"Bisquick" Mix Recipe

The other week, David wanted me to make a coffee cake for breakfast.  I was all gung ho until I realized I was out of the key ingredient- Bisquick mix!!!
Frantically, I searched the internet for a good substitute recipe.  I came across a few decent looking ones.  So, I mixed some ideas, threw in a few of my own (of course), and created the perfect substitute!  Voila!

"Bisquick" Mix

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup shortening (I used Crisco butter flavored)
2/3 c. powdered milk

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Add shortening.  Cut in using pastry tool or 2 knives until mixture resembles corn meal.  Stir in powdered milk.

Storage is an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks.  Use anytime Bisquick or a baking mix is called for.

Want a great recipe that uses this mix?  Click Here.

Set on Nothing

I am pretty much set on nothing lately.  I keep dabbling in ideas of things I want to do (or be).  But, not much comes of it.

Just like many many other people out there, I don't know what I want to do with my life.  Yep, I know.  Twenty-one years old.  Married. Semi-educated.  Heck, I even moved away from everything I knew in hopes of "finding myself".  Yet, here I am.  Still unsettled.  Still searching for that one thing (or many) that makes me feel accomplished.

But, here's my issue.  As I spend my time thinking of what I want to do I am also wasting my time not doing it.  How do I get out of this circle?

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." -Antoine de Saint Exupery

Think about that for awhile.  I know I have.  I have also come to the conclusion that it is never too late to start something new, to do something new, or to be someone new.  If I have a goal, I need to make a plan and put it into action.  It will be hard.  But, don't you think, after all is said and done, it will be worth it?  

So, this is what I intend to do.  I will be spending some time in thought.  I'm going to write down everything I wish to change or even start.  Then, I will take those wishes, put plans behind them, and turn them into goals.  That way, they will be attainable.

At this point, I can't help but bring up my greatest fear: failure.  But, the more I think about it, the more I run through the realities in my head, I have come to the conclusion that failure isn't even a possibility.  How could I fail at finding my niche.  If I realize something I'm doing isn't working for me, I would just stop doing it and try something else.  That's not failing.  Failing would be to see that something needs to change and not do a thing to change it.

I'm going to end this entry with a quote I saw on my sister's facebook status. It pretty much sums up everything:

If you've got dreams, goals and ambitions, 

you'd better chase them today.  Just in case." -Mark Discoll

To Be Continued...

My Current Obsessions

I have an obsessive personality.  I will admit it.  I get into something and it becomes my entire being (for awhile).  Lately, my obsessive nature has taken me in several directions.  Though it is difficult, I make time for each obsession.  Here are the most current:

Organizational Supplies

Baking

Reading

Knitting

Big Cities

Cleaning Supplies

Balsamic Vinaigrette

I made this really easy dressing a few weeks ago.  The taste is perfect!  Plus, making it yourself eliminates preservatives and artificial ingredients!

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup high quality balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

There are 2 methods for making this dressing.  Put all ingredients in a jar and shake before each use.  Or, you can use a mini chopper.  I prefer the mini chopper because it emulsifies the ingredients, preventing the vinegar and oil from separating.  You prepare the dressing by putting the vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and half of the olive oil in the chopper.  Pulse several times.  Then, add the remaining oil.  Hold down the pulse button for at least 5 seconds.  It should come out a creamy brown color.  And, it won't separate!!

The perfect salad to serve this dressing with is romaine lettuce, grape or cherry tomatoes, onion slices, and feta cheese!  So good and healthy!