Just in case you missed this DIY article on making your own brownie mix the first time we shared it a couple of years ago, we are republishing it. After Marne wrote this blog originally, we got an awesome response. This is one of the PYP Best Blogs!

With one recipe of this homemade mix, I figure it is like having about 4-5 box mixes from the store. You can make several batches of things with one mix recipe. Besides brownies, you can also make fudge sauce and crinkle cookies. I made the brownie crinkle cookies yesterday and got 3 dozen cookies. With the cost of the ingredients figured in, I estimate the cost for a batch of brownies with this mix to be approximately about .30 cents . Not too bad, eh?

Plus, you are getting the satisfaction of knowing you are making something that you feel good about. You know what goes in there. There is so much crap in those box mixes, so much stuff that is really bad for us.

8 cups sugar (I do less, but that is just me)
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp. baking powder
4 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. baking cocoa
2 cups shortening

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, like this:

Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. I put mine in Tupperware, label it like so and stick it in my fridge in the garage. Yield: 18 cups.

Here are the recipes for the other treats from this mix:

Fudge Sauce
1 c. Brownie mix
2/3 c. water

In a saucepan, bring the brownie mix and water to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 1-2 miinutes or until thickened. Serve over ice cream.

Brownie Crinkle Cookies
4 c. Brownie Mix
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, and vanilla and mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until the tops are cracked. Cool 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool. Makes 3 dozen.

Walnut Brownies
4 c. Brownie Mix
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups chopped walnuts
1 c. semi-sweet chocolat chips

In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, and vanilla; mix well. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 dozen.