National Pancake Day!

Today is National Pancake Day!  So, I thought I would give you my recipe for Baking Mix.  You can use it just like you would Bisquick.  You can make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, dumplings, cakes, etc.  Use it in any recipe that calls for baking mix.  Plus, it costs a lot less to make it yourself!  Here's how you do it:


BAKING MIX

6 cups all-purpose flour
3 TBS baking powder
2 tsp salt
3/4 cup vegetable shortening

In a big bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Cut in shortening with a pastry blender (or a fork) until well blended.  Store in an airtight container.


Here are a few recipes that I make with this Baking Mix:

PANCAKES

2 cups baking mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs

Mix everything just until blended.  Do not over mix or pancakes will be tough!  Heat a cast iron skillet (or non-stick) over medium heat.  Add a bit of butter.  Ladle out batter (as much as you want - I like to make small silver dollar pancakes).  When the edges start to bubble, they are ready to be turned over.  Cook on other side until done (peek under with a spatula to see when they are ready).

*Variation:  I make chocolate chip or blueberry pancakes by adding a few chips or berries to the pancake right before I flip it.

Fun for the kids:  Add a little food coloring to the batter and make color pancakes!  Red for Valentine's Day, Green for St. Patrick's Day, etc.

Also fun, save an empty syrup bottle, clean it out and pour batter into it using a funnel.  Then, you can "write" with it in the skillet and make your kids initials.

WAFFLES

2 cups baking mix
1 1/3 cups milk
1 egg
2 TBS oil

Mix everything together until blended.  Ladle onto hot, greased waffle iron.  Close lid and cook till the steam stops coming out of the waffle maker.  Easy Peasy!


It's not National Biscuit Day, but I thought I'd throw in my recipe since it uses the baking mix, too.

BISCUITS

2 cups baking mix
2/3 cup milk

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.  Mix baking mix and milk just until blended.  Don't over mix!  Put on a floured surface and knead a few times (fold it over onto itself, give a quarter turn, repeat).  Roll or press out into a circle.  Cut out with a round cookie cutter.  Place on an ungreased  cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

*For easy Drop Biscuits:  Don't worry about kneading or cutting out.  Just drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake.


Happy National Pancake Day!