Easy and cheap homemade Baking mix (like Bisquick...)

I have been actively frugal for the last two years; partly of necessity, partly because of the challenge, and mostly because it's SMART.  I have discovered many things you can make in your kitchen or garage to mimic those expensive and very convenient packaged products. Check out my post on  homemade household cleaners..   

How many of you use a commercially packaged baking mix such as Bisquick?  (Show of hands, please...)  Homemade baking mixes save you money, are convenient, and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs. Use less salt, a sugar substitute,  less fat or whole grains depending on the needs of your family.   You can have all these benefits at half the price, by making your own in bulk at home, using this recipe.

• 17 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 cups instant non-fat dry milk powder
• 4 1/2 cups shortening

You may want to reduce the recipe by half for a smaller batchfor you and Grandpa. This basic mix can be substituted whenever a recipe calls for  a commercial baking mix.
You'll need a very large bowl to mix it in and an airtight container to store it in.  It's best kept in the refrigerator. I use it all the time, so I have never had to store ir long!

Stir together all dry ingredients in the large bowl.. With a pastry cutter, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Makes 26 cups. Mix will keep for two to three months. As with any mix, always remember to label and date all containers carefully.


For biscuits, mix together 3 cups of baking mix
and 2/3 cup water or milk. Blend well, knead
slightly, then roll out and cut into desired
shape. Bake at 450° for 10 to 15 minutes.
Makes 10 to 12 biscuits. For drop biscuits, add
2 tablespoons extra liquid.
For pancakes, mix together 4 1/2 cups basic
mix and 2 tablespoons sugar until blended.
Add 2 beaten eggs and 2 3/4 cups milk,
buttermilk or water. Mix thoroughly. Bake on a well-greased hot griddle. Makes 13
to 16 6-inch pancakes.
For muffins, blend 2 2/3 cups basic mix and 4 tablespoons sugar. Add 1 beaten
egg and 1 cup milk or water. Stir just until blended together. Pour into greased
muffin cups. Bake at 425° degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes one dozen muffins.
For corn bread, mix 3 cups basic mix, 9 tablespoons cornmeal, and 1 cup sugar.
Blend well. Add 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk or water and 1/4 cup melted butter or
margarine. Fill greased 9 x 13-inch pan with batter. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40
minutes.
For breadsticks, mix 2 cups basic mix, 1/2 cup cornmeal or flour, and 1/2 teaspoon
salt together. Add a scant 1/2 cup milk or water. Blend to form a dough, then knead
until smooth. Form into 12 small logs, about 1/2 inch thick. Bake at 400° for 15 to
20 minutes until crisp and well browned.

It mixes, bakes, and tastes  JUST LIKE the commercial brand. Try it this weekend for pancakes.  YUM