Bake Quick - Almost Home-made (biscuit mix)

Always in a Hurry?  If you make your own biscuit mix, you can have some control over the sodium and fiber content, and still save time when throwing together a meal.  When I make this mix, I reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon, I use 1/3 or 1/2 whole wheat flour instead of all all-purpose flour, and I use butter-flavored shortening (which means I'm less tempted to add calories by adding butter at the table). 

Biscuit Mix
8 cups (2 lb) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup        baking powder
3 Tbsp         sugar
1 1/4 cup     dry milk solids
1 1/3 cup     shortening
1 Tbsp         salt

Combine all ingredients until the texture of fine meal.  Store covered, refrigerated.
Use like commercial biscuit mix.  Here is a basic recipe for drop biscuits.

Biscuits

1 cup mix
5 Tbsp. (scant 1/3 cup) water

Mix together and drop on greased baking sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees.  Makes 4 biscuits.
I like to add interest to a meal by putting an add-in into the dough before baking.  Examples:  a few tablespoons of shredded cheese (such as sharp cheddar); or a teaspoon of dried herb; or 1/4 teaspoon of ground spice.  You could use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, one of your own favorites or a combination.