In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred causing power outages, there are still accessible ways to prepare comforting meals. Depending on your cooking options, whether it’s a barbecue, gas cooker, or merely pantry staples, you can make satisfying dishes with little effort.
Food safety is paramount during an outage, especially concerning perishables in your fridge or freezer. According to Matt Mason, a nurse and infection control specialist, foods in the fridge should be discarded if the power has been out for over four hours to prevent foodborne illnesses. If the temperature is under 5 degrees Celsius for less than two hours and power resumes, the food is generally safe. Conversely, a well-sealed freezer can keep its contents frozen for 24 to 48 hours, but any items that start to thaw should be used immediately.
If you’re lacking cooking appliances, simple salads are a great option. Clare Collins, a nutrition expert, suggests using canned items like baked beans, corn, and legumes as the base. With ingredients like red onion and capsicum, one can easily create salsa or Mexican-inspired wraps. Queensland cookbook author Kim McCosker recommends assembling veggie nachos using canned goods, pairing ingredients like cheese and salsa for added flavour. For those relying on long-life milk, cereal can provide a simple meal solution, but be cautious with opened products stored at room temperature.
For those with access to a barbecue or gas cooker, it’s wise to prioritise cooking the items in your fridge that are most at risk, such as meats and dairy. Keeping a list or taking photos of your food items can help manage what needs to be cooked without frequently opening the fridge.
Some quick meal ideas include using leftover barbecued chicken, which can be shredded with vegetables and served in rice paper rolls. Additionally, tinned jackfruit can be transformed into pulled tacos, complemented by fresh toppings for a vegan option. Pre-prepared frozen foods, like pizzas or quiches, can also be cooked on the barbecue when necessary.
Hygiene is critical during these times, especially vessel cleanliness and personal hygiene. Mason emphasises the need for proper hand washing and dish cleaning, particularly when cooking. If water supply becomes an issue, filling a bathtub can provide water for cleaning purposes. If using treated drinking water is a concern, boiling is advisable.
In summary, there are numerous meal assembly options available during a power outage, prioritising safety and hygiene alongside creativity in using what you have on hand.