I Support Pre-made Mixes
In case you’ve been living in an arctic cave and haven’t noticed, it’s pumpkin season. Everywhere I look there’s a new recipe for another way to use pumpkin. I attempted to join in the baking craze with some pumpkin brownies last week, but they were quite unsuccessful and my confidence was a bit shot. Even though I had a few cups of pumpkin puree sitting in my fridge, I just couldn’t set myself up for another baking failure.
But as I was elbowing my way through the masses at Trader Joe’s yesterday, I found an enormous display of Pumpkin Bread mixes. It’s not a new display, it’s actually been up for about a month, but I usually scoff past thinking, “Why would anyone buy a mix? Just pick a recipe and do it yourself!” Well, yesterday my bruised ego was mighty attracted to that pumpkin bread mix and the idea of doing very little work to produce something yummy was too appealing to pass up.
I know that for some people the idea of using a mix is no big deal, even commonplace, but I come from a bake-it-from-scratch kind of family who frowns at “break and bake” cookies and for whom the idea of using a mix is - gasp - unthinkable. Now I know why. Once you use the mix, it’s hard to justify working twice as hard for a similar - if not worse - outcome. Granted, I understand that excellent bakers can clearly make a better cake than could ever come from a box, but for a beginner like myself, the mix is a sure-thing.
The directions are simple: fold eggs, oil and water into mix, pour into loaf pan (or muffin tin) and bake. I added chocolate chips for good measure as well and I must say it was a genius call on my part. I had to keep from eating the whole loaf when it came out of the oven. So you can consider this my official stamp of approval on baking mixes. I have a feeling I’ll still make most things from scratch, but when you want something that’s home-baked and you don’t have a ton of time, a mix is certainly acceptable in my book!
Popularity: 4% [?]
Send to a friend:
Haha, I’m glad you’ve come around! Just kidding ;). There’s no shame in using a mix from time to time, and just look how fabulous your pumpkin bread turned out!
Posted by Hillary at November 5th, 2007, 11:52 amI just made a super simple pumpkin coffee cake using a Krusteaz crumb cake mix as the starter. I think Sandra Lee calls it “semi homemade” Sometimes you gotta love your mix!
Posted by megan at November 5th, 2007, 8:54 pmTry the Archer Farms Bread Mixes at Target. I love the following: Coconut, Egg Nog, Pumpkin, Monkey Bread, etc.
Posted by Lisa at November 6th, 2007, 12:06 am[…] the end of fall is creeping up before we know it. And with the end of fall, comes the end of… PUMPKIN […]
Posted by Chew On That » Blog Archive » A Pumpkin A Day at November 13th, 2007, 6:26 pmWhen you work, have a family to care for, and try to contribute to the community, cookie from scratch is not always possible. Take the help where ever you can find it. Even if it comes in a box.
Posted by Addie at November 14th, 2007, 7:25 amAmen,Addie. Time or energy left over at the end of the food to be spent with spouse, children, grandchildren or friends is worth the mix. Women don’t depend on cooking as there only way to show love any more. We like board games, ball games, golf or just a snuggle.
Try your mixes and stock the best ones for a quick meal.or dessert
Posted by Barbara at November 14th, 2007, 1:11 pmMixes come in handy and if you want that really home-made taste, try adding a few extra ingredients or changing one or more ingredients. My favorites are: 2-3 Tbsp. sour cream, use milk, vanilla soy milk, or fruit juice instead of water, add a little more vanilla (1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp.), add a different flavor if desired, sometimes add a little flavored licquer, i.e. Grand Marnier, chocolate or other flavored chips, etc. Use your imagination, have fun, and enjoy!
Posted by Judy at November 14th, 2007, 3:26 pm[…] may remember my affirmation a few weeks ago that pre-made mixes are nothing to be ashamed of and I’m happy to say that […]
Posted by Chew On That » Blog Archive » Same Mix, Different Shape at November 20th, 2007, 10:04 am