Peak Ready:
Food » Preparing It

Most of our food is shipped hundreds, or even thousands of miles. Most of our food production relies heavily on petroleum-based products: fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fuel for machinery and equipment, even plastics for packaging.

Unlike our grandparents, many of us do not grow much (if any) of our own food. We also don't often get our food from nearby farms or producers. If petroleum costs rise drastically, all that could change...

Food: Preparing It

Cookbooks:

More with Less Cookbook
by Doris Janzen Longacre
Extending the Table
by Joetta Handrich Schlabach
Simply in Season
by Mary Beth Lind

These three cookbooks contain simple, nutritious recipes in the Mennonite tradition, using basic, low cost, seasonal ingredients, and without sacrificing taste. These books contain authentic regional and ethnic recipes from around the world, as well as interesting stories and ideas.

Solar Cooking

Solar Cooking Plans
An extensive archive of home-made and commercial solar cooking devices, from simple to expensive.

Global Sun Oven
A high end solar oven that can reach temperatures above 350°F.

Retained Heat Cooking

Retained Heat Cooking (DIY)
An explanation of the concept of retained heat cooking and its advantages.

Haybox How-To (DIY)
Another well-written document on retained heat cooking.

Grain Mills:

Country Living Grain Mill
A very high quality, high efficiency grain mill that can be motorized, but that will hand grind faster than most electric mills. The link is actually to a review of several grain mills, including this one. You'll find similar reviews elsewhere if you go looking. I've seen prices for the Country Living mill under $340 online, but can't vouch for any particular supplier. Walton Feed is a highly respected supplier, but they do price this product at $375. Shop around.

Back to Basics Grain Mill
A low cost "starter" hand crank mill for grinding and milling your own grains and seeds.

Seed Sprouting:

Sprout People
More information than you ever though possible about the simple and nutritious, and delicious art of seed sprouting.