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PREPARE Magazine

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Volume 9, Issue 2

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Help Make Community Connections

So you want to know WHAT is going on WHERE?

One feature that we at PREPARE Magazine want to see become a very helpful tool for your Preparedness Journey is the Community Connections Section.  We can find great activities and lessons for some areas – but we know that YOU are more likely to know what may be going on in your area than we are!

So we want to share with you just how easy it is to help each other.

Is there a not-for-profit group in your area that has classes or lessons or gatherings to help others prepare? Perhaps you heard from a friend across the Nation about some of their activities?

We want to help those non-profit servants get the word out so send upcoming events by clicking HERE.

On that page of our website, there is more information about the timelines to get an event in an upcoming issue, what type of events and who is able to use this free announcement.  Then be sure to see what is going on in YOUR area in each issue of PREPARE magazine!

Together – we can build Stronger and a more Sustainable Community!

 

 

How to Connect in order to Prepare

How to Connect in order to Prepare

For so long, the preparedness journey felt like one of isolation.  Either due to paranoia,  self-imposed design or the sheer misunderstanding of the journey or embarrassment, imposed isolation or choice – the means don’t matter as much as the fact that it can be a lonely journey…if you let it be.

At one point people who felt the need to prepare thought it was all on them alone to do so. The reality is, no one can be fully prepared, or even mostly prepared while alone or even isolated as a family.  There will always be an area in which your immediate circle lacks either a skill, tangible good or ability.

Thankfully, many people are waking up to the need to prepare for an uncertain future.  This helps break down the walls and create more opportunity to connect.

Take a moment to browse around this website and see all the avenues by which we at PREPARE Magazine are trying to build cost effective and free bridges to connect with others so that you can be more prepared, but not alone:

 

 

 

We would like to encourage everyone to connect to build those smaller communities that can bolster each other when the going gets tough.  After all, most great countries were built upon the foundation of small resilient communities.  Times like these show us how important it is to re-fortify that foundation!

Popular Questions

What are effective ways to connect with others while preparing for emergencies?

One effective way to connect with others is by participating in local preparedness groups or community events. These gatherings provide opportunities to share knowledge, skills, and resources with like-minded individuals. Additionally, online forums and social media groups focused on preparedness can help you find others who share your interests and concerns. Engaging in discussions and sharing experiences can foster a sense of community and support.

How can I build a support network for my preparedness journey?

Building a support network starts with reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors who may also be interested in preparedness. Organizing regular meetups or workshops can help everyone learn from each other and develop essential skills together. You can also leverage resources like webinars and online courses to connect with experts and other preparedness enthusiasts. This collaborative approach not only enhances your knowledge but also strengthens community ties.

What role do online resources play in connecting with others for preparedness?

Online resources, such as webinars and community forums, play a crucial role in connecting individuals interested in preparedness. They offer platforms for sharing information, asking questions, and learning from others' experiences. By participating in these online spaces, you can expand your network and gain insights into various preparedness strategies. This virtual connection can lead to real-world collaborations and friendships.

How can I encourage my family to connect with others in our preparedness efforts?

Encouraging your family to connect with others can start with involving them in community events or preparedness classes. Discuss the importance of teamwork and shared knowledge in enhancing your family's readiness for emergencies. You can also create family projects that involve reaching out to neighbors or joining local preparedness groups. This not only builds skills but also fosters a sense of belonging and support within your community.

Preparedness Product Review: WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer

A Product for Preparedness: WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer Review

By Vickilynn Haycraft, http://www.RealFoodLiving.com

When considering products to purchase for their journey of preparation, many choose non-electrical products that can be used off-grid. Others may add some products that can be used while power and fuel are available, to increase their preparedness efforts.

Since we know that there are many situations and scenarios where our preparations may be needed, and not all of them will be off-grid, choosing products to assist us is always a good thing. For us, we choose to be assisted by products that allow us to put food into storage, freeze, dehydrate, can etc. One of these beneficial products for our family is a large, heavy-duty mixer / kitchen machine for home use. We use it to make big batches of bread, batters, mix, knead, whip, whisk, shred and more. We consider it an essential tool for our food storage preparations.

As a Product Reviewer for almost 30 years, I have tested and reviewed several mixers for home use including differentproduct-review-wondermix models of the Bosch Universal, Kitchen Aid, Dimension 2000 and Ankersrum mixers and now I have been testing the WonderMix. I was able to compare function to function against other brands and put the WonderMix through many different tasks and the WonderMix performed brilliantly.

In my list of requirements for Product Testing of mixers, I especially look for a heavy duty mixer that is well-made and sturdy, one that can handle large batches of stiff 100% whole grain doughs with ease without straining the motor, without jumping all over the counter and most of all, that will effectively develop the gluten in whole grain bread. On the other end of the spectrum, this heavy duty workhorse must be gentle when whipping delicate items and be able to mix and knead very small batches of bread effectively and as well as the large batches. The mixer must be durable and easy to use as well as accommodate accessories for expanding its functions, making it multi-purpose.

 

Testing of the Basic Package:
My initial observations of the WonderMix Revolution were that it had a smaller footprint than other mixers and looked like it could not handle my extra-large batch requirements. Boy, was I ever wrong! I packed up the WonderMix with my biggest batches of 100% whole wheat bread, triple batches of sprouted whole wheat bagels and stiff whole grain doughs. The smaller size of the WonderMix disguises the power and engineering efficiency contained inside. I am extremely impressed with the performance of beautifully developing gluten structure without overmixing the dough on large and small batches of yeast doughs. Also, as required, the WonderMix was able to delicately whip, mix and shred even the lightest batters, meats, and doughs.

I compared the WonderMix function to function against the Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Bosch Universal, Ankarsrum Kitchen Assistant, and in all the tests, the WonderMix performed much better than the KitchenAid and Ankersrum and matched the Bosch in some functions and outperformed the Bosch in others.

Some of my favorite features of the WonderMix are the locking 2-part lid (and it really locks, keeping the dough inside the bowl while kneading those big batches!), the unique dough hook and dough divider that facilitate large and small bread batches, and of course, the 900 watts of power. A huge feature is:

It. Did. Not. Walk. Across. The. Counter. (Even with mega-batches of stiff bread and bagel dough.)

In addition to checking off my Product Testing and Performance criteria check sheet, comparing the WonderMix to other mixers, I simply used it for everyday mixing, kneading, shredding, whipping, blending and had immense fun with it. I have to say that I am in love with this new mixer!

Features:
From the same established company that brings us the Wondermill and Wonder Jr. grain mills with proven quality, workmanship, and excellent Customer Service.

  • CSA and UL listed
  • Lifetime Warranty on many parts (no other heavy duty mixer offers this)
  • 900 Watt Motor
  • Direct Drive High Torque Transmission
  • 3 Speeds + Pulse
  • Large 22 Cup Mixing Bowl (5.5 quart)
  • Heavy Duty Tru-Mix Dough Hook
  • Convenient bowl handle
  • BPA Free
  • Cord Storage Compartment
  • No Walking Base
  • Overload Protection
  • Dishwasher Safe Bowl
  • Safety Bowl Locking System
  • Double Beating Whisks
  • For a limited time: comes with Cookie Whips and Blender
  • Designed, Engineered and Licensed in Germany
  • Accessories available
  • Less expensive than other heavy duty mixers

 

Dimensions:
13 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 12 inches tall
Weight:
11 pounds

 

Conclusion: Based on testing, comparison and performance, I highly recommend the WonderMix Revolution Mixer as a heavy duty mixer. I use it for a wide variety of applications in my own kitchen.

wondermix-mixer

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Vickilynn’s 7-loaf 100% Whole Wheat and Honey Challah

7 cups water, warm, about 120 degrees
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup softened butter (or use all olive oil for dairy free)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons instant yeast
18-20 freshly ground whole wheat or sprouted whole wheat flour, divided
1 cup honey
6 large whole eggs +
3 large egg whites (1 2/3 cup eggs) *reserve the yolks for the glaze
1 Tablespoon salt
2 cups vital gluten
Glaze
3 egg yolks
3 Tablespoons water

Place hot water and apple cider vinegar in WonderMix mixing bowl fitted with the dough hook. Add softened butter and mix to dissolve butter. Add 3 cups of flour and yeast. Mix well, cover and let sponge for 15 minutes.

Stir down sponge and add olive oil, salt, honey, eggs and 8 cups whole wheat flour. Mix well until everything is incorporated.

Add in flour, one cup at a time, until a dough is formed that pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl and clings to itself. The dough should not be very sticky, but still moist and supple. Do not add all the flour if not necessary and add more if needed. The amount of flour needed will vary.

Let dough knead until very supple and springy and gluten is developed. *By hand, 20+ minutes, by large mixer 10 minutes.*

Let rise, covered, until doubled. Punch dough down and divide into 7 equal portions. Shape into desired shapes* and let rise about 30 minutes. Mix egg yolks and water until completely mixed. Brush breads with glaze before baking.

  • To braid, divide each loaf’s dough into 4 portions. Roll each fourth into long snakes. Braid by starting with the left portion and running it over, under over under the other portions. Pinch each end of the loaf to seal. Roll loaf slightly long-wise on the counter before placing on the baking sheet.
  • For shaped rolls; bake in a preheated 425 oven for 10-12 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Do not overbake, they will be hard. I bake mine for 10 minutes.
  • For loaves, bake in a preheated 350 oven for 30-35 minutes, or until done.
  • To make butterhorns (or crescents): divide each loaf portion into 2 equal parts. Roll each part into a circle 6-8 inches. Cut into 6 equal triangles. (I use a pizza cutter). Starting with the wide end, roll up the triangle and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, with the point underneath. I turn the edges down slightly as well so the rolls look like an upside down “u”.
  • To make cloverleaf rolls: divide each loaf portion into 12 balls. Divide each ball into 3 smaller balls. Place 3 balls in each tin of a 12 muffin pan. The balls will join together as they rise and look like a “crown”.

 

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Vickilynn’s 8-loaf 100% Whole Wheat and Honey Raisin Bread

8 cup water, warm, about 120 degrees
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
20-22 cups freshly ground whole wheat or sprouted whole wheat flour
3 Tablespoons instant yeast
2 cups vital gluten
1 cup oil
1 cup honey
1 Tablespoon salt
2 Tablespoons cinnamon
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cups raisins
Place hot water and apple cider vinegar in Wonder Mix mixing bowl fitting with the dough hook. Add 8 cups of flour and yeast. Mix well, cover and let sponge for 15 minutes.

Stir down sponge and add vital gluten, olive oil, honey, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract and raisins. Mix well until everything is incorporated.

Add in flour, one cup at a time, until a dough is formed that pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl and clings to itself.  The dough should not be very sticky, but still moist and supple. Do not add all the flour if not necessary and add more if needed. The amount of flour needed will vary.

Let dough knead until very supple and springy and gluten is developed. *By hand, 20+ minutes, by large mixer 10 minutes.*

Let rise, covered, until doubled. Punch dough down and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape into desired shapes and let rise about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bread is done. Let cool before slicing.

 

Egg-Free, Vegan Marshmallow Fluff (made with aquafaba)

1 teaspoon pure lemon juice (no oil!) or apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup aquafaba, unwhipped (about what is in a can of cooked garbanzo beans)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon guar gum (optional, but makes a more firm consistency)
Pinch of salt (optional, and only if using unsalted bean aquafaba)
1/2 cup powdered granular sweetener, sugar or xylitol
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wash the WonderMix bowl very well and make sure it is completely dry. Wipe the lemon juice or vinegar all over the inside of the bowl, to remove any oil residue.
Pour in the aquafaba, cream of tartar, guar gum and salt if using. Place the beaters in the Wondermix and cover the bowl. Beat on #3 for 10 minutes. Remove the small lid and start adding the powdered sweetener in VERY slowly, 1 Tablespoon at a time, and let the sweetener incorporate before adding more. When all the sweetener is in, add in the vanilla and taste the fluff. If it is sweet enough, use immediately. Add more sweetener as needed.

You can use this recipe to make baked meringue cookies, whipped toppings, vegan ice cream and more. For additional recipes, visit the Facebook group, Aquafaba Everything.

Vickilynn Haycraft is the author of: “Wrapping It Up!” and co-author of “Naturally Healthy Cuisine, Real Food for Real Families”. Vickilynn is a sought-after independent product tester and book reviewer delivering accurate, honest, and trustworthy reviews on products and books for the whole family. Subscribe to Vickilynn at: RealFoodLiving.com, National Product Review Examiner, National Family Preparedness Examiner.

Disclaimer: There are NO affiliate links within Vickilynn Haycraft’s review. She is an independent Product Reviewer. She does not sell products or accept payment for reviews. The products reviewed are either purchased by Vickilynn Haycraft or provided for review and all reviews are unbiased regardless of how the item was obtained. This product was provided for testing and review.

Contact The Wondermill Company Directly here

____________________________________________

Here at PREPARE Magazine, we are delighted for Vickilynn’s unbiased review of fine products such as this and the many she has shared with us throughout our years of publication.

By way of full disclosure: If you are interested in purchasing the WonderMix Deluxe Mixer, please consider purchasing through Millers Grain House, an Authorized Dealer of all WonderMill Products. Our Founder would greatly appreciate your support.

NOTE: The warranties are only applied when you purchase the WonderMix through authorized dealers. Do not purchase from Ebay or Amazon dealers unless they are authorized.

Click here for more of Vickilynn’s recipes

Popular Questions

What makes the WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer a good choice for food storage preparations?

The WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer is designed to handle large batches of dough, making it ideal for food storage preparations. Its powerful 900-watt motor and unique dough hook allow it to mix and knead stiff whole grain doughs without straining. Additionally, it features a locking lid that keeps ingredients contained during mixing, ensuring a mess-free experience. This mixer is versatile enough to whip delicate batters while also managing heavy-duty tasks, making it a valuable tool for anyone focused on preparedness.

How does the performance of the WonderMix compare to other mixers?

In testing, the WonderMix outperformed several well-known brands, including KitchenAid and Ankarsrum, particularly in developing gluten in whole grain bread. It matched the Bosch Universal in some functions while excelling in others, showcasing its superior engineering. Users have noted that it does not walk across the counter, even with heavy batches, which is a common issue with other mixers. This reliability makes it a strong contender for those looking for a heavy-duty mixer.

What features of the WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer enhance its usability?

The WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer includes several features that enhance its usability, such as a large 22-cup mixing bowl and a convenient bowl handle. Its BPA-free construction and dishwasher-safe bowl make cleanup easy, while the overload protection ensures safe operation during heavy use. The mixer also comes with double beating whisks and additional accessories, allowing for a variety of culinary tasks. These thoughtful design elements make it a practical choice for both everyday cooking and emergency preparedness.

Can the WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer handle small batches effectively?

Yes, the WonderMix Heavy Duty Mixer is designed to be versatile, effectively mixing and kneading both large and small batches. Its unique dough hook and divider facilitate the preparation of smaller quantities without compromising performance. Users have reported excellent results when whipping delicate items or mixing light batters, proving its adaptability. This feature makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking and baking needs.

August’s Issue – Focus on Alternative Health Options – is out in MOMENTS!

We are just MOMENTS away from sending the link to for this very important August Issue to all of our subscribers! This issue’s focus is on Alternative Health Care Options.

With Health Care an ever pressing hot topic in the political realm and the budgets of both businesses and families growing slimmer to purchase health insurance – this topic is one we at PREPARE Magazine feel is vital to your Preparedness Journey.  Many of you have voiced this concern in our polls – reaching one of the TOP concerns that you feel should be addressed.

While we must tip our hats to all the contributors – please note that this is by no means a complete attempt to address the issue of Alternative Health Care.  We want to let you know that this topic will be visited often throughout other issues of PREPARE Magazine.

Whether it is the alternative of using medicinal herbs, specific detail to sanitation, learning what prescriptions can be purchased early  or taking preventative measures, we hope this begins to open the doors for more options for you if you are one of the MILLIONS of families trying to figure out what to do about health care in a time of ever changing potentials.

We hope this issue encourages you to seek alternatives and gain new skills to be healthy and prepared for the days ahead!

___

 

Popular Questions

What can I expect from August's issue focusing on alternative health options?

In August's issue, we delve into various alternative health care options that are becoming increasingly relevant in today's society. With rising health care costs and the need for more accessible solutions, this issue aims to provide insights into medicinal herbs, preventative measures, and early prescription purchases. Our contributors have shared valuable information to help you navigate these options effectively. This is just the beginning of our exploration into alternative health care, which will be revisited in future issues.

How can alternative health options benefit my family's health care decisions?

Alternative health options can empower families to take control of their health care decisions, especially in a time of rising costs and limited insurance coverage. By exploring remedies such as medicinal herbs and preventative health measures, families can find cost-effective ways to maintain their well-being. This August issue highlights practical strategies that can be implemented immediately. We encourage readers to consider these alternatives as part of their overall health care strategy.

Why is alternative health care a pressing topic in August's issue?

Alternative health care is a pressing topic due to the ongoing challenges many families face with traditional health insurance. As budgets tighten, exploring alternative options becomes essential for maintaining health without breaking the bank. This issue addresses the concerns voiced by our readers, making it a timely and relevant discussion. We aim to equip you with knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges effectively.

What skills can I learn from August's issue on alternative health options?

August's issue offers a variety of skills that readers can learn to enhance their health care preparedness. From understanding the use of medicinal herbs to implementing sanitation practices, the content is designed to provide actionable insights. These skills can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. We hope to inspire you to seek out alternative methods that fit your family's needs.

How will future issues continue to address alternative health care?

Future issues of PREPARE Magazine will continue to explore alternative health care options, building on the foundation laid in August's issue. We recognize the importance of this topic and will feature ongoing discussions, tips, and expert insights. Our goal is to keep you informed and prepared as health care landscapes evolve. Stay tuned for more valuable content that addresses your concerns and interests.

How to PRINT or DOWNLOAD Digital Issues of PREPARE Magazine

So let’s just say that you are already a subscriber to PREPARE Magazine’s Free Digital Issues   <–  Click if not   …

How do you print or download it?    We have an answer for that!

The digital version of PREPARE Magazine is created in a pdf format, and can be easily printed.  With just a few short steps to sign up once, it will be easy to log in and print each time the Free Digital Issue Link comes to your Inbox!

When you open the Digital Flip-Viewer Copy of the Magazine in full-screen view by clicking “Expand”, there is a “print icon” at the bottom of the magazine.  It is found  in the row of icons (Email, Print & Zoom) at the bottom.  See?

Click the print icon.

We contract with a company (called ISSUU) to provide the hosting and formatting for our magazine.  They have the set up to make it easy to print.  After clicking the icon, you will be taken to their (not OUR) website that will ask you to sign-up, or sign-in if you have already created an account with them, and be able to print!

Once you have created an account with ISSUU,  you can vote (thumbs up we hope), add each month to your favorites, share it on Facebook,  Twitter,  Google+,  email to a friend,  print  and download the issue each month.

A bonus is – for a LIMITED TIME – you can even get to the back issues this same way!