Affordable Gifts - Jar Mixes

By: Rachel Olsen, Speaker Team Member

Nothing says "Thinking of You" like a homemade gift from your kitchen. In this twist on that notion, you prepare jar mixes to give as gifts. Your recipients can make something hot and homemade in their kitchens, with the ingredients and love from yours.

Mason jars can be used for these mixes - just cut a round of fabric, cover the utilitarian-looking top of the mason jar and tie it in place with a piece of ribbon. Also, decorative but inexpensive glass or plastic jars can be found at discount stores such as Wal-Mart. The only requirement is that the container be airtight. Remember, the container itself can be a gift to the recipient once the mix is used.

Friendship Tea (or Russian Tea)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with a wire whisk:
1 cup orange drink mix (such as Tang)
1 cup sugar2 tbsp instant tea mix (such as Lipton)
¼ cup and 2 tbsp lemon flavored instant tea mix
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves

Attach a label to jar that reads: Stir 3 teaspoons of mix into one cup of boiling water.

Sand Art Brownies
Layer ingredients in a 1 quart canning jar in the following order, tapping to settle:
1 tsp salt½ cup and 2 tbsp flour
2/3 cup brown sugar (pack it down)
½ cup flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
2/3 cup sugar
¼ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate or vanilla chips

Attach a label that reads: Combine contents with 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2/3 cup of oil and 3 eggs. Pour into greased 8 x 8 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-33 minutes.

Homemade Soup Mix
In a mason jar, layer the following ingredients in the order listed:
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup dehydrated onion flakes
1/2 cup split peas
1/2 cup ABC or small shell macaroni
1/4 cup barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/3 cup non-instant white rice
Tricolor spiral pasta to fill

Attach a label that reads: Brown 1 lb of ground beef in olive oil. Remove the spiral pasta from top of jar and set aside. In a large pot, combine the rest of the jar with 12 cups of water and the cooked ground beef. Bring to a boil and simmer 45 minutes. Add the spiral pasta and simmer 15 minutes more. Serve with salad.