Gifts in a jar - post recipes here

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kitchenelf

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I thought it would be nice, since things like this make wonderful holiday gifts, for everyone to post their favorite gifts in a jar. If anyone wants this thread to be a "sticky" through the holiday season let me know. We can unstick it after Christmas.

I'll hunt my Bean Soup in a Jar and post it.
 
Great idea, KitchenElf!

Here's a recipe for mincemeat - ideal for making mince pies for Christmas. Although I often make my own, I sometimes cheat and buy a luxury quality one from Harrods when I'm in London!
This makes 6 x 1 lb jars
12oz seedless raisins
8oz sultanas
8oz currants
4oz cut mixed peel
4oz chopped dried prunes
12oz soft brown sugar
1lb cooking apples - peeled, cored and grated
8oz shredded suet
grated rind and juice of 2 oranges
grated rind and juice of 2 lemons
4oz chopped almonds
1 tbsp mixed spice
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
5fl oz brandy

Mix all the ingredients together, except half the brandy in a large ovenproof bowl and cover and leave to stand overnight.
The next day, preheat the oven to 110C/225F/Gas ¼, cover the bowl with foil and place in the oven for about 3 hours.
Allow to cool, then mix in the rest of the brandy and put into sterilised jars.

This mincemeat needs to mature for at least two weeks before using. Once sealed, it can keep for at least a year.
 
This stuff is awesome!! I like using it on crackers with cream cheese.


1 cup seeded green bell peppers, finely chopped
1/4 cup jalepeno peppers, finely chopped,seeded if desired (or more to taste)
4 cups sugar
1 cup cider vingar
1 (6 ounce) packet liquid fruit pectin
3-5 drops green food coloring(optional)
5-6 half pint jars

Mix peppers, sugar and vinegar in a large, nonreactive saucepan
Bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes.
Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
Add pectin and food coloring.
Return to heat, and bring to a full rolling boil for 1 minute.
Pour into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars to within 1/2" of top.
Wipe tops of jars.
Center lids on top of jars, and screw on bands firmly.
Fill a canning kettle or large pot (with bottom rack) with water, and bring water to a boil.
Gently lower jars into water.
Water should cover jars by at least 1".
Bring water to a full boil.
Reduce heat to a gentle boil, cover, and process for 5 minutes.
When processed, carefully remove jars from water using tongs or a jar-lifter.
Place upside-down on a rack or thick towels, and let cool without moving for 12-24 hours.
Jars will make popping sounds while cooling if sealed.
Check seal on each jar by pressing down on lid; if it doesn't push, it's sealed.
If it does push down, store in refrigerator until used.
Otherwise store in a cool, dark place.
Makes about 5-6 half-pint jars. To serve, stir to soften, pour over an 8 oz block of cream cheese, and spread on assorted crackers.
Or use like any other jelly; it's great for a spicy peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
 
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I have some for soups and cookies, just can't find them at the moment!

Creole Seasoning

2-1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Store in an airtight container away from light. Use within three months.


Cocoa Mix
2 c powdered sugar
1 c cocoa (Dutch process preferred)
2 ½ c powdered milk
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp cayenne pepper, more as desired

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. Seal in an airtight container. Keeps indefinitely in the pantry.


 
Layering the dried, uncooked (if applicable) ingredients for your favourite muesli or granola mix is fun too. I also like to tie a wooden spoon to mixes in jars or some other little item that relates to what is inside the jar :)
 
There is a thread on another board (don't know if I can mention the name) where a member has posted many "In a Jar" recipes. PM me if you want the name of that board.
 
I know Alix gave me a great idea last Christmas of making cocoa mix in a jar and wrapping a nice ribbon around it.
 
This is the recipe I use all the time and works well for a "mix" in a jar.
Much cheaper than boxed pudding mixes....and all gift receiver adds is milk.

CHOCOLATE PUDDING OR PIE FILLING
Blend together:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cocoa
Place in a jar. (The jars that marshmallow creme come in work well.)

Instructions:
Add 4 cups milk....blend well....microwave or cook on stove top till gently boiling.
 
Snowman Soup

Snowman Soup

1 package hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey Kisses
10 mini-marshmallows
1 candy cane


Place in a small ziplock bag in a new mug. Attach this poem:

Was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Just add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!
 
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This isn't a recipe..but had to tell it. It's a cute stocking stuffer. Put marshmallows and chocolate chips in a baggie and label them Reindeer and Snowmam Poop. We did this last year in little plastic cups with see through lids...and sold $ 23.00 worth at a $ .25 a piece....lol.
 
I've done this before for movie buffs, it's a really fun jar to create. Try filling a jar with popcorn seeds and then laying small (clear plastic) bags of various popcorn seasoning on top of the seeds. Tie a cloth napkin around the jar to keep those seasoning covered fingers clean while your gift receipent hits the "play" button :)
 

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