Corn Bread and Basic (bread) mixes (for gifts or personal use)

[hopeky94]

Corn Bread Mix
1 cup flour
1 cup corn meal
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup dry milk powder
1 Tbsp. baking powder

Sift ingredients together and put into a bag.

Label: Put dry ingredients into mixing bowl. In small bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1 egg, and 1/3 cup oil. Stir into dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into a well-buttered pie plate. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until golden.


This basic mix can also be substituted whenever a recipe calls for commercial biscuit mixes.
Basic Mix
17 cups all-purpose flour
8 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoon salt
4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups instant non-fat dry milk powder
4 1/2 cups shortening
In a very large bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender 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.
Variations:
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.
For doughnuts, blend 3 cups basic mix, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix together 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 2/3 cup milk or water in a separate bowl, then add to dry ingredients. Stir until dough forms. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut with a floured cutter or drinking glass. Fry in hot oil, about 375°, turning once to brown each side. Drain on paper towels. Dredge in powdered sugar while doughnuts are still warm.
For molasses cookies, mix 2 cups basic mix, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Blend. Stir in 1 egg yolk and 1/2 cup molasses. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Flatten with a sugar-dipped glass. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 375° for 10 minutes, or until edges are brown. Cool. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.