Wrapped a couple of last minute gifts this morning and got them ready to ship. We delivered gifts to our pastors and the secretary at church today, then completed a few errands including shipping those last two packages. This evening we enjoyed a picnic snack in front of the fireplace while enjoying The Santa Clause
and Santa Clause 2
movies.HANDMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
We have delivered most of the cookies-in-a-jar gifts that we made this year, so I thought today I would show y'all the process of creating these gifts.
First, I tried various recipes - I was searching for a recipe that filled the jar and looked nice with varying layers of ingredients, plus one that did not require a large number of additional ingredients to be added to the jar contents. (It seems to defeat the purpose of giving a gift that requires seven other ingredients to complete the recipe.) I finally decided on an oatmeal raisin cookie recipe that only requires three additional ingredients that most of us usually have on hand - egg, butter, vanilla.
Second, we filled the jars. Since the brown sugar had to be pressed firmly when measured, then loosened to be poured into the jars, then pressed firmly again to correctly fill the jars, Robbie volunteered to help and it went so smoothly.
And last, I decorated the jars. I punched scalloped circles for the tops of the jars and for the front label. I used wide ribbon around the jar and a small ribbon or yarn around the lid. I tied the printed recipe cards on and they were ready for delivery.
(makes 2 dozen cookies)
(Jar Ingredients)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup white sugar
2 cups oats
raisins
Preheat oven to 350ยบ
Empty jar of cookie mix into large bowl, thoroughly blend. Add ¾ cup butter or margarine (softened), 1 egg & 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
Cool 2 mins on baking sheet. ENJOY!
Great idea! I've received a gift like this before and it was such fun to have the ingredients all ready to go! Love how you decorated the jar!
ReplyDeleteFab idea, see look like so much fun to make and to receive them! I really like the way they are beautifully decorated :)
ReplyDeleteI love your series of photos for this - it felt like we were putting the gifts together with you, right there in your kitchen!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea on the Jars of Cookies! I've seen this done before. I'm loving your photos. You and your hubby are so darn cute! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete