Simple Inexpensive Gifts - By Trish Berg

We have four children, and each of our children has at least 4 teachers in school. They have Sunday School teachers, baton instructors, coaches, and the list goes on. I want to bless these amazing people with sweet gifts at Christmas time, but do the math,

That is 16 plus 4 plus 2 plus 3...Ok, I lost count. Let's just round up to 20 or more gits. That can not only break the bank, be stressful to figure everything out.

So, what we have done many a time, is give the gift of COOKIES IN A JAR. They are simple recipes that you assemble in canning jars, all the ingredients to make cookies or brownies. We cut some Christmas fabric for the lid, print out labels and instructions, and voila. For a little but of investment, we can give these homemade gifts that look beautiful and are yummy.

So here is how you can make your own.

Gathering Supplies

Quart Size Canning Jars with Lids
Scrap Fabric
Ribbon
Glue
Paper
Recipe and Required Ingredients (below)

Filling the Jar

Thoroughly wash and dry the jars and lids.
Pick a recipe from below and gather your ingredients.
Using the instructions and tips from the recipe you choose and fill the jar!

Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar Gift

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Mix the salt and baking soda in with the flour, then layer the ingredients a quart-size jar in the order listed, with the chocolate chips on top. Use scissors to cut a 9 inch-diameter circle from calico. Place over lid and secure with rubber band. Tie on a raffia or ribbon bow to cover rubber band.

Enclose a card with the following mixing and baking directions:

Baking Instructions:
Note: Store this jar in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months before using.
Additional ingredients needed: 1 cup unsalted butter or margarine,
1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift dry ingredients through a colander to separate the chocolate chips from other ingredients. Beat butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Beat sifted ingredients into butter until blended. In a small bowl, beat egg with vanilla. Mix beaten egg mixture into butter mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter, spaced well apart, onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 4 dozen.


Additional Recipes for COOKIES IN A JAR are here.