Keep your shortening cold before mixing to create small, discrete pockets that produce flaky, tender biscuits and pastries instead of dense, tough results.

Maintain a 3:1 flour-to-shortening ratio for optimal texture; too much fat creates greasy mixes, while too little produces dry baked goods.

Sift your flour and baking powder together 2-3 times before mixing to aerate the blend, ensuring light, fluffy biscuits and evenly distributed leavening.

Prepare 3-4 times the recipe and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months; label with the date so you always have baking mix ready for quick meals.

Experiment with kosher salt or fine sea salt in different quantities (adjusting the base recipe) to create multiple flavored mixes for both sweet and savory applications.