CLM Hen House

Bethany · Joined: 12 Mar 2026 Posts: 110

Someone asked in the Favors and Gifts Forum about recipes that can be used as gifts; she wanted them in bags, but they can also be put in jars. The ones I'm posting here are ones that I have used and really enjoy.

Easy Biscuit Mixture
10 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. baking powder
1/4 c. white sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 c. shortening

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks.
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Now here's a few recipes to use with the biscuit mix. You can attach them to the bag or jar.

Pancakes
2 c. baking mix
1 c. milk
2 eggs

Stir all ingredients until blended. Pour by scant 1/4 cupfuls into hot griddle or nonstick skillet. Makes 12 pancakes.

Biscuits
2 - 1/4 c. baking mix
3/4 c. milk

Stir until soft dough forms. Turn onto surface dusted with baking mix. Knead 10 times. Pat dough out and cut with biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 450° for 7-9 minutes.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits
4 c. baking mix
3 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
1-1/3 c. water

1/2 c. melted butter
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1.8 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. dried parsley

Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, cheese and water. Mix until dough is firm. Using a small scoop, place dough on prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Combine the melted butter and remaining ingredients and brush over baked biscuits immediately after removing from oven.
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Here's a good soup recipe; it was one given to me as a gift in a bag and we really enjoyed it. It's even better if you add baked potato chunks to it when preparing.

Cheesy Potato Soup Mix (fills pint jar in layers)
1st Layer:
1 c. powdered coffee creamer
1/4 c. imitation bacon bits (important, because real bacon bits will spoil)

2nd Layer
1 pkg. Knorr 4 Cheese sauce mix (can use Alfredo or other cheese sauce if 4 cheese is not available)
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. Mrs. Dash (original)
1/2 tsp. dried minced onion
1/4 tsp. pepper

3rd Layer
1 c. instant potato flakes

Directions for preparing soup:
Empty jar/bag of soup mix into large pan. Blend dry ingredients together with a wire whisk.
Add 3 c. boiling water. Mix well with whisk. Let stand 5 minutes.
Makes 3-4 c. soup.