125 Best Biscuit Mix Recipes: From Appetizers to Desserts - Softcover

George Geary, CCP, has taught baking techniques in dozens of baking schools across America. A contributing editor to several magazines and newsletters, he has also been the pastry chef and production manager for the Walt Disney Corporation and the Marriott Corporation. He lives in Fullerton, California.

Excerpted from the Introduction

Introduction

Time. We do not have enough of this ingredient. My first pastry job was at a big hotel, and, to save time, we had a large bin filled with a flour mixture that was used for many different recipes. I was surprised at the versatility of this flour mix. We used it for every baked good, from cookies to muffins, just adding the required perishable ingredients to create a tasty treat. Now, at home, you can stir up a batch of biscuit mix and keep it on hand. When you need to save time in your busy day, just add a few ingredients to this mix and you'll have a main dish or a batch of cookies in no time.

Fast and Easy Biscuit Mix

There are many brands of biscuit mixes available. In this cookbook, I tested the recipes with Bisquick®. If you are using a biscuit mix other than this or the homemade one below, be aware that the results may differ depending on the active ingredients within the mix. As a general rule, low-fat biscuit mixes will produce a drier texture in baked goods. If you prefer to make your biscuit mix from scratch, here is my homemade version for you to keep on hand.

Makes about 8 cups (2 L)

Tip:
Place in an airtight container in your pantry. Use within 3 months.

• 4 1/2 cups (1.125 L) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) instant nonfat dry milk
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 ml) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp (265 mL) vegetable shortening

In a large bowl, using a fork, blend together flour, dry milk, sugar baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a pastry blender, blending fork (see page 13) or two knives, blend in shortening until well dispersed.