Purpose & Uses for Baking Mixes

Baking mixes are produced by a number of companies including Bisquick, Jiffy, and other smaller food manufacturers. They are most often made up of flour, baking powder, shortening and other baking ingredients making it a quick and easy shortcut for making a number of baked goods. Consequently, I always keep a box of this invaluable product in my cupboard.

Over the years I've come to appreciate this baking convenience even the more. In addition to standard baked goods like biscuits, I also use it in the preparation of pancakes, breads, pizza crusts and brownies.

Pancakes

Baking mixes make a more southern and traditional style pancake. To create just add milk and eggs. Most recipes call for 1 cup of milk to every 2 cups of mix, and 1 egg for every cup of mix. Make this recipe your own by adding special ingredients like fresh blueberries, chocolate chips, oats, bananas or pecans.

Biscuits

Make homemade style biscuits quickly and easily with baking mixes. Simply add milk and mix. For added taste and flavor, customize these biscuits with ingredients like garlic, cheese, cocoa, bacon, wheat germ or buttermilk (in lieu of regular milk). Simply drop biscuits on an oiled cookie sheet or pan and bake in heated oven on 425 to 450 degrees for ten to fifteen minutes.

Breads

A number of bread recipes can also be made simpler using a baking mix. In most instances, you will need to add just a few ingredients like sugar, eggs and milk along with fruit (like bananas), flavors (like vanilla or cinnamon) or dry ingredients like oats to the mix. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

Pizza Crusts

Once you've had a homemade pizza, prepared pizzas just don't taste the same. To make the crust, simply add warm water and a couple of tablespoons of oil to baking mix. For a thicker, fuller crust, add a cup of yeast (dissolve in warm water first) to mixture. Flavor doughs with oregano, thyme, rosemary, ginger or parmesan cheese. Knead and let sit for about a half hour.

Desserts

Even treats like brownies, cobblers, crisps, pies, scones and cakes can be created much easier with baking mixes.