Be prepared for an emergency by keeping a handy supply of easy-to-prepare dried mixes in jars. These mixes are a good alternative to storing dry foods in bulk and could be critical to good eating should the power fail.

Dishes using these mixes can be cooked on a butane, propane or canned-heat stove or charcoal grill.

For safety, always use these heat sources outside in an open, ventilated area away from doors or windows, to keep carbon monoxide from entering the house. Keep enough fuel to last 14 days.

CHICKEN NOODLE SEASONING MIX

By Hawaiian Electric Co.

• 1 cup dry nonfat milk
• 1/4 cup packaged chicken gravy mix
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Measure all ingredients into an airtight 2-cup jar.

Seal and shake. Store in a cool area.

Makes about 26 tablespoons.

Approximate nutritional information, per tablespoon: 35 calories, no fat or cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 2 g protein.

CHICKEN NOODLE DINNER

By Hawaiian Electric Co.

• 2 (5-ounce) cans chicken breast; drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• 6-1/2 cups hot water
• 7 -1/2 tablespoons Chicken Noodle Seasoning Mix (above)
• 1 (12-ounce) package egg noodles

In a large saute pan, combine chicken, mushrooms and hot water. Stir in seasoning mix.

Add noodles and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 15-17 minutes.

Remove lid and let gently simmer until sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 280 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 800 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 18 g protein.

VEGETARIAN BLACK BEAN CHILI MIX

By Hawaiian Electric Co.

• 3 cups black beans
• 3 tablespoons dehydrated onion
• 3 tablespoons granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon crushed oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Layer all ingredients. Store in an airtight 1-quart jar.

>> To make chili: Combine jar contents in a large pot with 1 tablespoon olive oil and water to cover by 2 inches.

Bring to a boil, then simmer about 2 hours, until beans are very soft. Add water as needed to keep beans from sticking. Some liquid should be left when beans are done.

Serve over hot rice with optional garnishes of cheese, Chinese parsley, chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including rice or optional garnishes): 510 calories, 1 g total fat, no saturated fat or cholesterol, 1,200 mg sodium, 88 g carbohydrate, 31 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 32 g protein.

FARMHOUSE SOUP

By Hawaiian Electric Co.

• 3 quarts water
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn
• 1 (14.5-ounce) sliced carrots
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 -1/2 cups dry macaroni

>> Soup mix:

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1/2 cup dried split peas
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1/2 cup dry lentils
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon flakes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper

>> To make soup mix: Layer all ingredients in an airtight 1-quart jar. Store in a cool area.

>> To make soup: In a large stock pot, combine all ingredients except macaroni, add full jar of soup mix. Cover; bring to a boil.

Lower heat to medium-low; simmer about 1 hour, until grains and split peas are tender.

Add pasta in last 10 minutes. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 420 calories, 2 g total fat, no saturated fat or cholesterol, greater than 2,300 mg sodium, 84 g carbohydrate, 13 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 17 g protein.

More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.