Okay – so for some of you that seems really scary – but for the perpetual procrastinator like me – I feel that everything will get done before Christmas – or at least on Christmas morning.
So, if you still want to make a couple of handcrafted gifts – I have a very simple idea. Last year I received a gift from a friend of “cookies in a jar” that was on Oprah’s Favorites List – and it truly came in handy when I was craving something sweet late one evening. Now that we’re all back to basics with the economy – I discovered lots of recipes for making your own. This is also perfect when you’re a designer and want packages just so… (insert “control freak” and it’s the same thing). You can add an ornament or measuring spoon - you can print or handwrite the cooking directions – along with a holiday greeting – or share the recipe on the card as well.
For some great recipes (that actually include the ingredients, cooking instructions and gift tags to put on the jar )– click on the picture below and it will take you to the C&H Sugar website (
http://www.chsugar.com/), which is very handy and has other recipes as well – and 4 versions of the cookies, You can also print out a $.50 off coupon on the site for the sugar.
And before I forget – you can find the quart-sized jars at your local Ace Hardware or Walmart for less that $12.00 for a dozen.
If you have some jars left and want to make something a little different – try this recipe for
Peppermint Cocoa:
Yummy cocoa mix with a taste of peppermint...a cozy gift!
Yield: Makes 16 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer
- 20 peppermint candies, broken into pieces
- mini marshmallows
Preparation
In a one-quart wide-mouth jar, layer powdered sugar, then cocoa, packing each layer as tightly as possible. Wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel to remove any excess cocoa before adding the next layer. Add nondairy creamer to jar, packing tightly. Add peppermint pieces. Fill any remaining space in top of jar with a layer of mini marshmallows; secure lid. Give with the following instructions: Empty jar into a large mixing bowl; blend well. Spoon mixture back into jar. To serve, add 3/4 cup boiling water to 1/4 cup cocoa mixture; stir to blend.
Mary Deaile, Fresno, CA,
Gooseberry Patch All Through the Seasons,
Oxmoor House, SEPTEMBER 2009
Okay – while I was buying my jars – I remembered seeing this recipe for “Brownies Baked in a Jar” –for which you need wide-mouthed pint jars – which I also bought. These just sound too yummy to resist – and I plan to give them to a couple of teachers along with a ice-cream scoop attached to the jar ….you could splurge with this antifreeze model at Crate & Barrel ($18.00 or so) or go with the simpler Zyliss one available at Ace Hardware or Target ($6-$7).
Brownies Baked In a Jar
Yield: Makes 3 pints
You can make three gifts with one batch!!
Slide these brownies out of their jars, slice and enjoy with scoops of your favorite ice cream and chocolate sauce. Be sure to use wide-mouth jars, or the brownies can't slide out!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 (1-pint) wide-mouth canning jars and lids, sterilized
Preparation
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add water and next 4 ingredients, beating until combined. Add flour mixture, mixing until just blended. Divide batter equally among buttered jars; wipe rims. Each jar should be slightly less than half full. Place jars on a jelly-roll pan in center of oven; bake, uncovered, at 325° for 40 minutes. Wipe rims; cover with metal lids and screw on bands. Set aside to cool.
Gooseberry Patch All Through the Seasons,
Oxmoor House, SEPTEMBER 2009
Now my only question….how many should I store in my pantry for that late night sweet attack!?
Happy Gift Giving
