Homemade Cookie and Brownie Mix

Cookie and brownie mixes probably rank at the top of the convenience-food favorites list. A typical package at the store, which yields about a dozen brownies, costs about $2.80. The following mix costs about $2.06 and makes enough for two batches of one dozen brownies or six dozen cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
  
• 1 cup flour
  
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1 tsp. baking powder
  
• 3/4 tsp. salt
  
• 1 cup solid vegetable shortening
  

Preparation
Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.