by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Guest Bloggers, Preparedness planning
It may seem odd that on a preparedness blog we are talking about the Winter Weather Treat of Snow Cream. To be sure, preparedness is our main goal, but making good use of time and resources also applies to living with what life hands you and making the best out of a potentially uncomfortable situation.
When live gives you lemons, make lemonade – when winter gives you an abundance of snow, make snow cream!
As winter weather continues to keep spring at bay, it may seem as if there is nothing to do, especially on those days when new snow drifts keep you inside the house. Here is a fun, old-fashioned and delicious way to beat boredom as well as a unique way to prepare candy.
Making maple snow candy is perhaps most famous from it’s description in the Little House on the Prairie series. Here’s what you’ll need for your own maple snow candy:
- A large cooking container. I used a soup pot but you can use any bowl or pot large enough to pour your syrup into.
- A medium saucepan for melting the syrup in
- Mixing spoon
- Maple syrup, the darker the syrup the more maple flavor the candy will have.
- Of course, the most important ingredient of all, snow!
First, go outside and find a clean patch of snow. The further away from a city you live the easier this will be. Fill your pot up to the very top and leave it just outside your door. This allows you to work quickly once the syrup is heated but also keeps it from getting too frozen as it would if you put it in the freezer.
Next, take your maple syrup and pour it into a medium saucepan. Make sure you cover the bottom of your saucepan with syrup. Place the saucepan onto the stove on medium. Stirring constantly, wait until the syrup bubbles and fluffs up to twice its original size, so that it looks more like honeycomb candy than syrup. It should also lighten to a pale brown taffy color.
Then, go grab your snow container. Working quickly, pour the syrup on top of the snow. You can make patterns and shapes or just simply drizzle it.
Let it set for about 45 seconds to a minute. At this point the boiling hot syrup will be barely warm to the touch and firm enough to pick up and eat.
Enjoy the delicious maple candy, which is as much fun to eat as it is to make.
Kathleen-June G. Horne is a survival enthusiast and amateur outdoors-woman. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2015 with a degree in business and has written two books, a historical young adult novel entitled “The Sparrow’s Call” and a Christmas devotional, “24 Days of Devotion“. She was homeschooled until college, and used her free time to learn all she could about all the things people used to know. She runs the blog Miniskirts & Margins which is about fashion, her Southern Baptist faith and the adventures she runs into.
Listen to this podcast to get to know Kathleen-June G. Horne a bit better!
Popular Questions
How can I make snow cream during winter?
To make snow cream, start by gathering fresh, clean snow in a large container. Then, mix in ingredients like milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to create a creamy texture. Stir until well combined and enjoy this delightful winter treat right away, as it’s best served fresh. This simple recipe is a fun way to make the most of snowy days!
What ingredients do I need for making maple snow candy?
For maple snow candy, you will need maple syrup and a clean patch of snow. Heat the syrup in a saucepan until it bubbles and thickens, then quickly pour it over the snow to create candy shapes. Let it set for a minute before enjoying this sweet treat. It's a nostalgic way to enjoy winter while being resourceful!
Is snow cream safe to eat?
Yes, snow cream can be safe to eat as long as you use clean, fresh snow and avoid areas that may be contaminated. Make sure to gather snow away from roads and other potential pollutants. By following these precautions, you can enjoy this winter weather treat without worry. Just remember to consume it shortly after making it for the best taste and texture!
What are some variations of snow cream I can try?
You can experiment with different flavors in your snow cream by adding ingredients like cocoa powder, fruit purees, or flavored extracts. For a richer taste, consider using sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk. These variations can make your snow cream unique and cater to different taste preferences. Enjoy getting creative with this winter treat!
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
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.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
Top 10 Bushcraft Skills you need to Survive!
Did you miss it? Do not despair!
The last LIVE webinar link is ready for Premium Members to view:
Visit HERE: RECORDED WEBINAR: Top 10 Bushcraft Skills
Just log-in, go to the link above and view it! Also the hand out is available to download. Below are just a couple of the slides you’ll see in the webinar. There’s a LOT to learn here! Enjoy…
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
A sign for the times. PREPARE. Notice – there is not a warning associated with that. Just prepare. For what? You may ask. For things to be atypical. We would reply. Hopeful but not typical.
We look forward to the days ahead with an actual sense of hope. Even though the hope may not be fixed on the typical status quot that historically it may have been in decades past, it is a sense of hope even of greater depth and satisfaction. The hope of a big bank accounts, luxury cars, stable jobs, a trustworthy representation within government and systems that work may be things of the past – but hope doesn’t have to become dim or grow smaller as we watch the ‘typical’ dim in our rear view mirror. Hope can be very different than what we thought it would be.
This may seem like an odd thing to be putting up on a blog. Especially a blog about preparedness. Isn’t preparedness a synonym for doomsday now days? Sadly it has been made to be connected, however, it is not an accurate assessment of what we prepare for. We prepare for hope. We prepare for sustainability. We prepare for a life more abundant and free through the difficulties rather than because of the circumstances. This is a very different way of looking at a brighter tomorrow.
Circumstantially there are many reasons to lose hope and have our emotions distracted by the negative. Reigning in our thoughts, taking them captive and focusing on what is true, noble, pure, lovely and hopeful can help us to circumvent what may appear to be chaotic circumstances around us.
It is our hope that you will see the sign of our times as a call to hope. A call to prepare with hope. A future that is more community connected, self-sustaining and grounded in depth of character. These are things to hope for. These are things to aspire to. These are just some of the things to share with others in despair. Hope can be a sign for our times.
Speaking of signs – if/when you go to an expo or a gathering or a teaching event – here is a sign to look for and find us:
We are very greatful to BuildASign.com for working with us to create this sign. They were great to work with and use of their site was easy!
In the sea of dooms-dayers, fear-mongers and panic pushers, we hope to stand apart. Our plan was that this banner would help to depict hope not fear. The folks at BuildASign.com helps us create a simple yet clear message. There is no negative connotation in the word “PREPARE” at all. It is an action verb. A call to action. The attitude behind it – is up to you.
Popular Questions
What does A Sign for the Times: PREPARE mean in today's context?
A Sign for the Times: PREPARE emphasizes the importance of readiness without fear. It encourages individuals to prepare for a future that may not align with traditional expectations, fostering a sense of hope instead of despair. This preparation is about building resilience and community connections, focusing on sustainability and abundance rather than the typical markers of success.
How can I prepare with hope as suggested in A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
Preparing with hope involves shifting your mindset to focus on positive outcomes and community support. Engage in activities that promote self-sufficiency and sustainability, such as gardening or local volunteering. By fostering connections with others and sharing resources, you can create a network of support that thrives even in challenging times.
Why is the concept of preparing often misunderstood in A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
Many people associate preparing with doomsday scenarios, which can overshadow the true intent of the message. A Sign for the Times: PREPARE seeks to redefine preparation as a proactive and hopeful approach to life’s uncertainties. It encourages individuals to focus on creating a fulfilling and abundant life, rather than succumbing to fear and negativity.
What actions can I take to embody the message of A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
To embody the message, start by cultivating a positive mindset and focusing on what you can control. Engage in community-building activities, share knowledge, and support local initiatives that promote sustainability. Additionally, practice mindfulness to help navigate chaotic circumstances, allowing you to remain grounded and hopeful.
How does A Sign for the Times: PREPARE relate to community and self-sustainability?
A Sign for the Times: PREPARE highlights the significance of community and self-sustainability as essential components of a hopeful future. By preparing together, communities can build resilience against challenges and foster a sense of belonging. This collective effort not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the fabric of society, creating a brighter tomorrow for all.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Preparedness planning
Summer and early fall are a great time to prepare for eating local, seasonal food. What do you do when the gardens and farms around you stop producing as much food? Old Fashioned Food Preservation is a key to prolonging the harvest into other seasons year round!
You prepare for it by preserving the summer and fall harvest to use throughout the winter months. If you go blueberry picking or are finding a great deal at the local farmers market, freeze some to use in your smoothies and oatmeal throughout the year.
Think about what foods and veggies you use throughout the year that you buy canned. What frozen fruits and vegetables to you end up using when you don’t have good fresh options at the grocery store? These are the things you want to start with.
Summer and early fall are a great time to prepare for eating local, seasonal food. What do you do when the gardens and farms around you stop producing as much food? Think about what foods and veggies you use throughout the year that you buy canned. Grandma cooked mainly from local, seasonal food back in the day and can give you quite a few tips to help you get back to this way of cooking and preserving food.
Talk to farmers and other shoppers at your local farmers market and farms. Do a little research online, or pick up a food preservation book at your local library. Grandma cooked mainly from local, seasonal food back in the day and can give you quite a few tips to help you get back to this way of cooking and preserving food.
From there, start expanding each year. Keep adding a few more things each year and it won’t take you long to eat mainly local seasonal food throughout the year. Keep adding a few more things each year and it won’t take you long to eat mainly local seasonal food throughout the year.
Popular Questions
What is the fastest way to improve Use Old Fashioned Food Preservation to Eat Local, Seasonal Foods without making beginner mistakes?
The fastest way to improve Use Old Fashioned Food Preservation to Eat Local, Seasonal Foods is to simplify the process and control one variable at a time. Start with the most important baseline: define the goal, identify the main failure point, and test one change before making another. Keep short notes so you can connect the outcome to the adjustment you made. This prevents guesswork and helps you build a repeatable method instead of chasing random fixes.
What should you check first when Use Old Fashioned Food Preservation to Eat Local, Seasonal Foods is not working well?
Check the most immediate bottlenecks first: setup errors, missing inputs, bad timing, or inconsistent follow-through. Before buying anything new or changing the whole system, confirm that the basics are being done correctly and consistently. A small diagnostic checklist usually reveals the real problem faster than broad trial and error. Once the weak point is clear, make one correction and watch the result before adjusting anything else.
What common mistakes make Use Old Fashioned Food Preservation to Eat Local, Seasonal Foods harder than it needs to be?
The most common mistakes are changing too many variables at once, skipping the basics, and judging results too quickly. Many people also copy generic advice without adapting it to their exact situation, which leads to weak results and confusion. A better approach is to work from a simple baseline, make measured changes, and give each change enough time to show whether it helped. That makes progress easier to track and repeat.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
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.
