Mama's Ever Ready Biscuit Mix

12 cups flour
6 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons salt
2 cups vegetable shortening

Directions:
Stir dry ingredients together blending well. Add shortening and blend until mixture is crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Use within 3 months.

To use, mix with milk to desired consistency. (Approximately 3/4 cup milk to 2 cups biscuit mix.) Shape or cut into biscuits and bake 10 to 12 minutes (or until lightly browned) at 425°.

Notes:
This recipe was collected and handwritten on a recipe card by my mother, Doris Hill.

Instant Hot Chocolate

1 lb. powdered milk
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 lb. coffee creamer
1 lb. instant cocoa mix (the type that must be mixed with milk)

Directions:
Mix ingredients together and store in a tightly closed container. To use, stir 1/3 cup of the mix into 1 cup boiling water.

Notes:
1 lb. = 16 oz.

Mama's Quick Biscuit Mix

8-1/2 cups all purpose flour 3 tablespoons baking powder 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda 1-1/2 cups nonfat dry milk 2-1/4 cups vegetable shortening.

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except the shortening. Stir them together, mixing well. Add shortening and blend well. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Use the mix within four months.

To use, add about ¾ cup water to 2-1/3 cups biscuit mix. Cut or shape into biscuits and bake 10 to 12 minutes (or until lightly browned) at 425°.

Notes:
Makes 13 cups of biscuit mix. My mother, Doris Hill, collected this recipe and handwrote it on a card for her files.

Homemade Cocoa Mix

2 cups powdered milk 1/4 cup cocoa 1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup non-dairy creamer

Directions:
Combine the above ingredients and store in an air-tight container until ready to use.

To make a cup of cocoa, put about 1/4 cup of the above mix in a coffee mug, and fill it with boiling water. Stir well, and top off the cup with a few mini-marshmallows.

Careful -- it's very hot!