Q: My daughter loves her Easy Bake Oven, but the mixes go for about $5.00 each. Is there a cheaper way?

A: My daughter loves using her Easy Bake Oven but I agree with you. There has to be a cheaper way to make cakes and cookies than buy their mixes. So we have a collection of recipes for doing it ourselves. Below are a few to get you started. Happy baking!

White Frosting Mix

2 cups powdered sugar -- sifted
3 tablespoons instant nonfat milk powder
6 tablespoons vegetable shortening

In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk powder. Stir with a wire whisk to blend. With a pastry blender cut in shortening. Spoon about 1/3 cup of mixture into each of 8 small bags. Seal tightly. Makes 8 packages. For chocolate frosting, add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa.

To use: Combine 1 package of the above mix plus 3/4 teaspoon water in a small bowl. Stir well with a spoon until smooth and creamy. Makes about 1/4 cup frosting. A drop or two of vanilla may be added if desired.

Brownies

2 1/2 T. sugar
1 t. oil
1/8 t. vanilla extract
4 t. chocolate syrup
2 1/2 T. flour