Create your own versatile all-purpose baking mix, perfect for whipping up everything from fluffy pancakes to scrumptious biscuits. This homemade version offers full control over ingredients, ensuring there are no unwanted additives, plus it can be more cost-effective!
Ingredients & Their Alternatives
- Flour: The foundation of the mix is all-purpose flour, ideal for yielding the perfect balance in your baked treats. You can substitute this with whole wheat for a healthier option or gluten-free flour if required, but remember, this may affect the texture, requiring adjustments to other ingredients.
- Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, baking powder gives rise to your baked goods, making them soft and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for enhancing the flavors in your baked creations.
- Shortening: Typically, hydrogenated vegetable oil, such as Crisco, is used for its high melting point and ability to create flaky layers in pastries. If preferred, cold unsalted butter or vegetable oil can be substituted, though this may alter the texture and flavor of your final dish.
Choosing Shortening or Butter
Shortening maintains a solid state at higher temperatures, which is advantageous for high-heat recipes like biscuits. It creates air pockets that make baked goods flaky and tender and has a neutral taste with a longer shelf life due to fewer perishable ingredients.
Butter adds a rich flavor that enhances the taste profile of baked goods and contributes to a denser texture desirable in recipes such as scones. However, it contains water that produces steam in baking, helping to leaven the product slightly. Using butter shortens the shelf life of your baking mix, necessitating storage in the refrigerator.
Storing Your DIY Baking Mix
For best results, store your homemade baking mix in an airtight container, like a sealed mason jar, and keep it in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life for up to three months.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (750 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) kosher salt
- 1 cup (205 g) shortening, chilled and cubed
Preparation
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate Shortening: With the processor on a low setting, gradually add the cubed shortening. Continue to process until the mixture resembles a coarse, grainy texture.
- Storage: Transfer the baking mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to three months.
With this DIY All-Purpose Baking Mix, you’re ready to tackle a variety of recipes, from quick breads and muffins to decadent desserts, all with the convenience of knowing exactly what’s in your mix. Enjoy crafting your favorite baked goods with a personal touch!
