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This meal is comfort food to me. For special occasions, my mother would make this in her pressure pot. I don't have a pressure pot, but I do have something better. Although I frequently use cast iron, I do have some excellent cookware. About a year and a half ago, I was asked to fill in as a chef for the Flavors of the NFL Alumni. One thing I got for participating was several pieces of 360 Cookware. Theses pieces are special to me.  For those unfamiliar with 360 Cookware, it is a waterless cooking system. Rinse your veggies, put them wet into the pot and add the lid.  When the lid freely spins, turn down the heat. This creates a flavor lock and forms a vacuum to cook your food. Nothing gets waterlogged, you just get a flavorful meal. Start by removing the eyes from some new potatoes. Next trim your fresh green beans. Finally add chunks of ham steak. Cover and cook.

Individual Condiment Packs When loading a cooler for hurricane preparation, space is a premium. There is not a lot of room for side items like condiments. Yes, you can get individual packs of mayo, ketchup, and mustard, but don't forget small packs of other toppings. Olives and pickles are just a few things that can make a boring sandwich taste great.

Canned Sauce Although some of these tips seem simple, when dealing without power, creating a tasty dinner becomes a little more difficult. You could just buy canned pasta, but they aren't the greatest tasting meal. If you have some meat that needs to be cooked because of thawing, this is the time to use it. A pound of ground round, some garlic, a diced onion and some diced pepper and you have created a great tasting meal. Grill some bread with olive oil and garlic and dinner is complete. Finally, boil some pasta noodles, add sauce, and enjoy. Yes I used a couple of half used boxes of pasta, and yes we had gas to cook with.

Frozen Bulk Sausage I try and freeze a roll of sausage when it looks like a storm is coming. It will keep a couple of days in a cold cooler, as long as it stays colder than 35 degrees. Yes I know USDA says 40 degrees; I like to be a little safer. To cut, roll carefully with a sharp knife adding light pressure, and keeping fingers out of the way. Once cut, it thaws quickly. Wrap what is left to keep it from contaminating other foods in your cooler.  Remember, once it is warmer than 35 degrees, throw it out.

Dehydrated Hash Browns. When going without power for several days, cooler space becomes a premium. These hash browns from the local warehouse store need no refrigeration, just put them on the shelf until needed. Place a half a cup per serving in a bowl, add hot water and about 30 minutes later they  are ready  to grill. The large carton is less than six dollars and contains about 50 servings.

Jelly Packs I like to save some extra jelly packets when we eat out. They are shelf stable and need no refrigeration. Throw a couple of slices of bread on the grill, toast and add you favorite flavor. When dining at you favorite restaurant, ask for a few extra packs, and always top your waitress well for keeping you supplied. If you order take out, save the jelly packs and use your jar from the refrigerator. Another source is the warehouse stores. They are large boxes, but you could always share with friends and neighbors.

Flavored Syrup We keep several bottles of flavored syrups in our cabinet.  Without power you will be limited in drinking options. A couple of shots of syrup and your bland instant coffee suddenly becomes a gourmet drink.  Tired of drinking bottled water? Add some to your water bottle for flavored water.

Thanks for your patience during the last few weeks. My wife had surgery right before Hurricane Irma hit the entire state of Florida, so things have been very hectic around here. Over the next few days I will be posting some ideas for surviving after the storm. It's no secret that I love breakfast. The challenge is cooking without power. My first tip is precooked bacon. The great thing about it, is there is no need for refrigeration. With a gas grill and a griddle or skillet, you have a solution. A few minutes each side and hot bacon is ready to eat. Toast a few slices of bread on the grill, and add a couple of slices of tomatoes,and you have a great sandwich. The downside is the pack must be refrigerated after opening, but a couple of sandwiches each and that is no problem. After all you can never have too much bacon. If you are feeling generous, you can always share with the neighbors.