Last week, a friend called asking me to send her “That Recipe!” Of course, I was puzzled, but it didn’t take long to figure out what she was talking about when she mentioned homemade biscuits (I make them with copycat Bisquick!), along with strawberry freezer jam. Apparently, I served this for breakfast the last time she visited.

“That Recipe” is my Master Mix. It’s like Bisquick but a lot better. Not only does it keep really well, it contains dry milk so at baking time you add water (not milk, as most Bisquick recipes call for). 

While Master Mix makes fabulous biscuits, it’s an all-purpose mix to make everything from dumplings to coffee cake, shortcake, and so much more.

Oh, and that jam you see pictured? Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe. 

What follows is a semi-copycat recipe for Bisquick (you can scroll down for the printable recipe card, which includes lots of ways to use Master Mix). Remarkably, it’s much better than Bisquick, because nearly every Bisquick recipe requires the addition of milk at the time of baking. Master Mix contains dry milk, all you add is water, which makes it so versatile and super convenient to use

Master Mix vs. Bisquick

It’s difficult to make a reliable cost comparison, but what we know is Bisquick costs about 15 to 20 cents an ounce, which makes it pricey. The ingredients in Master Mix cost far less than half—and include the milk.

It makes a lot

Get ready for the amount of Master Mix you will end up with—a full 30 cups, the equivalent of about three and a half large 40-ounce boxes of Bisquick. The recipe can be halved.

Gift basket idea

Master Mix makes a lovely addition to a Biscuits and Jam Gift Basket. Simply package a supply of Master Mix in a tightly covered container or bag, adding a tag that describes the contents. Don’t forget the jam!

A nice idea would be to include the following options for how your recipient can use its contents. Your friend or loved one will probably appreciate the Master Mix recipe, too.

Master Mix

•  5 pounds all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups powdered dry milk
• 3/4 cup double-acting baking powder
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 2/3 cups solid vegetable shortening (like Crisco)

Instructions:

Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender or two knives, until the mix looks like cornmeal. Store at room temperature in a large sealable container. Makes 30 cups mix. Use within six months.

Note: You can use Master Mix in any recipe calling for Bisquick, making sure you substitute water for milk if the recipe calls for milk, because you have already added the milk to the mix.

What to do with all that Master Mix?

I’m so glad you asked!

One dozen biscuits

• 3 cups Master Mix
• 3/4 cup water

Blend and knead a few strokes. Roll out and cut biscuits with a round biscuit cutter, into squares or diamond shapes. Bake 10 minutes at 450 F.

Dumplings

Use the same measurements as for biscuits. Drop into hot liquid of choice. Cook 10 minutes uncovered and an additional 10 minutes covered.

One dozen muffins

• 3 cups Master Mix
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup water

Mix water and egg; add dry ingredients. Add optional items such as blueberries, chocolate chips, nuts and so forth, as desired. Bake in muffin cups for 25 minutes at 450 F.

Four dozen drop cookies

• 3 cups Master Mix
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips

Place Master Mix, sugar, egg, water and extract in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Fold in nuts and or chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls on prepared greased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375 F.

Coffee Cake

• 3 cups Master Mix
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup water

Blend all ingredients and pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan. Cover with topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 C nuts or raisins to the topping mix. Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes.

Pancakes or Waffles

• 3 cups Master Mix
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 egg

Blend only until barely incorporated. Prepare pancakes or waffles as usual.

Gingerbread

• 2 cups Master Mix
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Beat the egg together with the water and molasses. Mix well with dry ingredients until all are incorporated. Pour into a greased 8-inch square cake pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350 F.

Cornbread

• 1 1/4 cups Master Mix
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated. Pour into greased pan or muffin cups. Bake 25 minutes at 400 F.

First published: 4-24-17; Revised & Updated 4-24-22

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