Make Your Own Homemade Cake Mix

* 15 cups all-purpose flour

* 9 1/2 cups sugar

* 1 1/2 cup cornstarch

* 7 1/2 Tablespoons baking powder

* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

* 3 3/4 cups shortening

In a large bowl, blend all dry ingredients until well mixed. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Mixture will keep two to three months. Makes about 25 1/2 cups mix.

For yellow cake, combine 5 cups Cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat well. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each additional egg. Pour into two greased and floured 8- or 9-inch pans. Bake 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. To make white cake, simply use only the white of the eggs.

* 9 cups all-purpose flour

* 6 teaspoons baking powder

* 6 teaspoons salt

* 12 1/2 cups sugar

* 12 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Mix will keep for 2 to 3 months. Be sure to label and date.

For cocoa cake, bring 1 cup water and 1/4 cup butter or margarine to a boil in a saucepan. In a large bowl, combine hot water and butter with 2 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 1/4 cup dairy sour cream, 1 beaten egg, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Blend. Pour into a greased cake pan. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until done. Makes one layer. Double recipe for a two layer cake.

For brownies, mix 2 1/4 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine. Blend well. Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if desired. Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch pan. Bake 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

For cocoa cookies, beat together 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon water. Add 2 1/4 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets, approximately 2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 375°, or until edges are brown. Cool. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.