Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today

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Money Saving Hamburger Ideas

Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Tips for saving money on ground beef.
Buy Hamburger in Bulk
Buy hamburger in bulk packages, divide into desired amount then put in freezer bags and mash flat. This is great for saving room in your freezer. It also helps when thawing out the meat, it’s a lot faster.

By Judy
Quart Size Bags For Storage
I like to use 1 quart size baggies. Fill it 3/4 full then flatten it. I find using a whole pound of hamburger (in most, but not all) meals is too much and isn’t always needed.

By IMAQT1962
Buy On Sale And Stock Up
We watch for our local market to put ground beef on the loss leader sale for $1.08 or close to that. Then we buy about 40 to 60 pounds because we know they usually only run this great sale every 2 to 3 months.

We have a presto-sealer machine. I stuff the bags and my husband does the sealing part of it so it doesn’t take as long. The bags are kind of pricey, but we can reuse them once or twice even though it says to throw them away. Heck ya, they are going to tell you that! I won’t reuse a poultry bag. When cleaning them thoroughly with soapy water, then I dry them thoroughly and then store them away in a dust free place with paper towels stuffed in them. Next time I use them I just clip off the top straight. No more freezer burn and it’s great having all those flat packages in the freezer. They thaw out fairly quickly too.

The $1.08 a lb. ground beef is in Marion, Arkansas. One time they had it for 98 cents a few weeks ago! They run their hamburger on a good price maybe once every two or three months. Just a small market with only two stores, Marion Market.

By Loridawn1956
Add Oatmeal
Add oatmeal to it when cooking. Makes it stretch and no one knows the difference.

By Tardev
Stretch With TVP Or Turkey
In answer to your question about stretching hamburger, buy a package of TVP Add it to your hamburger and it takes on the taste of whatever you are cooking and it is pure protein so it is healthy too. You can also add ground turkey to your hamburger and in the long run it is cheaper too.

By Barbo
Storage And Recipe Tips
I sometimes cook my hamburger loose and if it has a lot of fat, run water over it in a colander with hot water to take the fat away. You can also add onions, peppers, celery, carrots, or any veggie. Then freeze in zip bags, adding some water to eliminate air to keep from freezer burn. When you go to use it, bullion can be added for more flavor instead of salt.

Some of the things I use this in are, creamed hamburger on toast or biscuits, chili, chili dogs, tacos, spaghetti, goulash, manwich, sloppy joes, or hamburger helper. Makes a great quick meal.

By Chml
Tasty Patties With Oatmeal
Try this: Take oatmeal, onion or onion salt, garlic, salt and pepper, add one pkg. Hidden Valley dry Italian Dressing mix, and a little bit of catsup. Mix all up and make patties. You can cook on a stove or barbecue. Delicious!

By Autumn
365 Ways With Hamburger
I have a book from the library called “365 Ways With Hamburger” It has great ideas. The author is Doyne Nickerson.

By Margeth
Add Ground Pork for Meatloaf
When making meatloaf, I add some ground pork to the ground beef, along with a pack of dry onion soup mix (from the dollar store). The pork is less expensive and makes the meatloaf moist and tasty.

By Deborah

Feel free to post your ideas below.
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf264209.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by crazylady4christ2007

Buy meat loaf mix. It’s cheaper than hamburger and you can use it to make anything. It gives spaghetti and tacos a better flavor.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post By Gloria

We buy free range organic beef only. The reason is that they treat the animals humanely and don’t add any artificial hormones or chemicals to the meat. The animals are free range and are not kept like sardines in a shed for their entire lives before they are rounded up and beheaded alive, turned upside down and left to hang upside down to bleed to death before they are butchered! Cruel!

We buy in huge quantities when at a loss leader in the health food store. I make up about 20 pounds of meatloaf and then use that recipie to make meatloaf (of course, LOL) and also to make meatballs for hoagies, sphaghetti, noodles, pizza, ect. I bake these up and freeze for quick, healthy meals in minutes. Some of the baked meatloaf I have crumbled into all kinds of dishes instead of regular ground beef. It is cheaper, too, with the added oatmeal, bread crumbs, diced onions, eggs, ect. It REALLY stretches the meat and makes it go along way. It’s even good in tacos, burritos, ect.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by Jantoo

Oh, no, another ground beef recall. The very best idea about ground beef that I’ve read recently on thriftyfun.com is to buy whole cuts of beef and grind your own. Apparently much of the risk of contaminated ground beef is caused by the mixing of ground beef from different cows.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by Debbie52

365 Ways With Hamburger -—funny you mentioned that Margeth. I have that book. Bought many many yrs ago but don’t believe I’ve ever used it....not sure why but maybe I should hunt it up!

We like to buy the big family packs of hamburger from Sam’s Club. My hubby fries up part of it and after it cools I package in freezer bags. I also freeze some of it raw and we put some in our tupperware hamburger keepers for the freezer. Having some already cooked ground chuck is so convenient and a time-saver.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post By Carol in PA

Buy very lean ground beef. (I buy 93% lean) Don’t pay good money for fat that you have to drain off and throw away.

When a recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, use only 3/4 lb. This is healthier because it cuts down on your consumption of red meat.

warm regards

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post By Jacki B

The cheapest and healthiest way is to forget the meat altogether..! Just a thought :-)

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by avalinejet

I don’t bother with cheap hamburger meat. There is so much fat in it that it shrinks to nothing. I buy lower fat content ground beef, but I always buy it on sale. I’ve found that my grocery store begins discounting their ground beef about 4:00 in the afternoon. This is beef that will be thrown out if not sold by midnight, so it is deeply discounted. It is always still fresh. I buy as much as I can. Then I cook what I want and pack the rest for freezing.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by jess_admin

I agree about Coscto. I just got some for 1.99 a pound, pretty lean. I usually cook up about half with onions and garlic and then freeze most of it into dinner sized servings. I also try to use less than a pound when packaging, no one ever misses it. Costco also has great prices on stew meat, chicken breasts and most other meats (if you have a freezer).

Jess

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post By Sandra

Re: your meatloaf recipe, add some veal too. !/4 lb. pork, 1/4 lb. veal and a 1/2 lb ground beef.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post By Sandra

I’m with the person who says buy the pricier meat. You save in the long run with that. Also, if you are trying to save money by reusing your freezer bags, think of what you are wasting with the paper towels and soap and water. When I was a newly wed, 45 years ago, cheap meat was a great deal, especially after two children. Now, I go for quality. Besides being married to a professional chef now doesn’t hurt. Your ideas sound good though.

RE: Money Saving Hamburger Ideas
Post by hostapartyonline

I save money by purchasing better quality and less fat meat. I love the hamburger meat at Costco in the meat department. I used to buy the fattier hamburger at the store and then I found that I was pouring off a ton of grease. Well, fat/grease weighs quite a bit and is not that good for you and I found that I was actually getting a better deal with the better meat.

I then take it home and cook up a large batch of it and freeze it in my Tupperware containers. When I am ready to make spaghetti I just defrost it and add sauce and simmer it. Or I make tacos or mix a can of cream of mushroom soup in it and have it over rice.

bookmark

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Saving Money on Clothing Patterns

Saving Money on Clothing Patterns
Does anyone know where I might be able to find free or really cheap clothing patterns? New patterns are a bit expensive and, although some people can use a pattern several times, mine seem to fall apart after the first use. They are discounted sometimes, but only the most god-awful ones. Are there ways to extend the life of the tissue the pattern is printed on?

Thanks!

Squrl from California

Here are the responses we received to this request.
Iron Pattern After Using
I am a seamstress by profession and the best way I know to preserve a pattern is to iron it before you put it back in the envelope and even before you use it for the first time. It will make storage much easier. I also store them in cheap zipper storage bags.

By sewbluedog3
Spray Starch
I heard spraying the pattern with spray starch will strengthen it. I have never tried it but it sounds logical.

By Jennifer
Attach Freezer Paper To Pattern
I take freezer paper and iron to my patterns that I will be using a lot and have had some over 6 years now and they look new.

By Dar in Texas
Buy Patterns On Sale
We have a Hobby Lobby store in our city. About every 3 or 4 months they will have all of their (in stock) Simplicity patterns for $.99! Then maybe 3 months later, all their McCalls patterns are on sale for $.99. I watch the Sunday newspaper for their sale ad. Eventually it shows up again! I plan ahead for patterns I will need and when they go on sale I stock up! I have purchased many expensive ($20.00) patterns this way.

Unfortunately, they (Hobby Lobby stores) haven’t “made it” to the state of California yet, but they’re getting close! Perhaps someone can buy the patterns for you when they go on sale if you will just make a list of pattern numbers and sizes you want. If they have the information in their purse, it would be quite simple to go buy what you need!

By Grandma Margie
Newsletter
Sign up for JoAnn Fabric’s newsletter. They have their patterns discounted frequently. Many times, you can get McCall’s or Butterick for $1, and Vogue for $3-4.

By Rebecca
More Deals on Patterns
Watch for sales at places like Joann’s, Hancocks, etc. Also Walmart carries “New Look” and another one for like $2. I’ve gotten good patterns on eBay.

By susabelle
Take Apart Clothing For The Pattern
Go to “GOODWILL” or one of those type stores, buy a ready made item you want to make and take it apart! Surprise, a sturdy pattern.

By Evily
Buy Used Patterns
I have bought patterns inexpensively at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and garage sales. But I usually need the smallest size, so I have an advantage in that even if the patterns are cut, they probably aren’t cut too small.

There is a chain called Hancock Fabrics in my area. Once in a while they will have all patterns of a certain brand on sale for 99 cents. I watch for those sales.

I only buy patterns used or on sale for 99 cents. Otherwise there’s no point in going to all the trouble of making your own clothes because they will cost the same in the store if you pay full price for a pattern.

By Allison
Trace Patterns For A Master Copy
I retrace all the required pieces for a pattern onto tracing paper, vylene or even cheap greaseproof paper. That way I still have a master copy in case I need a different size the next time I use the pattern or if someone else borrows my patterns. Vylene is like interfacing and can be reused many many times. When I find a pattern I like, I tend to make several items the same, but I change things like the fabric or add a frill. A simple straight dress can look very casual in cottons but simply elegant in an evening fabric. I too have also taken patterns from favourite pieces of clothing that are no longer wearable, just unpick and iron your new pattern. Remember to label each piece with tape before you unpick if you are not experienced at sewing. This way you will know where each piece should go.

By K from Oz
Pattern Ease
I always trace my patterns on Pattern Ease (I buy it at JoAnn’s). I never cut the pieces out, just find the ones I need and trace. Also, I very seldom pay even half price for a pattern (JoAnn’s and Hancock Fabrics, and even Wal-mart usually sell their patterns for half of what they are marked). Most of the time I wait for the sales and buy them for $.99, much more cost effective.

By Bobbi
Newsprint
If it’s a pattern I’m going to use again a bunch of times (like some of my husband’s costumes), I trace it onto newsprint and cut it out. You can also use cheap muslin or dollar fabric from Walmart to do the same thing, although I have to use fray-check on the edges.

I’m not sure why you’re having so much trouble with patterns wearing out, I use them dozens of times and they still work great, and I don’t iron them before I put them away either! LOL I’m just too lazy for that. I’ve been using the same vest pattern for my husband’s costumes for at least 7 years, which means I’ve probably made 40+ vests from it, and it still is just fine. LOL

By Susabelle
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© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

[Several good comments and links to other good pages of info on clothing...

Also do a google search for :
free clothing pattern

Then check the re-enactment groups, stage groups pages and all the oriental sites, as they wear easy to make clothing......granny]

RE: Copycat Recipe For Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Post By Jazzylazzy

1/2 cup quick oatmeal
1 T. raisins
1 T. brown sugar
1 T. pecans
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 cup water
Combine in a bowl and cook in microwave for 2 minutes.
When it is done, pour one of the flavored creamers over the surface of the oatmeal. I like Southern Butter Pecan the best. Add some milk if you would like. This is delicious.

RE: Copycat Recipe For Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Post By Sharon in Bonita

Just add cinnamon, margarine, and a sugar substitute. I cheat and make my oatmeal with a little butter and coconut...hardly low-cal but very satisifying.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48785743.tip.html

Keep in mind that all oatmeal is quick, pour boiling water on it and let it set, after stirring it well, put a cover over the bowl and it cooks itself.

granny

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61045698.tip.html
Cake Mix Sweet Rolls

Ingredients

* 1 box yellow cake mix
* 6-7 cups flour
* 4 packages. yeast
* 3 1/2 cups warm water
* sugar and cinnamon

Caramel Topping

* 1/2 cup margarine
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Mix together all roll ingredients, except sugar and cinnamon. Let rise 20-30 minutes. Punch down and roll out dough. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, cut on-inch thick, place cut side down on pan. Let rise a second time. Bake at 350 degrees F until brown. Should yield two jellyroll pans.

For the topping, mix the margarine and the brown sugar and boil for 1 minute. Add milk and boil again. Add powdered sugar and beat until mixed.

Put on topping while warm.

By Robin from Washington, IA
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© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Bookmark

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Oatmeal and Raisin Cake Mix Muffins

Ingredients:

* 1 box light yellow cake mix
* 1 cup raisins
* 3 cups oatmeal
* 1/2 lb. carrots

Directions:

Mix cake according to directions on box. As soon as cake is mixed put in oatmeal, raisins, carrots (grated and cooked in microwave), 1/2 cup water. Mix with the spoon only until ingredients are blended. Put into muffin papers in tins and into oven immediately. Bake according to box directions.

By Robin
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf127971.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Thanks for stopping by, you are welcome to join in the thread anytime.

Glad you found the thread, if you would like to do so, join in with the rest of us who are learning all we can about survival.

Noticed you mentioned ground beef above.

One of the things I have found about beef (works for roasts, ground beef, not so good for steaks)

Buy it. Wrap it in Saran Wrap. Be VERY careful, and get ALL THE AIR BUBBLES OUT.

Wrap it again with another layer of saran wrap.

As long as you got ALL THE AIR BUBBLES OUT, it will not get freezer burn.

Freeze it. Eat it five years from now. Maybe seven.

I have 20 lbs or so in my freezer. I should pull out a roast...

[Honestly, I am not attempting to post the entire site, but on every page there are more links to check and I like too many of them...
granny]

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf377392.tip.html
Convenience Salt-Free Seasoning Mix

A salt substitute.

Ingredients

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 teaspoons dry mustard
* 1-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
* 2 teaspoons paprika

Directions

Combine and place in an airtight container; store in a cool place. Use in place of salt to season food.

About The Author:
Source: http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4029.htm
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf377392.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Another thing I was gonna mention..

I have no chickens, so I buy eggs.
Save your egg cartons.
You can stack one H of a lot of egg cartons in a very small volume.

Egg cartons are highly flammable, many being made from recycled paper fiber. They are excellent fire starters.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf641261.tip.html

RE: Recipe for Seasoning Salt
Post by ThriftyFun

Here are some from http://www.recipegoldmine.com

Gourmet Seasoned Salt

For meats, soups and vegetables.

2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sage
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning Salt

3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon celery salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Mix together and keep in a sealed jar.

Makes 1/3 cup.

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Gift in a Jar - Food Mixes

Sand Art Brownies

This is a recipe for brownies to give as a Christmas gift . . . . or whenever. Mix ingredients in a wide mouth quart size jar, just like sand art that kids make today.

Add to wide mouth quart jar in this order:

* 3/4 tsp. salt
* 1/2 + 1/8 cup flour
* 1/3 cup cocoa
* 1/2 cup flour
* 2/3 cup brown sugar
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
* 1/2 cup Vanilla Chips
* 1/2 cup nuts

This should pack nicely into jar. Include a decorative tag with instructions for making the brownies:

Combine contents of jar with:

* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 2/3 cup vegetable oil
* 3 eggs

Pour into a greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 27-32 minutes

Spiced Tea

This mix makes a great gift for neighbors, the elderly, school teachers, etc.

* 2 26 oz. Tang
* 1 3 oz. bottle Instant Tea Unsweetened
* 2 8 1/2 oz Red hots
* 1 6 oz. Pkg. Lemonade (Wylers)
* 1 cup sugar
* 2 tsp. cinnamon
* 2 tsp. nutmeg
* 2 tsp. ground cloves
* 2 tsp. allspice

Mix all ingredients together well. Put in a sealed container until ready to assemble the gift.

To make individual gift packets: you can put into a small plastic bag, then insert into a small muslin bag, tie with a pretty piece of Christmas fabric. With each gift make sure you add a note that states: One tablespoon + one teaspoon per cup of hot water. I also look for pretty cups and saucers, at garage sales, flea markets, etc. and then you can package with the ingredients.

Hot Chocolate Mix

This mix makes a great gift for neighbors, the elderly, school teachers, etc.

* 3 cups powdered Sugar
* 8 oz. nonfat dry milk
* 1 16 oz. Instant Chocolate Milk (I use Nestle’s)
* 1 6 oz Creamora (or any nondairy creamer)

Mix ingredients well and store in air tight container until you’re ready to make the individual gift packages.

With each gift add a tag that says: 3 tablespoons per cup of hot water.

This is wonderful hot chocolate, we get raves from it every year from grandchildren. They seem to think this is the Best!

Gourmet Vanilla Sugar

For those who like a little gourmet, but can’t afford it, place a dry clean vanilla bean in a mason jar. Cover with sugar. In a few weeks, the sugar will be flavored vanilla.

Note* the bean can be used for years be sure the receiver of this gift understands all they need to do is refill the sugar and shake occasionally for a few weeks.

Home school Mom in Florida
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© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

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Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix and Recipes

This recipe makes the equivalent of 8 packets of a similar mix that you can purchase at the store. Great for flavoring Spaghetti Sauce with Meat and for making Sloppy Joes.

Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup instant minced onion
* 1/2 cup parsley flakes
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 3 tablespoons salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix together all ingredients. Store in a jar and cover tightly. Makes enough for 8 uses.

Recipes Using this Mix

Spaghetti Sauce with Meat

Ingredients:

* 1 pound lean hamburger
* 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste
* 2 cups water (You can substitue 1 cup of water with 1 cup of stewed tomotoes if desired)
* 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix
* Spaghetti

Directions:

Brown 1 pound lean hamburger and drain fat. Stir together 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 2 cups water and the Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix. Add sauce to hamburger. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound lean hamburger
* 1 6 ounce can of tomato paste
* 1-1/4 cups water
* 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix

Directions:

Brown 1 pound lean hamburger and drain fat. Stir together 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, 1-1/4 cups water and the Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix. Add sauce to meat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns. Makes 6 servings.

These recipes are adapted from a PDF put together by Nellie Hedstrom, Extension nutrition specialist A Member of the University of Maine System.
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf862238.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

And one more thing this morning,
Please don’t take this the wrong way, as I know you have put tons of effort into the threads.

You should have a recipe thread and there should be a survival thread.

Recipes should go on the survival thread only if it is a recipe for stir fried termites or something.

I just think survival technology goes far beyond recipes, and that if we were in a true survival mode, many of the items in standard recipes would not be available.

(btw, my plantains are starting very vigorous in my seed trays. Well, not seed trays, empty single serve yogurt containers)

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf690268.tip.html
Make Your Own Onion Soup Mix
By Cyndi Roberts

I have been making this handy, inexpensive mix for years, instead of buying the “brand name” soup mix at the supermarket.

For the biggest savings, I buy the spices at the local Dollar Store—much cheaper than the supermarket!

Beefy-Minced Onion Soup Mix

* 1 1/2 cups dried minced onion
* 2/3 cup beef bouillion granules
* 2/3 cup onion powder—not onion salt
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Mix all these ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This recipes makes about 3 cups mix. I use 4 or 5 tablespoons when a recipe calls for one envelope mix.

I use this soup mix in lots of recipes. I’ve included some of my family’s favorites.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Brown 1 pound ground beef. Add 5 tablespoons Beefy Minced Onion Soup Mix, 1 small can evaporated milk, 1 can cream of mushroom soup. Pour into oven-proof dish and top with frozen tater tots and shredded cheese to taste. Bake in 375 degree oven until heated through and tater tots are done.

Seasoned Roasted Potatoes

* 2 pounds potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes) cut into chunks
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Toss potatoes with oil, in a large bowl. Then add 4 or 5 tablespoons of soup mix and stir to coat all the potatoes. Pour into shallow baking dish. Bake at 450 degrees for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Chicken and Rice

Put 1 cup regular rice in roaster pan. Sprinkle with 5 tablespoons of onion soup mix. Cut up 1 stick oleo and put on top. Pour 3 cups of water over all. Place 1 cut up fryer, or 6 - 8 drumsticks on top. Cover and cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off oven and leave pan in oven for 1 hour. Delicious and easy!

Of course, this mix works in any recipe that the store- bought mix works in! And for lots less dough!

—Potatoes are not fattening, unless you exceed the spud limit!

About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the “1 Frugal Friend 2 Another” bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course “Taming the Monster Grocery Bill”.
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© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

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All-Purpose Convenience Mix

This mix is easy to put together. It will store for up to a month refrigerated, longer if frozen.

Ingredients

* 9 cups flour
* 3/4 cup canola oil
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1/4 cup baking powder
* 2 cups nonfat dry milk

Directions

Combine flour, dry milk, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir together. Mix in oil until the mixture is smooth. Store in airtight container. Refrigerate and use within a month or put into containers suitable for freezing and freeze.

Feel free you post alternate All-Purpose Convenience Mix’ ideas below if there is a recipe that you prefer.

Recipes Using This Mix

Biscuits

Here is a basic recipe for biscuits using the All-Purpose Convenience Mix followed by some interesting variations.

Ingredients

* 3 cups All-Purpose Convenience
* Mix 3/4 cup water

Directions

Add water to the Convenience Mix all at once. Blend lightly with a fork to form a soft dough and turn onto a floured board. Knead the dough slightly and then roll or pat the dough to not less than 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 9 biscuits.

Biscuit Variations

Combine ingredients as above and continue as follows:

Drop Biscuits

Use a little more liquid. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a greased pan and bake at 450 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Cinnamon Rolls

Roll biscuit mix to 1/4-inch thickness. Spread with margarine, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins. Roll up like a jelly roll. Slice into sections and bake on a greased pan. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Meat Rollups

Leftover meat, tuna fish or chopped meat can be spread on the rolled out biscuit dough. This can rolled up like a jelly roll, sliced into sections and baked on a greased pan. Sections can be served plain or with a cheese sauce. Bake at 450 degrees F for 12 minutes.

Cheese Biscuits

Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup grated American or cheddar cheese to 3 cups mix. Prepare as biscuits above.

About The Author:
Recipe Source: http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4029.htm
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© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

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Convenience Mix Muffins

Here are some simple recipes for making muffins with the All-Purpose Convenience Mix we published last weekend. You can find the recipe for the All-Purpose Convenience Mix here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf759421.tip.html

Convenience Mix Muffins

Ingredients

* 2-1/2 cups All-Purpose Convenience Mix
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup water
* 1 egg

Directions

Combine mix and sugar. Beat egg and add water. Add to dry ingredients. Stir just enough to mix in dry ingredients. Fill greased muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake at 400 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.

Muffin Variations

* Raisin Muffins Add 1/2 cup raisins
* Date Muffins Add 1/3 cup chopped dates.
* Blueberry Muffins Add 1/2 cup blueberries.
* Pineapple Add 1/2 cup well-drained, crushed pineapple.

Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients

* 1-1/2 cups All-Purpose Convenience Mix
* 1-1/2 cups rolled oats
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 2/3 cup water

Directions

Measure all dry ingredients, put into mixing bowl and stir well. Mix egg and water together in another bowl, then add the dry mixture all at once. Stir slightly. The mixture should be left lumpy. Fill oiled muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 425 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Oatmeal Muffin Variations

* Raisin Oatmeal Muffins Add 1/2 cup raisins.
* Date Nut Oatmeal Muffins Add 1/4 cup chopped dates and 1/4 cup chopped nuts to the basic recipe.

Bran Muffins

Ingredients

* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 2/3 cup water
* 1 cup whole bran cereal
* 1-1/2 cups All-Purpose Convenience Mix

Directions

Place egg in a bowl and beat. Add sugar and water. Continue beating. Blend in whole bran cereal. Add Convenience Mix. Stir quickly and vigorously until just mixed. Batter will look lumpy. Rub muffin pans lightly with oil. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes. Serve hot with jam or jelly.

About The Author:
Recipe Source: http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4029.htm
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf325789.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf600635.tip.html
Basic Quick Mix and Recipes
By Rachel Paxton

With an easy basic quick mix, you can make a wide variety of inexpensive homemade biscuits, breads, and other baked goods. This mix is easy to make and store and great for any family on a tight budget.

Basic Quick Mix Recipe

* 10 c. all-purpose flour
* 1 1/4 c. nonfat dry milk
* 1/3 c. baking powder
* 1 tbsp. salt
* 2 c. vegetable shortening (room temperature)

Measure flour into a large bowl. Stir in baking powder, dry milk, and salt, mixing well. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix shortening into other ingredients until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

Storing mix:

Store basic quick mix in a ziploc bag or container with a tight lid. This mix can be stored at room temperature about 2 weeks. Will keep a couple of months in refrigerator or freezer. Bring mix to room temperature before using.

Using mix:

Do not sift mix for recipes. Stir lightly before measuring mix. When measuring mix into a bowl, level off measuring cup with the straight edge of a knife.

Basic Biscuits

* 2 c. basic quick mix
* 1/2 c. water

Stir together quick mix and water. Turn dough onto a lightly floured board, kneading lightly. Roll 1/2 inch thick. Cut with biscuit cutter and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.

Note: For drop biscuits, increase water to 2/3 cup. After mixing flour and water together, drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. 1/3 c. grated cheese can be added to dough before dropping onto cookie sheet.

Basic Muffins

* 2 c. basic quick mix
* 4 tsp. sugar
* 1 egg, beaten
* 2/3 c. water

Stir sugar into quick mix. Add water and egg. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 c. full and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Variation: Add 1/2 c. of favorite chopped fruit.

Basic Pancakes

* 2 c. basic quick mix
* 1 tsp. sugar
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 c. water

Stir sugar into quick mix. Add water and egg. Pour pancakes onto heated griddle, turning pancakes when bubbles appear on the pancake surface.

The Internet is a great source for more quick mix recipes. Just type “quick mix recipes” into your favorite search engine!

About The Author:
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf600635.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com