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Days 4 to 22: Back to Basics


ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 6/14/09

With the challenge underway, sourcing salt, honey, wine, and wheat becomes the top priority of the families. When local grocer Steve Peters finds his wheat supply is well short of the amount ordered, panic ensues. James and Alisa fear that the challenge will prove too difficult without enough wheat to go around, so they set out themselves to find more of the precious commodity.

The Hawes family discovers a loophole – the "social life amendment" described in James and Alisa’s book – and take full advantage of it while away on a business trip, which sparks heated debate among the challengers.



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Recipes from the Show


Chicory Tea
Alex Weremchuk brewed hers up hot, but chicory can be served hot or cold. It has a rich caramel flavor and leaves a semi-sweet pleasantly smooth after taste.

It's easy to take bread for granted when it's readily available in stores. Once you have to make it from scratch, however, you get a brand-new perspective on this daily staple.

The St. Cyrs figured their method out as they went along, but here we've spelled it out for you. Expect one gallon of sea water to yield roughly one spice canister full of salt.

Johanna made a version of this simple compote to satisfy the sweet tooths (sweet teeth?) in her family. It's delicious on its own, or with yogurt, homemade granola, or even ice cream!