Money (& Time) Saving Idea: Make Your Own Baking Mixes!

Recently, I was reading a post on HeavenlyHomemakers, and came across an idea that I had never thought of before but was such a great money-saving and time-saving idea!

If you're a person who likes to bake often, or if you've ever needed to whip up a quick batch of cookies or brownies or muffins and didn't have a boxed mix on hand, (or if you just don't like boxed mixes) then this tip is definitely for you!

Take some of your favorite baking recipes (I've listed a few of mine below), and place all of the dry ingredients that you need for the recipes in individual freezer-safe zip-top bags.  Label the bag with all of the wet ingredients you need to finish the recipe and baking directions.  Throw it in your freezer and, whala!, you have your own baking mixes that are ready to go when you need them.  Not only will it save you time and money, but you will have less dishes to wash and these recipes will more than likely be much healthier than the ones you buy in a box! 

I would put together several mixes at once to save you time later on.  Or, if you're planning on making something anyway, while you already have the ingredients out, go ahead and make 2 or 3 bagged mixes.  Here are a few of my favorite baking recipes:

Whole Wheat Cocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes

Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins  (This is one of my daughter's favorites!)

Cocoa Brownies

Dry Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

On Bag, Write...
Add 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla to dry ingredients.  (Mix in nuts or chocolate chips if you wish.)  Pour into an 8x8 in pan (or mini muffin tin) and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 min.  (Baking time will be less if using muffin tin.)


Basic Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar

On Bag, Write...
Add 4 tbsp melted butter, 1 large egg, and 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp milk to dry ingredients.  (Add in berries or chocolate chips.)  Pour into 10 muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 18 - 24 minutes.