A few nights ago, upon my return home after a long work day I was surprised to find out that the power in my apartment was out. My first thought was that it was a good excuse to go grab dinner at the little Thai restaurant down the street, but on second thought I decided to be creative and look through what I had in the pantry that did not require refrigeration, a microwave, blender, stove or toaster.

Here are some foods I had forgotten about that store well for long periods of time,can be prepared by candle light and do not require cooking or refrigeration…

-Canned or bagged tuna/salmon/sardines with herbs and spices and some balsamic vinegar or a smaller serving of olive oil on whole wheat bread

-Akmak/Bran Crisps/Wasa high fiber crackers with nut butters and topped with fruits like bananas, citrus, apples, pineapple, melon

-Cereal with almond milk (after you open it, then it needs to be refrigerated and should be used in about a week)

-Larabars/Kindbars/Odwalla bars/Pure bars

-Seeds,roasted edamame,dried fruit and nuts

-Roasted seaweed and bell pepper salad (can chop up then mix with pumpkin seeds and some canned salmon with vinegar)

Jessica Hummel, Nutrition Counselor