Dark Rich Chocolate Cake Mix

1 cup unbleached white flour

2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1-1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/4 cup dry buttermilk powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals

You may use a plastic, gallon sized, zipper bag for this recipe.  Measure all of these ingredients into the bag.  Zipper it closed, and gently shake to combine all of the ingredients.  Label the bag, and make sure it is sealed all the way.  Store in pantry for a short while, or in freezer until needed.  

To Prepare

1 package of Dark Rich Chocolate Cake Mix
2 cups tap water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 medium eggs

Empty the cake mix into a big bowl.  Add the water, oil and eggs.  Beat with a whisk or electric beaters for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and any lumps ar gone.  Turn the batter into a well oiled 9" x 13" rectangular pan.  Bake at 350° for about 35 to 40 minutes.  The sides should be pulled away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.  Be careful not to overbake.  Cool and frost as desired.  Makes about 24 pieces.  

 

Pioneer Mom's note: Cake mix is such a handy thing to have on hand. Then even the children can bake a cake. And your mind can be at total ease, knowing you don't have any 'junk' in the homemade mix...

Marshmallow Creme

3 egg whites
2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In large mixer bowl, combine egg whites, syrup and salt. Beat for 10 minutes until thick. Add confectioners' sugar at low speed. Then add vanilla extract and beat until blended.

Pioneer Mom's Note: This is really very simple to make, and tastes so much like the original one that you might not even notice the difference. 

Vanilla Pudding Mix

3 cups nonfat dry milk
4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
3 cups cornstarch

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all except the vanilla, and store in an airtight container. To prepare, mix 1/2 cup of mix to 2 cups milk. Heat and stir constantly while boiling. Cool, then add 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.

Pioneer Mom's Note: You could probably cut down on the sugar in this recipe a bit if you watch out not to eat too much of it. Not that I have to pack school lunches, but if I did, I would be happy to send some of this pudding along once in a while. At our house we love this pudding poured warm into a baked pie crust, cooled and topped with whipped cream.