stuff because of the panic buying.
Great-Kazoo
05-17-2020, 08:51
I'm going to go for the one in the Springs, just to hedge my bet. :)
Love the Shamrock picked up a 40lbs box of boneless skinless breast for $43.99 hard to beat that price. Have bought tons of meat there in the past. Also a great place to pick up rice, beans, sugar, salt, etc. for sealing in 5 gallon buckets for long term storage
Both Safeway and Frys / Kings here, are fairly well stocked with meat & poultry. BUT a 2 limit per and for some reason believe meats and poultry should be priced @ $2 for chicken and $6.99 starting for meat. Thankfully we get most of ours from local sources.
If you like breakfast sausage, try their 2 oz links, in case lot. it's the same sausage Shooters Grill and the Red Rooster in longmont serve.
The shamrock / foodservice warehouse here in in the valley (Phoenix) Like driving from the wyo border to north denver, distance wise.
When we first stopped in there 9/19 i asked if they had these beef raviolis' the ft collins one carried.
I'm looking at the guy who's helping and say. Hey didn't you work in the Ft Collins Co,store? yes i'm the manager and they have me down here reorganizing a few things.
They sell eggs by the 5 doz count, so you can split them with someone, if you want. Or freeze dry them as one of the preppers up the hill does.
IF you like desserts try their lemon meringue pie.
Both Safeway and Frys / Kings here, are fairly well stocked with meat & poultry. BUT a 2 limit per and for some reason believe meats and poultry should be priced @ $2 for chicken and $6.99 starting for meat. Thankfully we get most of ours from local sources.
If you like breakfast sausage, try their 2 oz links, in case lot. it's the same sausage Shooters Grill and the Red Rooster in longmont serve.
The shamrock / foodservice warehouse here in in the valley (Phoenix) Like driving from the wyo border to north denver, distance wise.
When we first stopped in there 9/19 i asked if they had these beef raviolis' the ft collins one carried.
I'm looking at the guy who's helping and say. Hey didn't you work in the Ft Collins Co,store? yes i'm the manager and they have me down here reorganizing a few things.
They sell eggs by the 5 doz count, so you can split them with someone, if you want. Or freeze dry them as one of the preppers up the hill does.
IF you like desserts try their lemon meringue pie.
Thanks!
Our diets are somewhat restricted due to underlying medical issues, but I expect that I'll be able to pick up a decent amount of stock. Our Kings here also had limits (2) on fresh meat, Sam's has limits of 1 for fresh meat, and the price of their beef has skyrocketed $1.50 per pound in the last 2 weeks. I almost fell over when I saw the prices they were asking for their roasts.
There's a rancher- Winter's Ranch- that is selling 1/2 and 1/4 beeves, as well as ground beef. We may be doing that. They're taking orders for July.
Great-Kazoo
05-17-2020, 22:39
Thanks!
Our diets are somewhat restricted due to underlying medical issues, but I expect that I'll be able to pick up a decent amount of stock. Our Kings here also had limits (2) on fresh meat, Sam's has limits of 1 for fresh meat, and the price of their beef has skyrocketed $1.50 per pound in the last 2 weeks. I almost fell over when I saw the prices they were asking for their roasts.
There's a rancher- Winter's Ranch- that is selling 1/2 and 1/4 beeves, as well as ground beef. We may be doing that. They're taking orders for July.
Check what the charge is, by hanging or live weight. Also (unless you really like ground beef) check what the ratio is of gb, to other cuts.
Where is a good source for food grade 5 gallon buckets with tight sealing lids? Anything local?
Sometimes I can get 2.5 or 4 gal buckets from the grocery bakery but most don't have sealed lids.
Great-Kazoo
05-17-2020, 23:07
Where is a good source for food grade 5 gallon buckets with tight sealing lids? Anything local?
Sometimes I can get 2.5 or 4 gal buckets from the grocery bakery but most don't have sealed lids.
you try walmarts bakery? if not (hopefully) a restaurant, when they open, or burger place for their 5 gal pickle ones.
Or
https://www.uline.com/
Good luck getting the pickle out of the bucket though. I had some and it took years to get that smell out.
Well, the trip to Shamrock Foods was both enlightening and a balm to frayed nerves. We met TheGinsue at the Shamrock in Colorado Springs, and had a good browse to learn the layout of the store. Cheese and meat were plentiful- although the rising meat prices are evident even there. Bulk produce, cheese, eggs...in addition to many, many shelf-stable items. Because it is a restaurant supply store, they have bulk items of serious size- does anyone remember the #10 cans of black beans that Sam's Club used to sell? Shamrock has them.
Their selection of dried goods was also very good- they have several types of flour, and they even had blocks of yeast in the refrigerated section.
We purchased several items. I needed to purchase more canning jars before I buy more meat, but the prize that made me dance is a #50 bag of whole wheat flour for $15.00!
I know- you're saying, it'll go rancid in a few months. You have to store it in the fridge or freezer. Not necessarily. I've been researching this and have found that if you store it in airtight mason jars in a cool-dry area (preferably dark) the flour should store indefinitely. That's how I'm doing it. I will also treat it first- the rule of thumb is four days in the freezer. Each jar will also have a bay leaf inside (the leaf will not change the taste of the flour; bay leaves repel miller moths).
So thank you, everybody that suggested Shamrock Foods.!
Great-Kazoo
05-19-2020, 12:30
Well, the trip to Shamrock Foods was both enlightening and a balm to frayed nerves. We met TheGinsue at the Shamrock in Colorado Springs, and had a good browse to learn the layout of the store. Cheese and meat were plentiful- although the rising meat prices are evident even there. Bulk produce, cheese, eggs...in addition to many, many shelf-stable items. Because it is a restaurant supply store, they have bulk items of serious size- does anyone remember the #10 cans of black beans that Sam's Club used to sell? Shamrock has them.
Their selection of dried goods was also very good- they have several types of flour, and they even had blocks of yeast in the refrigerated section.
We purchased several items. I needed to purchase more canning jars before I buy more meat, but the prize that made me dance is a #50 bag of whole wheat flour for $15.00!
I know- you're saying, it'll go rancid in a few months. You have to store it in the fridge or freezer. Not necessarily. I've been researching this and have found that if you store it in airtight mason jars in a cool-dry area (preferably dark) the flour should store indefinitely. That's how I'm doing it. I will also treat it first- the rule of thumb is four days in the freezer. Each jar will also have a bay leaf inside (the leaf will not change the taste of the flour; bay leaves repel miller moths).
So thank you, everybody that suggested Shamrock Foods.!
Happy your trip paid off. I buy their 6- lb blocks of cheese for cold smoking and the whole briskets to make corned beef with.
Well, the trip to Shamrock Foods was both enlightening and a balm to frayed nerves. We met TheGinsue at the Shamrock in Colorado Springs, and had a good browse to learn the layout of the store. Cheese and meat were plentiful- although the rising meat prices are evident even there. Bulk produce, cheese, eggs...in addition to many, many shelf-stable items. Because it is a restaurant supply store, they have bulk items of serious size- does anyone remember the #10 cans of black beans that Sam's Club used to sell? Shamrock has them.
Their selection of dried goods was also very good- they have several types of flour, and they even had blocks of yeast in the refrigerated section.
We purchased several items. I needed to purchase more canning jars before I buy more meat, but the prize that made me dance is a #50 bag of whole wheat flour for $15.00!
I know- you're saying, it'll go rancid in a few months. You have to store it in the fridge or freezer. Not necessarily. I've been researching this and have found that if you store it in airtight mason jars in a cool-dry area (preferably dark) the flour should store indefinitely. That's how I'm doing it. I will also treat it first- the rule of thumb is four days in the freezer. Each jar will also have a bay leaf inside (the leaf will not change the taste of the flour; bay leaves repel miller moths).
So thank you, everybody that suggested Shamrock Foods.!
Your post today about miller moths motivated me to finish a project I had lying around.
Bolted up an old fan motor in a mixing bowl. Rigged up some trimmer line and added a light socket. Going to suspend it over a bucket in the yard.
lnBVH2Biln0
Mason jars went on sale at Kings last week.
Either the shiners are stocking up or canning is going through a resurgence. Not as single jar to be had at 2 stores I don’t know where to put the likker
Mason jars went on sale at Kings last week.
Either the shiners are stocking up or canning is going through a resurgence. Not as single jar to be had at 2 stores I don?t know where to put the likkerRestaurants and bars are buying them up to serve to-go cocktails.
Sent from somewhere...
Very cool! May that take care of more than just miller moths.
Mason jars went on sale at Kings last week.
Either the shiners are stocking up or canning is going through a resurgence. Not as single jar to be had at 2 stores I don’t know where to put the likker
I think canning is going through a resurgence. I hit a few Walmarts to get some (and I have a feeling I'll be needing some more soon) and I have been known to order from Menards and have them deliver.
Where is a good source for food grade 5 gallon buckets with tight sealing lids? Anything local?
Sometimes I can get 2.5 or 4 gal buckets from the grocery bakery but most don't have sealed lids.
Probably order in. We got ours years ago from a guy doing a "group buy" type order. Not aware of any place in-stock on the west slope although I've never been to that mormon cannery in GJ.
Where is a good source for food grade 5 gallon buckets with tight sealing lids? Anything local?
Sometimes I can get 2.5 or 4 gal buckets from the grocery bakery but most don't have sealed lids.
Home depot and Lowe's have food-grade 5-gallon buckets.
For the record, at least Thurs-Sunday Kroger over here has had pork back ribs, on sale for buy one get one free - making them at $2.49 / pound for st louis style cuts, ranging to the "baby back" size. Likely that they are still on sale today. Frozen, yes, but not enhanced. Prior to the "shortages" $4.99 was a decent price, so I know I've been loading up on those at an unbeatable price. Ground beef has been a little under $4/pound if you buy the 3lbs 80/20 mix.
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