Facing the real deal

I am facing losing my electricity in about 30 days, depending on how much leeway they give for non-pay.

I have food in the freezer. Can you defrost food and then can it? I have never heard of doing this. I realize that food deteriorates during any processing, and this would be a double-whammy.

Any thoughts? Or should I just eat fast?

Sue

Sorry to hear you're on hard times.
We have canned frozen food. The sturdier things like meats hold up better. Things like fruit have the cell structure damaged by the freezing so they tend to come out rather mushy. Certainly they are still edible though. It's been a while since I've worked with any and I can't remember ever canning frozen vegtables.

I would think you could can the meats, fruits, and veggies using the normal process after they've thawed.

Good luck, you are in our prayers.
-Blast

Yes Sue, but as fast as you can from the freezer to the canner and process the canning a bit longer.
Even if you are losing a bit of quality it beats throwing it all out.
I am going through bad times financially too, so I understand what you are asking very well.

Okay, thanks! I hope it doesn't come to that. I don't have a lot of bills, but severely reduced hours at work is causing problems. I figure 'camping out' is better than losing the place.

Sue

Sue, contact your electricity provider 'now' and make an arrangement with them to pay it off, I have done this when fallen on bad times and has been mutually beneficial.

The trick is to do it early in the piece; my wife is a master at doing this not only for late payments but for whatever she needs. I have learned from her to never give up and even if the first person she speaks to won’t help her she will then ask for their supervisor, you will be amazed at the different result. Do the same with your provider if the person you first speak to wont help you ask for their supervisor discuss your situation and negotiate an arrangement.

'Do your sums, get on the phone, and make an arrangement now Sue'

Short of all that if you do lose power get the esky out cover the bottom with a good layer of salt and then put your ice down (use block ice and the salt will make it last longer) and eat out of your esky until power resumes, if you can get your hands on some dry ice even better, use one esky for freezing(or your fridge freezer) and the other for daily use. We do this for long camp trips and it works a treat.

Preserving foods (canning) is not hard to learn but does require some outlay around $400-$500 and it's not something you learn overnight it takes some practice but in the end it is well worth the effort.

Esky, in case you were wondering.