Guest Author - Sandra L. Garth

The best cooks and bakers are often reluctant to admit that they use convenience mixes to whip up their culinary concoctions. Allow me to say, “Go for it”! Baking a cake from a box and serving whipped topping made from a dry mix doesn’t mean you don’t care or that your skills are any less than someone who ardently measures, blends and creams their way to a fantastic dish. Very often, time is of the essence, and energy is in short supply. Or maybe you just want to try something different. Whatever the reason there are plenty of options in pre-packaged goodies. Let’s start with the most common boxed dessert.

Cakes
It’s very hard to mess up a boxed cake. Unless of course you don’t follow the directions or your oven is a little out of kilter. Savvy cooks know that there are a bevy of add-ins that can take your boxed cake from flat to fantastic. A boxed cake also doesn’t have to just have frosting spread on top and between the layers. It can be the base for puddings, fruits and even ice- cream. Years ago pudding cakes were all the rage and the cake mix giants got smart and added them to their packages to increase moistness. Sweet baby foods like bananas, tutti fruity and Hawaiian delight enhance the flavor of white and yellow cake mixes. Sour cream and mayonnaise in a chocolate mix kicks up the moisture content. Try substituting other fruit juices, soda and even champagne for all or part of the water. A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract kisses your cake with a touch of blue ribbon goodness. For health conscious cook’s applesauce is a handy trade off for the oil.

Pies
Simple Simon the pie-man probably would have bought a pre-made crust had they been available. These take all the worry out of whether your crust will be flaky or not. Most grocery store chains even offer their own brands, so you save time and money. Toss in some canned filling and dessert is ready. Don’t forget the non-dairy whipped topping in the freezer section. These handy dandy pie crusts can also be used in cobblers. No time or inclination to peel and cut up fruit for your cobbler? The freezer section has that problem covered also with anything from peaches to blackberries, with or without syrup.

There’s more
How about using your favorite package of cookies and some instant pudding for a parfait. Sprinkle in some already chopped nuts, open a jar of maraschino cherries, plop one on top and you have instant and yummy dessert. When it tastes good who’s going to complain that you didn’t spend all day in the kitchen?

The combinations are as varied as your imagination. Take pride in the fact that you want to feed your family and yourself something they don’t eat everyday. As long as it’s made with love, that’s homemade enough.