If you are wary of prepared foods/mixes and you have a little time

[SoCalDem]

HP published (not the computer HP folks) a series of "Make-A-Mix" Cookbooks.

Mine are spattered, dogeared and worn, but you can still find them on Ebay and Amazon sometimes. (been using them since the '70s)

These great cookbooks show you how to make your own pancake/sauce/cake mixes.. There are no preservatives, since you make your own "base" and then only add a few different ingredients when you finish whatever you are cooking.

You can freeze the mixes and only portion out what you need at any given time.

If you have dietary concerns, you could surely experiment a bit and change the base ingredients to your needs.

For people with limited time, these books make it easy to whip something up in a hurry without having to wonder what chemicals/preservatives are in the foods you cook.

(more info at)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_kw=MORE+MAKE+A+MIX+COOKERY+HP+BOOKS+SOFTCOVER+TAKE+L+K&rt=nc&_dmd=1&_itemId=330535724803&_vc=1

[enlightenment]

1. Very interesting!

Thanks for posting the link.

[SoCalDem]

2. Here's one great recipe...(I used to freeze this to add to bag lunches)

2 cRaw sunflower seeds
1 1/2 cVegetable oil
1/2 cHoney
1 1/2 cBrown sugar; firmly packed
3 tsVanilla
1/2 lbShredded coconut
2 tsCinnamon
1/2 cMolasses
3 cChopped almonds; pecans,
Raisins or other dried fruits
1 1/2 cWater
1 cWheat germ
10 cOld-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 tsSalt
1 cSesame seeds

Granola Mix 1 Preparation

Source:HP Books: Make-a-Mix Cookery Serve with milk for breakfast or as a great afternoon snack by itself.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). In a large bowl combine oats, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nuts. Blend well.
In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil.
Pour syrup over dry ingredients and stir until well-coated. Spread into five 13 x 9" baking pans, or cookie sheets with sides. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Bake 15 minutes longer for crunchier texture. Cool. Add raisins or other dried fruit, if desired. Put in airtight containers. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.

Makes about 20 cups of GRANOLA MIX. This makes great gifts.

[enlightenment]

4. I'll have to try that - sans coconut, though.

It sounds yummy and I've got friends who love granola all day, every day!

Thanks.

[SoCalDem]

5. The thing I love about these books, is that I have most of the ingredients already

I had to buy very few extra ingredients

[enlightenment]

7. My kitchen is not as complete, these days -

but I am excited about changing that!

[Kali]

3. thanks!

I already do my own dry salad dressing mix, interesting to see what else that I might use.

[SoCalDem]

6. the cinnamon twisted rolls on the cover are to die for

I always baked for my hungry boys and those never lasted long enough to even cool completely