Making Mixes

I saw this on a morning talk show. I love this idea! I would add the whole wheat pancake and waffle mix to this as well.

Make your own mixes can save time and money!
Making your own preservative-free homemade mixes for things like cheese sauce, biscuits, and cake is not only healthier, but cheaper as well.


Homemade mixes are great to have in the kitchen, especially for kids. Many of them only require adding water. Kids can get involved and help make their favorite recipes. By doing this, they learn to be independent in the kitchen. If you make these mixes ahead of time, you can make delicious foods like cakes, cookies, breads, pancakes, and even creampuffs in a short time. You will save time by planning your meals ahead. Preparing homemade mixes also provides you the opportunity to rotate your food storage.

Here are three basic pantry mixes:


1. Biscuit Mix
9 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups shortening
3 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. salt

Store mix in an airtight container until ready to use.


To make cream puff shells, simply combine 3 cups water with 1 1/2 cups biscuit mix in a saucepan, and mix vigorously on medium heat until a soft ball forms. Transfer dough ball to a food processor, adding 6 eggs, one at a time, mixing until dough is gluey and thick. Transfer dough balls by 2-tbsp. full to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 and continue baking 40 minutes more, or until cream puff shells are lightly golden. Cool completely, then stuff with chicken salad or pudding.


2. Cake Mix
7 cups flour
3 1/4 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups dehydrated butter
1/3 cup dehydrated milk
3 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt

Store mix in an airtight container until ready to use.


To make oreo cookies, simply combine 2 cups cake mix, 2 tbsp. cocoa, 1/4 cup oil, and 2 eggs. Beat into a thick batter, then place by tbsp. full onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are done. Cool completely, then spread frosting between two cookies, and enjoy!


3. Frosting Mix

8 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups dehydrated butter
1 cup cornstarch

Store mix in an airtight container until ready to use.


To make frosting, combine 1 cup frosting mix with 2 tsp. water or milk, and a drop of vanilla and almond extract. Add more water if necessary to make a creamy frosting.