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Brexit

The Brexit Cupboard-share your tips

65 replies

SistemaAddict · 28/07/2019 13:43

We are now past the original brexit date and looking at halloween with the appropriate horror.
Those of us that gathered a buffer/stockpile/stash of food and household items or anything else is there anything that prepping has taught you? Foods that are better than others to gather? Foods that are great in recipes and add extra nutrients? Household items that you've appreciated having a supply of for times of illness, bad weather or lack of funds?


My own tips are as follows:

•Long life milk (Moo skimmed and semi skimmed are the ones I've tried along with Tesco's own label) are great in tea, hot chocolate and for making bechamel sauce


•Macaroni cheese is the ultimate brexit comfort food dish. Throw in some frozen chopped spinach to make it more nutritious or finely chopped broccoli if you like it (I don't). For further tastiness add passata, chilli, and anything else you fancy. Sure, it's no longer technically macaroni cheese but you have a quick and easy nutritious dish.

• grate and freeze cheese for ease of use in dishes like the above

• butter is suitable for freezing and the freezing process does not alter appearance or taste

• frozen courgettes and peppers can be roasted and added to homemade tomato based pasta sauce

• tofu is suitable for freezing

• always keep a loaf in the freezer

• cereal lasts 2 days in our house so we need to buy much more than originally thought

• tinned rhubarb makes a great crumble and is cheaper than fresh

• make use of supermarket offers on non-fresh or household items such as detergent and cotton wool and toiletries

• stock up on nappies if you have a child in them-they are made in Belgium I believe

• oats are cheap and great for breakfast, cookies and flapjacks

• Paul Hollywood's bloomer recipe is a good basic recipe and makes a very tasty loaf. I added poppy seeds to the top

• stock up on anti freeze as we'll be going into winter

• tinned potatoes work great in some recipes

• multi vitamins will help make up for any deficit of fresh fruit and veg

• there's no such thing as too many toilet rolls

• the library frozen food system is an excellent use of space

• tinned mushy peas are delicious

• tinned mushrooms are fine in pasta bake

• garlic paste is a store cupboard essential as is chilli purée

• cereal usually contains added vitamins so is great for children, the elderly or anyone with a chronic condition that might be in need of the extra

I'm sure there's lots of others too.

Credit goes to @bellinisurge for her calm and excellent posts on this subject and encouraging posters to get what they can afford, can store, and will use.

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probstimeforanewname · 28/07/2019 13:59

multi vitamins will help make up for any deficit of fresh fruit and veg

there's no such thing as too many toilet rolls

These!

And tinned peaches are really rather nice and I keep eating the stash.

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Cracklycaramel · 28/07/2019 14:09

Think about things you need rarely but you'd really miss if you couldn't get. Like thrush cream. Top of my must have list this weekend.


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SistemaAddict · 28/07/2019 14:13

Yes! Fluconazole and thrush cream! I had an infection a month or so back and had to make an emergency run to Tesco bloody miles away. It was the one medical thing I'd forgotten to get 😩

• a first aid kit with dressings, plasters, steri-strips, bandages, micropore tape, antiseptic wipes.

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bellinisurge · 28/07/2019 14:15

Thank you for the kind words @Bercows . I'm only calm on these threads. I'm a grumpy sweary thing on politics ones Grin

Good tips. I will add if I think of something that might be generally useful -reusable cloth pads - now dd has started, she chooses nothing else although I did offer disposables.
Otherwise I will nick other people's good ideas that I see on these threads.

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SistemaAddict · 28/07/2019 14:19

That's because you're an "unreasonable remoaner" Grin

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bellinisurge · 28/07/2019 14:22

😂

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Cracklycaramel · 28/07/2019 14:25

I've found the prepping has come in useful on more than one occasion.

Water off due to a leak and Dh complaining that meant no cups of tea- bottle of water from the stash to the rescue.

Power cut- solar lights so we could see, power packs for tablets so we could get updates from power company, corded phones so we could keep in touch with relatives who needed help.

Emergency hospital trip- snack food, water, power pack for phone, spare cash for taxi home all in an bag.

DH has been converted to prepping as a result Grin

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MythicalBiologicalFennel · 28/07/2019 14:32

Fantastic tips OP.

I can only add this - if you make your own bread you can freeze live yeast. I cut my yeast block into 5 gram cubes and crumble that with 15 gr flour. I put the resulting powder in a square of cling film and twist the ends to close it. This little parcel goes in a bag in the freezer until it's needed. When I need it I add it to my bread water - it's lukewarm and that wakes the yeast up.

Personally I am still in search of a long life milk solution. I have found that I would rather go without milk than have long life UHT Grin I am going to try powdered full fat next.

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PullingMySocksUp · 28/07/2019 14:36

Good point about anti freeze.

I think I have about two weeks’ food stored which is not much. How much are other people going for? What I have is so far ‘nice’ meals.

I also have water purification tablets, prescription medication and a lot of toiletries though.

I think I’m going to try and add a big box of proper emergency food, ie boring so maybe lots of rice.

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bellinisurge · 28/07/2019 15:31

Two weeks is fine. It's about what you have space and budget for.

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bwydda · 28/07/2019 15:39

Love the tips op! I second the toilet roll suggestion.

I too cannot stand uht long life- but full fat milk freezes just fine and I always have a few litres in.

I was very skeptic about the whole prepping thing- but it's come in handy so frequently, that I'm a complete convert.

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SistemaAddict · 28/07/2019 15:54

I used to hate UHT too but it had been years since I had any. Totally different now and I can't taste any different and I have very fussy taste buds.

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BlackeyedGruesome · 28/07/2019 17:19

Keep a list of what you have bought, where you have put it and if possible the use by or BB dates.

Write dates on top/side of tins jars etc with a Sharpie.

Utilise different storage spaces: people have suggested: under bed, under/ behind sofa, on top of cupboards ( chocolate melts up there though in hot weather)under kitchen units behind kickboards in carrier bags. ( Use the loft hatch hook to hook out again) under the dining room table, down the side of furniture, behind books on the book shelf or bath panel if you can remove it easily. Bottom of wardrobe. Understairs, in loft.

Some things can be stored in the garage. Eg laundry detergent, washing up liquid, cleaning things.


Powdered milk for coffee tastes just as good as fresh milk to me.

If you get chance, work out what you eat in a week and use that to get proportions of the stuff you need.

Think about Christmas presents and food. Cranberry sauce and stuffing have long dates. Parsnips,carrots and Brussels can all be frozen. I plan to buy and freeze a chicken nearer the time.

Don't forget cellotape and wrapping paper.

Have a spare tin opener or two.

Don't forget batteries for smoke alarms and other useful things.

Wind up torches, lanterns radios and chargers may be useful in case of power cuts in bad weather.

keep the petrol tank full, not below half according to Bellini. just done mine

Have things to help keep warm in winter. There are useful threads on Mumsnet every winter. Useful money saving ideas and ways to keep warm.

See medicine first aid kit thread on preppers board, also the non food preps thread. must get cannestan

Work out what nutrients you need and where you can get them from. Eg nuts, seeds, or dried beans and pulses etc. Iodine is tricky if no milk or seafood. You may need different things for different family members according to taste. Dried fruit only needs 30g per portion. Maybe think about meds for constipation?

If you have kids who will only eat one brand of something, get plenty of that in.

Think of school supplies, here we use fifty billion set squares a week. If kids are going to secondary, get spares. Lots of spares. They lose lots.

Buy things that will make storecupboard meals taste more interesting, Eg sauces, spices, mustards, herbs, anchovies, capers, salt, pepper balsamic vinegar, garlic paste, chilli paste etc, etc etc. You can get frozen garlic and ginger or jars or tubes.

Carbs: think about bread flour, part baked bread, wraps, tortillas, naan breads, crackers of various sorts, rice,pasta etc. Pasta lasts well past its BB dates. Spaghetti packs are flat and more dense than other pastas and can fit in smaller spaces.

Look out for offers in the supermarkets and buy in bulk while cheap.

Buy seeds and compost to grow your own. And pots for the windowsill if necessary. Fresh herbs, salad leaves, spinach have been recommended. Think about plant food and other garden supplies, Eg canes?

Have alternative means of cooking. See the annual news story of someone cooking their Christmas turkey on the bsrbeque.

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CrunchyCarrot · 28/07/2019 17:41

Since I have dietary requirements, it's essential I stock up on foods that I can actually eat, and extra pills like vitamins/minerals.

I have discovered that chickpea flour makes very nice pancakes and is gluten free! All you need is a dash of baking powder, a pinch of salt and mix in water to give a batter consistency. Add a dash if sugar if you need. Cook like pancakes, and serve with your topping of choice.

I've also found that frozen veg are not dire as I thought they would be! I've a number of packs of mixed veg in the freezer, they're really handy for a quick meal mixed with rice or in a stir fry. And of course loads of tins.

I've got a plastic box under the bed full of medical stuff like bandages, wrist supports, ointments, rehydration pills, etc. A cupboard full of bathroom stuff, extra shampoo, conditioner, laundry liquid, bin liners.

A wind-up/solar powered radio and wind up torch/lamp, string.

Chlorine bleach disinfectant tablets.
Water purification tablets.

Compressed 'magic' towel pills, add water and they swell up to face washer size.

Vegetable seeds for next year.
Microgreens growing medium and book plus seeds, as I sprout seeds indoors to provide extra fresh greens during winter.

Ideally I'd like a 3 month store.
Batteries!

Lots of rice, lentils, chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, baked beans.

Kitchen roll and loo rolls!

Extra cash.
Batteries!

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prettybird · 28/07/2019 17:43

If you use things like daily disposable contact lenses, make sure you have plenty. Mine are made in Ireland, so I'll make sure to have a good stock of them in advance of October Smile

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CrunchyCarrot · 28/07/2019 17:45

I have also bought a lot of plant pots this year and have been making the most of the garden space to get it organised for growing veg.

Lots of cling film, aluminium foil and greaseproof paper stashed!

Water, if you don't have a local source.

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mum2jakie · 28/07/2019 17:57

I'm another one who wasn't convinced by the long life Moo milk. I've found some that has gone past its best before date tucked in the wardrobe.

Think I might make do with some soya milk and coffee mate for my tea.

I've found tinned veggie curries are handy to have in and make a quick tea with some micro rice. The Asda own brand sag aloo is pleasant as is M&S tinned veggie curry.

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EveLevine · 28/07/2019 18:03

Starting to get very anxious now about no deal so delurking after months of stalking prepper threads!

Moo milk is currently 59p in Home Bargains.

Idaho mash seems popular in 48% group, but I wasn’t keen - however I used it to make corned beef pasties and they tasted fine.

Pastry Mix was great because it only needed water added - may be useful if butter is in short supply.

Tinned carrots were awful, but the tinned sweetcorn was a hit in our house.

I bought a 12 month supply of anti histamines from amazon for £5 - it’s a brand they sell in Poundland and Ocado, they have lots of other cheap non branded medication.

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EveLevine · 28/07/2019 18:06

And this one may be really obvious - but if your short of storage space, try vacuum packing items to make more room.

I have 4 suitcases with spare bedding and out of season clothes in - vac packed it all and got it down to 2, so I’ve used the other 2 suitcases for towels that are normally stored in my ottoman, and now have an ottoman full of loo rolls instead!

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BlackeyedGruesome · 28/07/2019 18:16

Here is a list of some things you might need to think about.
Shampoo
Conditioner
Baby wash
Soap
Bubble bath
Hair bobbles
Shower gel
Hair dye
razors
shaving foam
veet
make up
tweezers
hand gel


Deodorant
Toothpaste, adult and child
Toothbrushes
floss
mouthwash

Sanpro
material for reusable sanpro

Laundry liquid, bio, coloured and white wash
Delicates detergent.
Fabric conditioner
colour catchers
washing machine cleaners.
stain removers

Washing up liquid
Washing up gloves
Spare brush
Sponges
dishwasher tablets, salt and cleaner
pegs and washing line

Anti bacterial spray
Dettol/ disinfectant
Domestos.
antibacterial wipes
milton
electronic cleaners
leather wipes
dusters
polish
window cleaner or vinegar
beeswax
floor cleaner
spare mop head
bicarbonate of soda
air freshner
carpet cleaner
kitchen roll
spare tin opener


Bin bags of various sizes
food caddy bags

AAA batteries
AA batteries
9v batteries for smoke alarm
button batteries various sizes

Tin foil for cooking
turkey foil
sandwich bags and freezer bags
cling film
baking parchment
cake decorations

Loo rolls

vacuum bags and filters

printer ink.
any special photo paper etc.

Blue tac
Duct tape
Parcel tape

Compost
Pots
seeds
canes
tomato food
slug pellets or beer traps
compost bin
water butts

Wind up solar radio
Solar power bank.
Water purification tablets.
wind up torch or lantern
ordinary torches and lanterns
head torch


Some cash and change

Trainers for DC
plimsols/pumps in next sizes
pe kit in next size
uniform
ordinary clothes, especially for smaller children
hats gloves and scarves
sports kit/equipment
wellies in next size

spare work shoes
walking boots
wellies
shoe polish kit

tights

Yarn
threads of various colours.
buttons
knitting needles or crochet hooks
darning needles
darning mushroom
pins and needles

Lightbulbs (different sizes and types for each place they are needed)

Pens
Pencils
Printer paper
eraser
sharpeners
rulers
highlighters
maths sets
spare set squares (lots)
coloured crayons
felt tips
glue sticks
pva
paints and pots and brushes
tippex
headphones and memory stick for school.

birthday cards
christmas cards
stamps
wrapping paper
scissors
cellotape
ribbon
labels
gift bags
birthday candles
matches

barbeque
charcoal
lighters


condoms
birth control

oil for the car
screenwash
de-icer
scraper
salt for the paths/drive
spare headlight bulbs?

supplies for hobbies.

pet food
flea treatment
spare dish/water bottle
hay bedding etc

hot water bottles
woolly blankets
fleece blankets
warm socks
indoor gloves, scarves, wristwarmers hat
warm jumpers
draught excluders
waterproof spray
wash in water proofing

insect killer (fly ant spider)

sunscreen
sunglasses
bug repellant
aftersun

spare mobile phone charger
land line phone, corded.

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Wolfcubisthefemalenominal · 28/07/2019 18:26

Checking in. Thanks for the thread Bercows

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BlackeyedGruesome · 28/07/2019 18:30

String, I forgot to add it to the list. Thankfully someone else remembered.

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areukiddingme · 28/07/2019 18:42

How can you stock up on medication if you only get a monthly prescription?

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Wolfcubisthefemalenominal · 28/07/2019 18:48

Falafel mix is useful, just rehydrate with water
Franks hot sauce can add a kick to something boring
Frozen mushrooms are useful for risotto, stews, pasta dishes
Stand bags on their end in the freezer keeping the contents as flat as possible - it creates space
Jetboil lighter and lighter fluid - it’ll outlast numerous boxes of matches
Bin bags
Idaho mash is ok, cheesy is best imho
Plenty rice of all types
Having tested flan type bases I just wouldn’t bother but a ton of peaches and a carton of custard makes a passable cold dessert
Electrical tape
Gaffer tape
Fuses
Candles
Games - a pack of cards or a game of beetle can pass an evening in event of a power cut
Lidl chocolate cookie mix is ok - it will only make enough for one or two each though

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bellinisurge · 29/07/2019 06:06

I wonder how the attached thread will go

Boris - every home in the UK will get a leaflet, good idea or utterly pointless? www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3650192-Boris-every-home-in-the-UK-will-get-a-leaflet-good-idea-or-utterly-pointless

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