PRESERVING SOFT CHEESE IN THE BOX

You can "keep" boxes of processed cheese edible right on the pantry shelf. Food for thought, perhaps....

The 2 pound box of soft cheese, such as Velveeta Pasteurized Cheese Product, or the similar "Brand X" generic store brand, will keep at home on your pantry shelf, no refrigeration required, for at least a year and possibly much longer.

Simply use paper tape to seal the lower sides and bottom of the box. Next, dip the entire box in melted paraffin or candle wax as described for waxing cans and boxes in the preparations section.

Store the wax coated boxes in a dark, cool place, away from predators, and it will "keep" perfectly.

Recently I opened a box of Velveeta which was sealed as described above and dated 04-99, well over a year ago. The cheese was fresh in appearance, good tasting, and obviously proved this simple method of storing soft cheese when refrigeration is not available, and without canning.

Both the canning of soft cheese and simply waxing the boxes will insure a supply of cheese for family meals. The addition of melted cheese to plain, inexpensive (now!) meals of rice or beans will vary the menu, keeping spirits high, and will help you endure hard times with equanimity.

We have prepared one dozen boxes using this easy method. With the evidence of 14 months from the opened box at hand, I expect them to survive at least for another 2 years.

When storing foods, canned or otherwise, for some future unhappy event, plan on rotating your stock. Use in daily meals what is needed now and replenish the supply from sale items if possible. Rotation is the key for all "saved" foods. With tins of food, for instance, date the can and place behind existing supply of same, using the oldest cans before the new ones. In the case of waxed cans, date the box in which they were processed, and keep the boxes small and separate. Using some as needed, while replacing and dating items before putting them into storage, will keep you in a good supply of nutritious foods.

Mrs. Miles

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