Eggs & Snail-Mail

[GordMay]

Eggs ~ By Barbara Theisen from “Frugal Afloat” @ The Cruising Life
http://www.thecruisinglife.com/?page=home

Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein and can be used in a variety of ways. They are generally easy to find in most ports. However it’s a good idea to stock up on eggs if you’re going to be spending some time anchored in paradise and don’t want to worry about needing to make a provisioning stop. If your fridge is small or you have no fridge, remember that eggs do not need refrigeration. Although there are a variety of ways to “preserve” eggs such as coating with Vaseline or boiling briefly, there is an easier way. The simplest way I have found to extend the storage time of eggs is to buy fresh, unrefrigerated eggs and store right in their cartons. In most places outside the U.S. eggs are not refrigerated. You may need to bring your own egg cartons. Do not wash the eggs as they already have a protective coat sealing them. Twice a week, turn your cartons over. You can designate Mondays and Thursdays (or whatever) as egg turning day. The eggs should stay fresh for several months.

Dry egg powder or egg white powder makes an excellent replacement for fresh eggs in baking. This is available in a can in the baking section of large supermarkets in the U.S. It stores easily.

Alternately, if you’re running low on eggs here are a few items that may work as egg replacements.

If your baked goods – such as muffins, quick breads or cookies - call for eggs try replacing one egg with
• Half of a ripe banana, mashed
• ¼ cup of applesauce
• ¼ cup of pureed prunes
• ¼ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 heaping Tablespoon of soy flour plus 1 tablespoon of water

In a casseroles or meatloaves try replacing one egg with:
• 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons of mashed potatoes

For More of Frugal Afloat: http://www.thecruisinglife.com/?page=frugal

And

“Snail Mail” Tip ~ From Barbara Theisen
”When cruising, you'll need to take a supply of envelopes and stamps for snail mail communication (yes, people still sometimes need to use the good old postal service). Be sure to take "peel and seal" type envelopes, otherwise the moisture will seal all of your envelopes for you. Also take a supply of U.S. postage stamps (the self-adhesive kind). Often times you will find someone in an anchorage who will be flying back to the states and is willing to take stamped, flat envelopes that they will mail for you when they get there*. This is a great idea when you're in a country with questionable or slow postal service.”

* To which I’d add - Always present your mail in an "UN-SEALED", stamped envelope. Your benefactor must have the opportunity of examining that which he/she is willing to transport and post, on your behalf.

The Cruising Life is an excellent e-zine. Subscription is free.
Goto: http://www.thecruisinglife.com/?page=home

Gord