Shortcut Bread Mix Recipes

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Yield: about 7 batches of muffins and about 5 batches of bread (13 cups total)., To prepare muffins: Contents of mix may settle during storage. When preparing recipe, spoon mix into measuring cup. In a bowl, combine 1-3/4 cups quick bread mix, sugar and orange zest. In a small bowl, combine the egg, pineapple and milk; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. , Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Yield: 8 muffins. , To prepare bread: Contents of mix may settle during storage. When preparing recipe, spoon mix into measuring cup. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in banana. Stir in 2-1/4 cups quick bread mix and pecans just until moistened. , Pour into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack to cool completely.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour. Transfer dough to a clean work surface; knead gently to form a smooth dough, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will be very crumbly at first, but will come together and form a dough as it's kneaded.), Divide dough in half. Roll each portion between two sheets of waxed paper to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2- to 3-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar., Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.