Sunday, April 21, 2013

Yummy Biscuit Mix

We just love biscuits!!  I can make "good" biscuits from scratch and it doesn't really take all that long but anything to save me a few extra minutes during "rush hour" is worth an effort.
This biscuit mix is super fast, easy and most importantly CHEAP to make!  The biscuits I make from this mix are super tender.

Biscuit Mix:
8 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cup dry milk
2 cups shortening

Mix together flour and dry milk.  Cut shortening into mixture with pastry blender.   Store in air-tight container.

To make biscuits use 2 cups biscuit mix and 3/4 cup milk.  Stir together just until moistened, do not over mix!  Turn out onto floured surface, pat out until dough is about 3/4 inch thick.  Cut with biscuit cutter, place onto greased pan, sides touching.  Bake at 500 degrees about 10 minutes.  Brush with melted butter, serve piping hot with your best homemade preserves :)

You may also use this mix in any recipe that calls for biscuit mix.

I will be posting a recipe for my Easy Country Chicken and Dumplings later using this biscuit mix.  You're gonna love 'em!!!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Honey Whole Wheat Bread (BestEver!)

Soft, crusty and yummy! This is by far the best bread I have ever baked!
I have been trying to bake deliciously soft bread for like ever! I have learned a lot about what works and what does not.
I had given up on making homemade bread but when I went to the grocery my daughter told me I didn't need to buy bread because I make the BEST bread ever! Awwwww!
I decided to give it another go... Tweaked and combined several recipes... And this time I was happy with the results!

Hollie's Honey Whole Wheat Bread:
1 pkg dry yeast
1 cup warm tap water(105-110 degrees)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons honey
6 Tablespoons oil
1/4 cup dry nonfat milk powder
1/2 cup potato flakes
1/4 tsp absorbic acid
3 Tablespoons wheat gluten
2-3 cups wheat flour

Mix flour, water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Allow to sit about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile mix together salt, powdered milk, potato flakes, absorbic acid and wheat gluten.
Add dry mixture, honey and oil to the yeast mixture.
Gradually add flour! (Each time I make bread it seems like it takes a different amount... :)

When you have added enough flour the dough should pull away from the edges of the bowl but will still be slightly sticky.

Knead in stand mixer for 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl in warm place until doubled in size (30 minutes to one hour.). Punch dough down, shape in loaf and place in well greased loaf pan. Let rise again until dough is 1 1/4 inch above edges of pan.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for about 40 minutes, bread will sound hollow when tapped.

Remove from pan immediately, brush melted butter on top. As soon as bread cools place in gallon tie bags.

Enjoy!

NOTE: My flour and gluten were purchased at an Amish market, the honey was from a local bee keeper. You can purchase gluten (baking section) and absorbic acid (canning section) at our local Wal-mart.

Please leave a comment if you enjoyed or have any questions!