Homemade All Purpose Baking Mix (A Bisquick Substitute)

This homemade all purpose baking mix is an economical alternative to 

Bisquick that is very simple to make. (Plus, you know exactly what is in the mix.)

Ingredients:
4 1/4 cups (510 grams) all purpose flour
4 1/2 teaspoons (11 grams) baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (3.25 grams) salt
1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon (1.25 grams) baking soda
3/4 cup (90 grams) instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/8 cups (270 grams) vegetable shortening

Method:
Sift the dry ingredients together into a large bowl. Stir to mix. Use a pastry blender, or two knives, to cut shortening into the dry ingredients, until evenly distributed. Continue to blend between your fingers, until the mixture has the texture of coarse crumbs. Put baking mix into an airtight container. Label and store, out of sunlight, inside of a cabinet or pantry, for 3 to 6 months. Makes about 6 1/2 cups (780 grams).
 ~ For high altitudes (above 3500 feet), add 1/4 cup (30 grams) extra flour, to the baking mix. ~

Notes: I use this mix to make "Grandma Kathy's Mexican Pie" ~ "Easy Buttermilk Biscuits" ~ "Spiced Pecan Muffins" ~ "Sean's Peanut Butter & Jelly Coffee Cake" ~ "Navajo Fry Bread" ~ "Bacon & Mushroom Tart (Crustless Quiche)" & "Seafood Crustless Quiche"