mix it up monday

each monday, i'm going to focus on making mixes from scratch.

this is a great way to cut needless expenses in your budget and make food that yields high flavor and high quality.

years ago, i had a cook book given to me entitled "making mixes." at the time this book was given to me, it was old and out dated. funny. are cookbooks really ever out dated? the pages were torn and tattered. recipes had faded and pages had stuck together. i held onto it though. and boy am i glad that i did. it taught me some of the "old school" ways of doing things. you know. how to be frugal. how to use what you have on hand to cook for your family. eat what you store and store what you eat. it's filled with all sorts of gems of wisdom. what i really love is the education it's given me on "convenience items" that i so often reach for on the grocery shelves. they are really expensive and chances are i have all the ingredients i need at home to create the very same thing. even better.

i've made mixes of all kinds. cake mixes. bread mixes. cookie mixes. salad dressing mixes. all purpose mixes. side dish mixes. dessert mixes. the list goes on and on.

i've found ones that i like. some that i don't.

the ones i will share are highly favored by the family. and so i hope you'll enjoy them too.

here's one that's at the top, very top, of our list.

oatmeal waffle mix

3 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup shortening

3 cups rolled oats

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well. With a pastry blender (or fork), cut in shortening until evenly distributed. Stir in oats and mix well. Put in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 10-12 weeks. Makes about 9 cups.

To use:

1 1/2 cups mix

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 cup water

In a medium bowl combine oatmeal mix, water and egg. Blend well, let stand 5 minutes. Cook on hot waffle iron until browned on both sides.