Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Gift Jar Recipes for Mother's Day

Not sure what to get your favorite Mother for her special day?   How about some food kits in a jar.

Here are some recipe mixes she might like.  Make them extra special by putting them in a basket and add a special coffee mug to go with them.

 INSTANT CAPPUCCINO MIX

1 c Instant Coffee Creamer
1 c Instant Chocolate Drink Mix -- powdered
3/4 c Instant Coffee Crystals
1/2 c Sugar
1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg

 Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Pour into jars.
Attach the following note to jar:

 Instant Cappuccino Mix -- Use about 3 tablespoons or 4 teaspoons per 6 oz cup of boiling water.


CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIE IN A JAR

3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Using a 1 quart or 1 liter jar, layer in the ingredients in the order given. Pack down the jar after each addition.
Put the lid on, and cover with an 8 inch circle of fabric. Secure the fabric over the lid using a rubber band, then cover the rubber band by tying a nice piece of ribbon or raffia around the lid.

Attach a tag to the ribbon with the following instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of softened butter, with 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Add the entire contents of the jar, and mix by hand until combined. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto an unprepared cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Makes 2 dozen.

This last recipe is one you actually prepare and gift ready-made.  This is a wonderful gift for a health conscious Mother.

COCONUT GRANOLA

2/3 cup shredded coconut
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 oz. wheat flakes
1 1/2 sticks melted, unsalted butter
4 oz. barley flakes**
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
4 oz. rye flakes**
1/2 cup blanched whole almonds
1/2 cup dry-roasted cashews

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil.
Mince orange peel with sugar in food processor about 1 minute.
Add butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg and blend 5 seconds.
Add remaining ingredients; toss thoroughly.
Spread on pans and bake until dry, stirring every ten minutes, about 45 minutes.
Cool and store in airtight container or jar.

Attach a pretty lid if giving as a gift **Available at natural food stores or substitute rolled oats.