8 c. flour
1/2 c. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
8 tsp. sugar (optional)

Using 2 knives or pastry blender, cut in 1 cup shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Store in air-tight, covered container. The mixture will keep for sometime on a cupboard shelf or months if stored in refrigerator. You may use this mix to make hot biscuits. Add 1/3 cup milk for every cup of mix or for pancake waffles, dumplings. Use as you would a purchased biscuit mix.