friendship soup mix in a jar

A great way to show appreciation for friendship!!

1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 tsp. italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup alphabet macaroni or other small macaroni (can be put in a plastic sandwich bag to make it easier for the recipient to get out of jar )

Additional Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
3 qts. water
1 (28-ozs.) can diced tomatoes, undrained

In a 1-1/2-pint jar, layer the first eight ingredients in the order listed. Seal tightly. Yield: 1 batch.

Instructions to attach to jar:

Friendship Soup Mix:

To Prepare Soup: Carefully remove macaroni from top of jar and set aside. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown beef; drain. Add the water, tomatoes and soup mix; bring to a boil Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add reserved macaroni; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until macaroni, peas, lentils and barley are tender. Yield: 16 servings (4 quarts)

gingerbread cookies in a jar

My favorite Christmas cookie gift!!

8 C. flour
2 C. sugar
1/4 C. baking powder
1 T. salt
1 t. baking soda
1 t. ground cloves
1 t. ginger
1 T. cinnamon
2 C. shortening

Sift dry ingredients together. Cut shortening in with a pastry cutter. Measure 3 Cups of mix into 4 jars. Yield: 4 Jars

Attach a gift card with the following instructions:

Gingerbread Cookies

1/3 C. molasses
1/4 C. flour
1 slightly beaten egg

Combine gingerbread mix, molasses, egg and flour. Blend well. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into gingerbread shapes. Bake at 350°F. for 10 minutes. Cool and decorate. Use mix within 3 months

Note: When you tie the bow on this one, attach a gingerbread cookie cutter.

white chocolate-macadamia nut cookies in a Jar

1/2 C. chopped macadamia nut
1/2 C. white chocolate chunks or vanilla milk chips
1/2 C. packed dark brown sugar
1 C. biscuit and baking mix (first of 2 layers)
1/2 C. light brown sugar
1 C. biscuit and baking mix

In a clean 1 qt. jar layer and pack the ingredients in the order shown above. If there is any more space at the top of the jar, add more white chocolate chunks.

Add a recipe card with the following instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper. Empty the contents of the jar into a bowl. Stir in 1 stick of melted butter or oleo, 1 egg and 1 t. of vanilla. Mix until the dough is well combined. Shape it into 1 inch balls. Place them on the baking sheets and bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

m & m cookies in a jar

An easy, fun and festive holiday gift!

3/4 C. packed brown sugar
1/4 C. white sugar
1 1/2 C. mini baking M & M's
2 C. flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
Mix together flour, baking soda and salt.

In a clean 1 qt. canning jar layer the ingredients in the order given, starting with the brown sugar and ending with the flour.

Attach a recipe card with the following directions:

M & M's Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Empty the contents of the jar into a mixing bowl. Add 3/4 C. softened butter or oleo. Beat in 1 egg and 1 t. vanilla. Mix in until well combined. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake for 10 -12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove to a rack to cool. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.