A central theme of my member-newsletter, Debt-Proof Living, is to help DPL members be prepared. And in today's economy, it's important to think through just how prepared your family is should an economic or natural emergency occur.

In my newsletter series, "Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared," I've covered many topics, including how to build and store a food supply, plus how to rescue your food budget - which leads me to the topic of your food budget.

Obviously, buying less will help you spend less, but what about items on your list that you use frequently? Finding deals and using coupons will help, but making your own saves even more.

I'm going to guess that many of you have a bright yellow Bisquick box in your pantry. Many of you may cook with it a lot. The useful thing about Bisquick is that the flour, sugar, shortening, leavening agent, salt - all of it is right there in the mix, all measured properly and ready to go. It's quick and easy. But have you priced it lately? Not cheap.

This is your lucky day, because I want to share this fabulous recipe for Master Mix. It's like Bisquick but better because it contains dry milk (Bisquick does not). This means you just add water when using it. Very handy - and cheap!

MASTER MIX

Makes about 30 cups.

5 pounds all-purpose flour

3/4 cup double-acting baking powder

3 tablespoons salt

21/2 cups powdered milk

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 pounds (4 cups) solid vegetable

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shortening

To make mix: Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl. Cut in shortening until mix looks like cornmeal. Store at room temperature in tightly sealed container(s).

To use mix: Use Master Mix as you would use Bisquick, but make sure you substitute water for any milk required. Here are recipes using Master Mix:

One dozen biscuits: 3 cups Master Mix, -3/4 cup water. Blend and knead for a few strokes. Bake on greased cookie sheet in 450-degree oven for 10 minutes.

One dozen muffins: 3 cups Master Mix, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup water. Mix water and egg. Add to dry ingredients. Mix together until incorporated. Bake in greased muffin cups in 450-degree oven for 18 to 22 minutes.

Eighteen medium pancakes or six waffles: Combine 3 cups Master Mix, 11/2 cups water, 1 egg. Blend.

Cornbread: 11/4 cups Master Mix, -3/4 cup cornmeal, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 cup water. Blend. Pour into greased 8-by-8-inch pan or muffin tin. Bake in 400-degree oven for 25 minutes.

Note to readers: I would love for you to become a DPL Online member. For only $29 - less than the cost of a tank of gas - you can become part of the DPL family at DebtProofLiving.com. Whatever you're going through financially, DPL helps with the inspiration, tools and motivation.

Write to mary@everydaycheapskate.com or Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630.