Make Your Own Mixes

Been having a chat with my friend Michael today and he was saying that he is trying to be more prepared after reading my blogs. I have been hearing that a lot from a lot of you.

As I look forward to more time without the benefit of the grocery store I started thinking about the mixes and convenience foods we all enjoy so much. A lot of them can be made at home. The disadvantage is the investment of some time. The advantage however is that you have control over the ingredients and you’ll know exactly what you are eating. They can also save you money. So here are some recipes for stuff you can make at home .

Shake-Your-Own Coating Mix

1 ½ c. dry bread crumbs

1 c. flour

1 ½ T. salt

1 T. paprika

1 T. onion powder

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. pepper

6 T. cornmeal

5 T. shortening

Combine all ingredients, except the cornmeal and shortening in a food processor and mix until powdered. Add cornmeal and shortening and pulse until mixture looks orange and crumbly. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

To use: Place ¾ c. of mixture in a plastic bag. Moisten chicken pieces with a little water or milk and shake off excess. Place pieces one or two at a time in the bake and shake to coat. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 40-50 minutes, or until juices run clear.

Taco Seasoning

4 t. onion powder

3 t. chili powder

1 t. cornstarch

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. cumin

½ t. oregano

1/8 t. cayenne pepper

Mix and store in a cool, dry place. This is the same as 1 packet of taco seasoning mix.

Biscuit Mix -use like Bisquick or Jiffy Mix

 8 c. flour

1 c. powdered milk

1 c. powdered buttermilk

1/4 c. baking powder

1 T. salt

1 ½ c. shortening

In large bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in a tightly closed container and use in 1-2 months. Makes 10 cups.

          Biscuit Mix 2

10 c. flour

½ c. sugar

1/3 c. baking powder

1 T. salt

2 c. shortening

Mix dry ingredients well. Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container and use within 3 months. Makes 13 cups.