Do It Yourself mixes

As I've mentioned before, we (aka Raymond) eat a lot of oatmeal and waffles in this house. (Disclaimer: I eat a lot of cereal. A ridiculous amount, actually. Sadly, I really can't eat oatmeal. It's a texture thing.).

Anyhow, oatmeal and waffles. Raymond even knows where the waffle maker is kept (above the fridge) and will reach frantically for it if he gets it into his head he wants some. And being the mom I am, I usually comply even if it's well past "breakfast time." Leftovers are frozen and whipped out at all hours of the day.

A few months ago I realized these two foods alone were costing way more than necessary. All those little oatmeal packets. And Bisquick is pretty pricey if you ask me. So I started doing some internet research for homemade Bisquick and instant oatmeal recipes. I thought I would share what I've found. Just in case you have a one-year-old who loves these items as much as mine does. Sadly I don't remember where I found these recipes, but I don't take credit for them. Someone else out there was wise enough to figure it out. Here's what we do...

Instant Oatmeal
In a big bowl sift together:

• 1 cup quick oats turned to dust in the food processor or blender (if using blender, do no more than 1/2 cup at a time)
• 5 cups quick oats 
• 1 1/3 cup powdered milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1/2 T cinnamon (original recipe called for 1T but Jeremy says it's too strong)
• 1 cup dried fruit (optional. I've never added this)

Store in an air-tight container. 

I really like making this is bulk rather than "packet" size. Some days Raymond wants a banana before oatmeal and so I make a little bit smaller bowl. Other days he eats later and appears famished, so I made a bigger bowl. It's been great. 

Disclaimer: I have no idea if this tastes good because the idea of putting oatmeal in my mouth makes me want to gag. Raymond seems to like it. Maybe it has lots of sugar? Maybe it's less than Quaker Oats instant packets? I really have no idea. Let me know what you think if you try it.


Homemade Bisquick
Sift together:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups wheat flour
• 3T-1/4 cup sugar (I mixed two recipes here and do somewhere between 1/8 and 1/4 cup)
• 1 1/3 cup powdered milk
• 1 T salt
• 1/4 cup baking powder
• 3/4 cup shortening
• (1 t cream of tartar--one recipe I have called for this, and I used it the first time but not the second with no noticeable difference)

Now you are going to need to cut in your shortening. I do this a little at a time in my food processor with just the flour since I don't have a pastry knife. Either way (food processor or pastry knife) cut the shortening into the flour before adding and sifting the rest of the ingredients. Then store in an airtight container. It will last longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer. We eat it fast enough that I don't bother with that.

Disclaimer: I have only used this mix to make waffles (mix about equal parts Bisquick mix with water--until it's a good consistency--and add a splash of vegetable oil). I have no idea if this would make good biscuits or not, but I do know it makes great part-wheat waffles!

Next up on my To Try list: homemade hot cocoa. I'll keep you posted.