Brenda Thompson, who authors the blog MealPlanningMagic.com, advises you to buy common ingredients in bulk, use containers such as glass jars, ziplock bags or plasticware, and always label what's inside and when you made it.
Brownie Mix
(adapted from recipe from "Make a Mix" cookbook)
6 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons salt
8 cups sugar
1 (8-oz.) can unsweetened cocoa powder
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cocoa. Stir thoroughly until evenly blended. Put in a large airtight container and label with date and contents. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 2 ½ -3 months. Makes about 15 cups.
To make brownies:
¼ cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups Brownie Mix
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour an 8-inch-square pan. Combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and brownie mix. Beat until smooth. Stir in nuts, if desired. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 30-35 minutes, until edges come away from pan. Cool. Cut into 2-inch bars. Makes 16 brownies.
Taco Seasoning Mix
(adapted from recipe from "Make a Mix" cookbook)
2 teaspoons instant minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoons crushed, dried red pepper
½ teaspoon instant minced garlic
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until evenly combined. This recipe can be easily multiplied. Store mix in an airtight container. Label with date and contents. Use within 6 months. Base recipe makes one package worth or about two tablespoons.
To use, combine two tablespoons mix with 1/4-1/2 cup water and one pound browned ground beef. Cook until taco mixture is absorbed.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and gently stir until blended. Store in a resealable plastic baggie or other airtight container. Label with date and contents. Use within 6 months. Makes about 4 Tbsp worth, or enough for four dressing recipes.
To use, combine 1 Tbsp dressing mix with 1/3 cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup buttermilk (regular milk may be substituted) or until desired consistency is met. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Recipes courtesy of: Meal Planning Magic
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