Homemade Kitchen Jar Gifts

Jar gifts are a quick, easy project to make. Add a wooden spoon with a festive holiday bow, and they look even better.

Layered Dried Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

Dried Bean Mix:
1/2 cup kidney beans
1/2 cup split yellow peas
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 cup small red beans
1/2 cup split green peas

Layer each type of bean in a 24 ounce clear gift jar.

Seasoning Mix:
1 tablespoon dried sweet pepper flakes
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
4 tablespoons brown sugar

Combine ingredients. Store in a resealable plastic bag. Attach to jar and give with recipe for Seasoned Bean Soup. Yields about 3 cups dried bean mix and 1/4 cup seasoning mix.

Attach these instructions to the jar:

Seasoned Bean Soup:

Dried Bean Mix (in jar)
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tomatoes
Seasoning Mix
1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke or Tabasco to taste (optional)

Rinse beans and place in large Dutch oven or stock pot. Pour 4 cups boiling water over beans; cover and let soak overnight.

Drain beans and return to stock pot. Add 6 cups water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 to 1/2 hours or until beans are almost tender.

Add tomatoes and seasoning mix. Stirring occasionally, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover beans and continue to simmer about 1 hour longer or until beans are tender and soup thickens. Serve warm.

Yield: About 10 cups of soup

Thanks, Owl Haven!

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Mix baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in 1-quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer.

Attach this Recipe:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Thanks, Do It 101!