M & M'S COOKIES IN A JAR

(RECIPE POSTED BY BARBARA DENHAM SULZ)

Cookies in a jar are easy to do. Almost any cookie mix will work, just adjust the recipe. For example, the M&M's recipe could be changed easily to a chocolate chip recipe by substituting chocolate chips for M&M's and adding a layer of nuts. Just remember that a quart Mason jar will hold about 4 cups.

3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups M&M's
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Pack firmly in the bottom of the jar. Add the brown sugar and pack down firmly. Add the white sugar. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the sugar layer and push down firmly. Allow the plastic to extend up the side of the jar a little. Now put the M&M's in the jar and put the cover on. You can cover the metal cover with a round cut from pretty cotton fabric if you like.

Attach the following instructions:
1. Remove M&M's carefully from jar and set aside.
2. Empty jar of remaining cookie mix into a bowl.
3. Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 beaten egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla.
4. Mix until blended.
5. Stir in M&M's.
6. Roll into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 375 degrees about 12 to 14 minutes. Do not overcook.
8. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Remove to rack to cool completely.
9. Makes about 2 dozen cookies

DRIED BEAN SOUP MIX (Gifts in a Jar)

(RECIPE POSTED BY BARBARA DENHAM SULZ)

Again, almost any dry soup ingredients will work as a jar mix. Try to layer the ingredients in an interesting and appealing way.

To a quart Mason jar add ½ cup of each of the following in the order given:

Split green peas
Red lentils
Split yellow peas
Small red beans
Black beans
Kidney beans

Place seasoning mix in a small, snack sized zip-loc bag. Lay on top of the soup mix before putting the cover on.

SEASONING MIX:
1 tablespoon dried sweet pepper flakes
2 squares chicken bouillon cubes, unwrapped
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 bay leaf
4 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions (Print up and attach to the jar)
SEASONED BEAN SOUP:
Dried Bean Mix
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup Seasoning Mix 

Rinse beans and place in a large stock pot. Cover with water and allow to soak overnight.
Next day, drain the beans and rinse. Return to the pot and add water to cover. Place pan lid on top and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Add tomatoes and seasoning mix. Cover and simmer for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until beans are tender.
Makes 10 cups

ORANGE AND SPICE BATH SALTS (Gifts in a Jar)

(RECIPE POSTED BY BARBARA DENHAM SULZ)

Part 1
1 cup of Epsom salt
3 Tbsp. Baking soda
3 drops of orange essential oil
2-3 drops orange food coloring

Part 2
1 cup Epsom salt
3 Tbs Baking soda
3 Drops Clove essential oil

Mix the first four ingredients in one jar, cover and allow to sand over night.
Mix the next three ingredients in a jar, cover, and allow to stand overnight.
The next day place one layer of the orange scented salts on the bottom of the jar. Follow with a layer of the clove scented salts. Repeat layers.

Add a printed tag with these instructions:

Place a handful of the salts under warm, running water.

If you prefer, buy a small scoop to attach to the jar and use the word scoop in place of handful.

DOG BISCUITS MIX (Gifts in a jar)

(RECIPE POSTED BY BARBARA DENHAM SULZ)

If you have an animal lover on your list this makes a great gift.

1 dog biscuit cookie cutter

1 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Pinch of salt

Layer the ingredients in the jar in the order given. Close jar and tie cookie cutter on the outside with raffia. Type and print the following instructions and attach to the jar:

Dog Biscuits:
Pour ingredients in jar into a bowl. Add:
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup parmesan
1/2 cup hot beef broth or hot water.

Knead well until the dough is heavy but not sticky. You may need to add a bit more flour.
Knead for 5 minutes or until the dough is very elastic. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Roll 1/2 inch thick and cut with cutter.
Bake for 1 ½ hours. Cool completely.

BROWNIE MIX IN A JAR

2 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder { be sure to wipe out inside of jar with a dry paper towel after adding the cocoa powder}
2/4 cup chopped pecans,
1 1/4 cups flour mixed with 1 tsp. baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt,

Layer ingredients in a 1 quart wide mouth canning jar. Press each layer firmly in, place before
adding the flour mixture.

Instructions to attach to jar:
1.} Empty jar of brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend
mix.
2.} Add: 1 1/2 sticks butter or margarine melted, DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE 4 eggs,
slightly beaten
3.} Mix until completely blended.
4.} Spread batter into a sprayed 9''x 13'' inch baking pan.
5.} Bake at 350% for 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Cut into 2 '' squares.
Makes 2 dozen

BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES IN A JAR

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Combine the flour, baking soda, white sugar, and the chocolate chips. Place 1/2 of the mixture in a clean quart sized glass jar, and pack firmly. Place the brown sugar on top, again packing firmly. Place the remaining flour mixture on top. Cover with a lid.

Attach an index card with the following directions:
Empty contents of jar into a large bowl.
In separate bowl combine 3/4 cup of butter, 1 1/2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add to dry mixture.
Drop by tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake in a preheated 375 degrees
F (190 degrees C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

COOKIE IN A JAR

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup white sugar

Directions: To Make the Layered Jar Gift:
Layer ingredients in a one quart mason jar, in the order given. Screw the jar on the lid, and cover with a circle of fabric or a paper doily, if desired. Finish with a yarn or bow ribbon.

Directions to attach to the jar:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter or margarine. Add 1 egg and 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
Add entire jar of butterscotch cookie mix and stir until blended.
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookies sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in 350 degree F. oven. Remove from oven and cool.