Use Chef Pastry Mix (see below) in this recipe.
8 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to keep mixture dry)
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups vegetable shortening solid
* See note below.
1/2 cup dates chopped (optional)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 cups Chef Pastry Mix
1 cup milk
1 egg beaten
* Measure dry ingredients into a large bowl; mix well. Sift mixture into another large bowl. With a pastry blender; cut in shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place up to 3 months. Heat oven to 400° F. Add dates and sugar to mix. Combine milk and beaten egg; add to mix and stir just until flour is moistened. Fill greased muffin-pan cups about three-fourths full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.