Gifts In A Jar

By Jill Cooper Tawra Kellam Original Artwork by: David G. Cooper Visit us on the Web! www.LivingOnADime.com E-mail editor@livingonadime.com Copyright 2006 All rights reserved
This E~ Book was created by Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam Kellam Media and Publishing Inc. 2006

If you are receiving this as an electronically transmitted file, it does not entitle you permission to give away copies. The file is not to be sent electronically to anyone else other than the purchaser. You have purchased one copy of this file and its use is limited to your own personal use.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Basket Tips

~Dollar stores are a great place to find small items to add to your basket. ~Line baskets with white or colored tissue papers, towels, baby blanket, leftover fabric, Easter grass or mixed nuts in the shell. The ideas are endless. ~Wrap your baskets with cellophane or tissue paper or tie onto the handle a pretty bow, small jingle bells at Christmas, small pieces of wrapped candy, a tea ball, a small cluster of flowers-dried or real, or any item that will go with the theme of your basket. ~Baskets dont have to be elaborate. A teacup with a small package of tea mix or tea bags makes a simple but thoughtful gift. Tie a cluster of flowers on the handle. ~Search garage sales for any of the following to create your baskets. You can often find things brand new. ~Purchase items on sale after the holidays. There are a lot of great gift basket fillers for 75% after the holidays. ~Watch store gift baskets for ideas. Most gift baskets sold in stores can be copied at home for of the price.

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Containers
~Baskets ~Colanders ~Wire basket ~Salad bowls ~Water pitchers ~Jam jars ~Teapots ~Soup bowls ~Tea cups ~Salad spinner ~Coffee cups ~Stock pots ~Clear containers ~Bean crock ~Fish bowl ~Soup terrine ~Boxes covered with pretty wrapping paper ~Mustard jars ~Cake pans ~Terra cotta pots ~Milk pail ~Decorated tins ~Ice buckets ~Earthen bow

Basket Fillers
~Vinegars ~Flavored oils ~Olive oil ~Fresh bread ~Breadsticks ~Fresh veggies ~Cheeses ~Cookie cutters ~Muffin tins ~Kitchen towels ~Wash rags ~Pot holders ~Sun dried tomatoes ~Cluster of herbs ~Peppercorns ~Croutons ~Tea ball ~Tea strainer ~Potato chips ~Tortilla chips ~Homemade sauces ~Pretzels ~Popcorn ~Small rolling pin ~Herb plant ~Peppercorns ~Maple syrup ~Chopped nuts ~Cherries ~Towels ~Sundae dishes ~Mixed nuts ~Napkins

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Basket Suggestions
Tea Time
Package in a basket lined with tissue paper: ~2 cookie mixes in cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbons ~Russian Tea in a cellophane bag or small jar tied with ribbon ~cookie cutters ~a teacup ~2 pot holders

Chocolate D elight
Place in a decorated tin lined with tissue paper: ~Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Mix ~Peanut Butter Cups or Peanut Butter Balls ~Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix ~coffee cup Wrap in cellophane with a pretty orange bow.

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Honeymoon Basket
(Great for Bridal Showers) In a basket lined with red tissue paper place: ~Sparkling Cider ~Can of whipped cream ~Bottle of chocolate syrup ~Jar of cherries ~Bubble bath ~Perfumed bath oil ~Energy bars

Gardener Basket
Place in a terra cotta pot lined with tissue paper: ~2 or 3 packages of seeds ~kneeling pad ~garden gloves ~trowel ~hand rake ~mister ~small potted plant

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Chocolate Lovers Basket

~Hot Chocolate Mix ~Brownie Mix ~Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Mix ~Party Mints ~Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix ~Small pkg. marshmallows

Get Well Basket

In a whimsical tin place: ~Minted Coffee Mix ~Coffee Cup ~Non-alcoholic sparkling cider ~Crossword puzzle book ~Assorted magazines ~Stationary ~Perfumed body lotion

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Kids Gift Basket

In a plastic pail place: ~Plastic scoop ~Sidewalk chalk ~Slime tied in a bag ~Tub crayons ~Bubbles in a jar tied with a ribbon ~Coloring book ~Strawberry leather ~Crayons ~Brightly dyed pasta in 4 or 5 colors ~Finger paints, put each color in a baby food jar Tie the handle with 2 or 3 balloons.

Pasta Basket
Arrange in a colander: ~Small cheese grater ~Herbed vinegar ~Flavored oil ~Sun dried tomatoes ~Fancy pasta ~Napkins ~Napkin rings Wrap in cellophane or tissue paper with a large bow.

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Gift Ideas

~Large soup mug and saucer with soup mix inside. ~Small glass bowl with a package of potpourri. ~Small frying pan with corn bread mix and a small jar of maple syrup ~For the seamstress--In a basket place 2 or 3 flour sack dish towels, embroidery thread, embroidery hoop, embroidery needles and iron-ons. You could also iron on the pattern for them. ~Video buff--In a box covered with wrapping paper place a video movie rental gift certificate, spiced popcorn, 2 candy bars, 2 cans of pop and glazed nuts. ~New baby-- Baby bathtub filled with bath time things for baby and mom. ~Crafter-- scissors, thread and needles, hot glue sticks, yarns, dyes, potpourri, jewelry making supplies and so on. ~Fitness buff-- water bottle, small weights, exercise tapes or books, cookbooks with a healthy eating theme, energy bars or drinks.

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Raisin Cookie Mix

cup sugar cup raisins or chocolate chips 1 cup flaked coconut, packed 1 cup corn flakes cereal, crushed cup brown sugar cup quick oats 1 cups flour tsp. baking soda tsp. baking powder tsp. salt

In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda and baking powder and salt. Layer remaining ingredients, pressing firmly after each layer, in order given in one quart wide-mouth canning jar, ending with flour mixture. Attach this to the jar:

Raisin Cookies
Empty jar of cookie mix into mixing bowl. Add: cup butter or margarine, softened 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix until completely blended. Mix with hands if needed. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes (until edges are lightly browned). Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

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Oatmeal Cookie Mix

1 cup flour 1 tsp. cinnamon tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. baking soda tsp. salt cup brown sugar cup sugar 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips 2 cups old-fashioned oats

In a bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Layer remaining ingredients in order given in a one quart wide-mouth canning jar. Pack down after each addition. Add flour mixture on top. Attach this to the jar:

Oatmeal Cookies
Pour the entire jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix. Use your hands if needed. Add: cup (1 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix until completely blended. You will need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes (until edges are lightly browned). Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cook ie Mix

1 cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder tsp. salt cup cocoa powder 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cups powdered sugar, packed

In a bowl, mix first three ingredients. Beginning with flour mixture, layer ingredients in order given in a one quart wide-mouth canning jar. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient. Wipe jar after each layer. Attach this to the jar:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Empty jar of cookie mix into a mixing bowl and mix. Use your hands if needed. Add: cup butter or margarine, softened 1 tsp. vanilla cup creamy or 1 egg, slightly beaten chunky peanut butter Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into balls the size of a quarter. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Press balls down with a fork. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes (until edges are lightly browned). Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

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Snickerdoodle Mix
2 cups all-purpose flour tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cream of tartar 1 cups sugar

In a large bowl, combine the ingredients and mix well. Store the mix in an airtight container. Makes 1 batch.

Attach this to the jar:

Snickerdoodles
1 cup shortening or butter 2 eggs 1 jar Snickerdoodle Mix 2 Tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl, cream the butter with a mixer until light. Add the eggs and beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth. Add the Snickerdoodle Mix and continue to beat on low speed until the dough begins to form. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Shape the dough into quarter sized balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar blend. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire racks. Makes 5 dozen cookies.

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Holiday Muffin Mix

3 cups flour 1 cup sugar cup dry milk 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon tsp. cloves

Combine all ingredients. Place mix in a one quart jar.

Attach this to the jar:

Holiday Muffins
1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup water cup oil 1 jar Holiday Muffin Mix

Preheat oven to 400 and grease muffin tins. In a bowl, mix ingredients until moistened. Do not overmix. Fill muffin tins full. Bake 10-15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately remove from pan and serve warm. Makes 15-18 muffins.

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Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix

2 cups flour 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. baking powder tsp. baking soda tsp. salt cup raisins and/or nuts

In a bowl, mix together first 5 ingredients. Place in an airtight container. Package raisins and nuts separately. Topping 3 Tbsp. sugar tsp. nutmeg tsp. cinnamon

Mix topping ingredients in a bowl. Package in a small cellophane bag.

Attach this to the jar:

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix

Mix together: Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix 1 cup apple juice cup applesauce raisins and/or nuts 2 Tbsp. oil margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350. Stir until just combined. Spoon into lightly greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. While still warm, dip in melted margarine and then topping. Makes 12-15.
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Brownie Mix
6 cups sugar 3 cups flour 1 cups cocoa

Place sugar, flour and cocoa, in a large bowl and mix until ingredients are evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Brownies
4 eggs cup butter or margarine melted 3 cups Brownie Mix - cup nuts, chopped (optional)

In a bowl mix Brownie Mix and butter. With a spoon, beat eggs into mix until batter is smooth. Stir in nuts if desired. Grease and flour a 9x13 pan. Spoon in batter and spread evenly. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 for 25-30 minutes (until knife inserted in center comes out clean). DO NOT OVER BAKE. Cool in pan. Frost if desired. Makes 18 brownies.

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Shortbread Mix
1 cups flour cup powdered sugar tsp. salt

In a bowl, combine ingredients, mixing well. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Shortbread
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened 1 jar Shortbread Mix Preheat oven to 300. Knead butter into shortbread mix and press mixture firmly into an 8-inch pie plate. Bake 1 hour. Shortbread will be pale in color. Do not brown. While warm cut into wedges. Makes 12 pieces.

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Cornbread Mix
2 cups baking mix cup cornmeal cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder

In a bowl stir all the ingredients together. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Corn bread
1 jar Corn Bread Mix 2 eggs 1 cup milk cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend until smooth. Poor into a greased 8-inch pan and bake 30 minutes. Makes 9 pieces.

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Hot Chocolate Mix

8 cups dry milk 4 cups powdered sugar 1 cups cocoa 1 cup non-dairy creamer 1 sm. pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix Sift the ingredients into a large bowl. Place the mix into an airtight containers.

Attach this to the jar:

Hot Chocolate
5 Tbsp. (1/3 cup) Hot Chocolate Mix marshmallows or whipped cream 1 cup hot water (not boiling) Place the Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug. Add boiling water. Stir until Hot Chocolate mix is dissolved. Garnish as desired with marshmallows or whipped cream. Serves 1.

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Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix

1/3 cup light brown sugar tsp. cinnamon cup cocoa 2 cups nonfat dry milk

Sift and mix ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to jar:

Mexican Hot Chocolate

3 cups water 1 tsp. vanilla (optional) Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix (to taste) Cinnamon sticks for garnish Heat the water to boiling and add the Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix. Add vanilla if desired. Stir with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. Garnish with cinnamon sticks. For a frothier hot chocolate, mix in a blender. Serves 6.

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Spiced Cocoa Mix

2 cups dry milk 1/3 cup cocoa cup sugar tsp. cinnamon tsp. cloves tsp. nutmeg tsp. ginger

Combine all ingredients, and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Attach this to the jar:

Spiced Cocoa Mix

Add 3 tablespoon Spiced Cocoa Mix to a mug of boiling water. Serves 1.

Minted Coffee Mix

cup coffee creamer, powdered cup instant coffee 4 peppermint candies, crushed cup cocoa dash salt cup sugar

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Sift and mix well. Place in an airtight jar or container. Attach this to the jar:

Minted Coffee
To serve: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of mix into mug. Add boiling water and stir until blended. Serves 1.
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Lemon Pepper Mix

1 cup ground black pepper 1/3 cup dried lemon peel, grated 3 Tbsp. coriander seeds cup dried onion flakes cup dried thyme

Mix all ingredients together. Store in airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Grilled Lemon Chicken

cup lemon juice cup vegetable oil or olive oil 2 tsp. Lemon Pepper Mix 6 chicken breasts

Preheat broiler or barbecue grill. In a bowl, stir together lemon juice, oil and Lemon Pepper Mix. Add chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Grill or broil for 4 minutes on each side or until done. Serves 6.

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Caesar Dressing Mix

tsp. garlic powder tsp. salt tsp. pepper tsp. sugar tsp. dry mustard

Combine all ingredients and stir until well blended. Put mixture into a 1-pint glass jar. Store in a cool dry place. Use within 4 months.

Attach this to the jar:

Caesar Salad Dressing

cup vegetable or olive oil cup lemon juice cup wine vinegar dash of Worcestershire sauce

In the jar combine all ingredients with the Caesar Dressing Mix. Shake until blended. Chill before serving. Pour on salad and top with Parmesan cheese and croutons. Makes cup.

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Curried R ice Mix

1 cup long-grain rice 1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled 1 tsp. onion powder tsp. curry powder

Layer the ingredients in a 1 cup jar. Top with cup raisins if desired.

Attach this to the jar:

Curried R ice
2 cups water 1 jar Curried Rice Mix 1 Tbsp. margarine

Bring water and margarine to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice mix. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Serve with chicken. Serves 6.

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Turkey Soup Mix

1 cup egg noodles, uncooked 1 Tbsp. chicken bouillon tsp. black pepper tsp. dried thyme 1/8 tsp. celery seeds 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1 bay leaf 1 tsp. onion powder

Combine all ingredients. Place in a pint jar.

Attach this to the jar:

Turkey Noodle Soup

1 jar Turkey Soup Mix 8 cups water 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cups turkey, cooked and diced

Combine the Turkey Soup Mix and the water in a large stockpot. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add turkey and simmer an additional 5 minutes. Serves 4.

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Bean Soup Mix

cup white beans cup kidney beans cup split peas Seasoning packet 2 Tbsp. parsley 2 Tbsp. instant onions 2 Tbsp. beef bouillon, powdered cup pinto beans Tbsp. barley 1 bay leaf

Layer beans in a jar. Mix seasonings and put in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and place on top.

Attach this to the jar:

Bean Soup Mix

Wash beans and soak overnight. Drain. Add 6 cups water. Simmer until tender. Add 1 can of tomato soup, -1 lb. hamburger (browned and drained) and seasoning packet. Simmer 10 minutes until warmed through. Salt to taste after cooking.

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Mexican Dip Mix

cup dried parsley 1/3 cup minced onion cup dried chives 1/3 cup chili powder cup ground cumin cup salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Seal in a cellophane bag or jar.

Attach this to the jar:

Mexican Dip
3 Tbsp. Mexican Dip Mix 1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt In a bowl, combine dip mix, mayonnaise and sour cream. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate 4 hours. Makes 2 cups.

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Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix

cup dried parsley 4 Tbsp. onion flakes 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. paprika tsp. cayenne pepper

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Ranch Dressing
cup mayonnaise cup buttermilk 1 Tbsp. Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk and dressing and dip mix. Refrigerate for one hour before serving. Makes 1 cup. Ranch Dip 3 Tbsp. Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix 1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt Combine Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream. Chill before serving. Great with raw vegetables, or as a topping for baked potatoes. Makes 2 cups.

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Sweet Christmas Potpourri

3 Tbsp. whole cloves 2 bay leaves 3 cinnamon sticks 2 cups water 1 handful of pine needles 3 pieces dried orange or lemon rind

Mix all ingredients and place in a jar.

Attach this to the jar:

Sweet Smells of Chris tmas

Put Sweet Christmas Potpourri Mix in a saucepan. Add water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer all day if you wish. Add water as needed. When finished, refrigerate and reuse.

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