Homemade dry mixes: cakes, biscuits and pancakes

Looking to quickly satisfy that carb tooth? These dry mix recipes will do it justice.

Makes about four litres (16 cups)

Don't purchase cake mix — make your own. This basic mix can be stored for 10 to 12 weeks and makes about four litres (16 cups). It's so flexible that you'll quickly develop your own recipes to fill your family's needs, and never buy ready-made cake mix again!

What you need:

• 2 kg (8 c) all-purpose flour
• 1.5 kg (6 c) sugar
• 50 g (1/4 c) baking powder
• 7 ml (1 1/2 tsp) salt
• 550 g (2 1/4 cups or a 1-pound can) vegetable shortening

What to do:

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
2. Add the vegetable shortening and, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles very coarse crumbs.
3. Place the mix in a large, airtight container or a self-sealing plastic bag. Label and date, and store the mix in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator for 10 to 12 weeks.

Makes about two litres (eight cups)

This mix will quickly make many favourite breakfast treats — not only biscuits and pancakes but also scones and waffles. With this recipe in your cook book, you'll find your biscuits and pancakes are fresh and fluffy; you'll never go back to store-bought mixes.

What you need:

• 1.5 L (6 c) all-purpose flour or 750 ml (3 c) all-purpose flour and 750 ml (3 c) whole wheat flour
• 52 ml (3 1/2 tbsp) baking powder
• 250 ml (1 c) instant nonfat dry milk
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) salt
• 250 ml (1 c) vegetable shortening

What to do:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, powdered milk, and salt, and stir until well mixed. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the shortening until the biscuit mix resembles coarse meal.
2. Put the mix into a self-sealing bag, label, date, and refrigerate for up to six weeks.

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