Multigrain Baking Mix and how to use it   Although my mother had pancake mix and instant potatoes in the cupboard when I was growing up, I don’t recall her keeping Bisquick or Jiffy baking mix around. I must confess I have never used a baking mix until just a few weeks ago when I was finishing up my next book project ( Baking Secrets from the Bread Monk ) and decided to include a recipe for a homemade version of a homemade “Bisquick-like-baking-mix”. Since then I’ve used it f

Ingredients 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup cocoa powder 1 Tbs. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 egg, beaten 1 cup milk ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 28 crème de menthe thins, chopped Preheat the oven to 375° F.  Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.  In a medium size bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.  In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk and the melted butter.  Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and

Ingredients ¼ cup (1/2 stick) softened butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg (room temperature) 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract ¾ cup of mashed potatoes (fresh, leftover or made from instant) ¼ cup milk 2¼ cups all purpose flour plus more for the work surface 2½  teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon table salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg (½ teaspoon if grated fresh) Vegetable shortening or oil for frying Cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, icing et cetera as desired.   Directions In a medium si

Ingredients ¾ cup butter 1½ cups of sugar 3 eggs 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1½ cups sour cream Filling ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup chopped nuts 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon Cream butter and sugar in mixer on high until light and fluffy.  Blend in eggs and vanilla until smooth.  Sift dry ingredients together.  With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the sour cream and the dry ingredients until

Ingredients 2 c. all-purpose flour 3 tsp. baking powder ¼ c. granulated sugar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼. tsp. nutmeg 1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup cinnamon baking chips (Hershey's makes them) ½ cup cream (plus more for brushing tops) 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 2 Tbs. demerara or turbinado sugar   Directions Pre-heat the oven to 375° F. and place the cut-up butter in the freezer while you assemble the other ingredients. Having cold cream and eggs is essential

2 c. all-purpose flour 1 Tbs. baking powder 1 Tbs. granulated sugar, plus more for topping ½ tsp. salt 1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup chopped chocolate mint candies ½ cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing tops) 2 eggs  Pre-heat the oven to 400° F. and place the cut-up butter in the freezer while you assemble the other ingredients. Having cold cream and eggs is essential the success of this recipe as well. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, suga

These herbed drop biscuits mix up in five minutes and bake in about 15, so they are great weeknight recipe that pairs well with soups, stews, and casseroles.

Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits--quick, easy, and delicious! Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking mix ½ tsp. salt 1 Tbs. sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives ½ cup vegetable shortening 1 cup milk ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar   Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Stir dry ingredients together in a medium size bowl.  Cut in vegetable shortening using a pastry blender or two knives.  Add milk and stir until just blended.  Drop by tabl

Classic Scones are easy to make and vastly superior to the dried out coffeehouse variety!