Cake Mix from scratch

What I love about this is that once you have the basic cake mix you can turn it into any flavor.  Don't forget Baby Jesus's Birthday is coming!  We always make him a cake so the real meaning of the holiday isn't lost.

3 1/3 c. shortening
5 Tbsp double acting baking powder
7 2/3 c. granulated sugar
3 Tbsp salt
11 c. sifted all purpose flour

Place shortening at room temperature in a large mixing bowl.  Cream 1/2 minute with mixer at medium speed.  Scrape sides and bottom of bowl.  Cream another 1/2 minute at the same speed.  Add 4 c. sugar, 1 c. at a time.  After each addition, cream 1 minute at meduim speed.

Sift together 3 times, flour, baking powder, salt, and 3 2/3 c. of sugar.  Sift last time to a clean mixing bowl.  Add 2 cups of sifted ingredients to shortening-sugar.  Blen 1/2 minute at medium speed. 

Turn mixture into dry ingredients.  Blend until it looks like cornmeal.  Be sure all ingredients are well blended.

To store mix:  Measure into 6 equal parts.  Spoon it lightly into measuring cup.  Each part should be 3 1/2 c.  Place each part into a quart glass jar or zip-lock baggies.  Cover and store in a cool, dark place.  when stored property the mix stays fresh for up to a month, longer if stored in freezer.

Yellow cake:
3 1/2 c. cake mix
1 tsp vanilla
2 medium eggs
3/4 c milk
Place in a 2 quart bowl.  Make a well in center of mix.  Add eggs, vanilla, and all milk to the mixture.  Beat 1 minute with electric mixer at low speed.  Scrape sides and bottom of bowl to be sure all ingredients are mixed.  Beat 2 minutes longer at same speed.  Batter should be smooth and free of lumps.

Pour into desired pans and bake in a 350 degree over for 30 - 40 minutes.  Cake is done when it springs back up when pressed lightly in center.

Variations:

White Cake: use 3 medium egg whites instead of whole eggs

Spice Cake:  Add to mix 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice and 1/2 tsp cloves

Orange Cake:  Add 1 tsp grated orange rind to mix and use 1/2 tsp lemon extract in place of vanilla

Chocolate Cake:  Add 2 extra Tbsp milk, stir liquid ingredients into mix until just blended.  Add 2 squares of melted chocolate and blend into mixture.  Continue mixing batter as directed.