Mocha Cocoa Gift In A Jar Recipe

I found a recipe for Mocha Cocoa Gift in a Jar over at myrecipes.com that sounded really good but I would adjust to use stuff you already have on hand. Also we thought the coffee was too strong. Here is my version of Mocha Cocoa.

Mocha Cocoa

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee grounds powder
1 cup powdered milk or powdered creamer
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate or miniature chocolate chips

Layer in a jar. Add a tag that says "Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remaining mix in airtight container." Serves 12.

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White Chocolate Party Mix

This white chocolate party mix recipe is a different twist on an old favorite. Buy up those M&M’s that go on clearance after Halloween and make this recipe for the coming holidays! You can feel free to substitute your own favorite candies and cereals. For example, you could use candy corns for Halloween, pastel M&M’s for Easter, red and green M&M’s for Christmas, etc.

1 pkg. (10 oz.) mini pretzels
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups Corn Chex
2 cups salted peanuts
1 lb. M&M’s
2 packages (12 oz. each) vanilla or white chocolate chips
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Mix all but white chocolate chips and oil in a large bowl. Melt chips and oil in the microwave for about 10 seconds, stirring until smooth. Pour on cereal mix and coat everything well. Spread on  3 sheets of wax paper about the size of a cookie sheet.

Let cool. Break apart and store in an airtight container.

For more holiday gift mixes like this, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbook!

Photo By: Quinn Dombrowski

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Make Your Own Jar Mixes

This time of year, I feel like a snowball rolling down hill. Time keeps rolling by faster and faster as we approach the holidays. We all know we will be extra busy at that time. I don’t care how prepared you are and how many lists you have– it still seems to be hectic.

Even with the extra things that we have to do during the holidays, the laundry still has to be done, the house must be cleaned and of course meals have to be prepared. To help with the everyday meals or to get a head start on holiday gifts, here is something you can do to speed things up.

Right now. Don’t wait. Get out some of your favorite recipes: muffin, biscuit, cookie, or dessert recipes. Measure out the dry ingredients into a large plastic bag, label and store. If you have older kids, this is a great job for them to practice their measuring skills.

What you are doing is putting together your own boxed mixes like the cake mixes you keep in the cabinet. If you have a copy of Dining on a Dime, there is a big chapter on all kinds of jar mixes for you to use.

You don’t need to make jar mixes just for gifts. You can prepare them and store them to use for everyday use. Even better, while you have all the ingredients out and are already making a mess, make some both for your family to use and to give as gifts.

In addition to preparing for your everyday meals, measure out the dry ingredients for the Christmas cookies you usually make. Be sure to label the bags! Just having the dry ingredients ready will cut your preparation time in half later and, even better, will make clean up much easier.

Here are two recipes from Dining on a Dime to get you started:

Holiday (or anyday) Muffin Mix

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves

Mix all items and place in 1 quart baggie or 1 quart jar..

To prepare muffins from the mix:

To 1 baggie or quart jar of dry ingredients add:
1 egg
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400°. Mix everything together until moistened. Do not over mix. Fill greased muffin tins (or use paper muffin cups) about 1/2 -2/3 full. Bake 10-15 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Makes 15-18 muffins.

The term quick and easy doesn’t always have to apply to baked goods. Try this:

Curried Rice Mix

1 cup long grain rice
1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

When ready to use:

Bring 2 1/2 cups water and 1 Tbsp. margarine to boil in a medium sauce pan.
Add rice mix. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
This is delicious served with chicken. Makes 6 servings.

Like I said be sure to check out the Dining on a Dime Cookbook, which has a whole section about how to make delightful jar mixes for your own use or to give as gifts!

Jill

photo by:houseofsims

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Here are some of our homemade seasoning recipes from the Dining on a Dime Cookbook:

Seasoned Salt

8 Tbsp. salt
1/2 Tbsp. onion powder
3 Tbsp. pepper
1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. paprika

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Taco Seasoning

6 tsp. chili powder
3 tsp. onion powder
4 1/2 tsp. cumin
2 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
5 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. One teaspoon of homemade taco seasoning equals 2 teaspoons of the store-bought seasoning.

Italian Seasoning

1/4 cup dried basil
2 Tbsp. dried thyme
2 Tbsp. dried marjoram
2 Tbsp. dried rosemary
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. dried coriander
1 tsp. sugar

Combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 3 months.

Photo By: Mr. T in DC

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A reader emailed me this recipe for homemade enchilada sauce dry mix from Farm Bell Recipes and thought it looked like a yummy thing to keep on hand! It would also make a great gift!

      -Tawra

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Gift Basket Ideas And Recipes

Need Gift Ideas for Christmas but don’t want to spend a lot? Here are some tips to help you remember your friends without breaking the bank:

• Buy items in sets and divide them among the baskets. Buy a four pack of nail polish for four ladies baskets or buy packs of whistles or other party favors for the kids.
  
  
• Remove individual popcorn, coffee or cocoa packets from their boxes. They will fill the baskets better.
• Shop garage sales and thrift stores for baskets and other containers.
• Dollar stores have lots of great inexpensive gift ideas. Browse!
• Use cellophane bags to package your mixes. They are inexpensive when purchased at party stores or florists.
• A gift can be as simple as tea bags in a tea cup tied with a pretty ribbon. A large soup mug and saucer with soup mix or a small glass bowl with some potpourri might also make a simple but nice gift.

Try making these specialty gift baskets:

• Football Fan- (teenage boys, brothers, fathers and brothers-in-law!) Fill a large bowl purchased at the dollar store with candy bars, bags of microwave popcorn, sodas, chips, dips, a favorite football flag or hat, and a calendar of game days.
• Fisherman- In a tackle box or fish bowl put hooks, bait, line, hot chocolate or sodas, trail mix, gloves, fishing magazines and a fish pillow.
• Dog- In a dog bowl, place a ball, old sock with a knot tied in it, dog bones, rawhides, a leash, a name tag and a brush. You might include a picture of a mailman with "the enemy" written on it.
• Cat- In a cat litter box, place a catnip toy, cat food, a poop scoop, a leash, a name tag and a little rubber mouse.
• Car- In a large bucket, place fuzzy dice, air freshener, wax, car wash, chamois ("Shammy"), tire cleaner, a car trash can, a key ring, ice melter for cars and an ice scraper.
• Baby Basket- Spray paint a basket white and line it with a baby blanket or use a diaper bag. Fill with bibs, baby oil, baby lotion, baby powder, diaper ointment, a teething ring, burp cloths, wipes and a rattle.

• Relaxing Basket- Line a basket with a hand towel. Add a lavender candle, bath oil or bubble bath, bath salts, a favorite magazine or book, a poof and scented soap, and a do not disturb sign (Make one out of a piece of cardboard).
• Coffee Lover – In a basket, include flavored coffee packets, cinnamon sticks dipped in chocolate, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon, cookie mix or cookies, flavored powdered creamer and a coffee cup.
• Baker’s Delight – Line a large mixing bowl with a dish towel. Add cookie mixes, hot chocolate mixes, brownie mix, muffin mix, a package of walnuts, measuring cups and pot holders. Of course, be sure to include a copy of Dining on a Dime
• Ice Cream Lover- Place tissue paper on the bottom of a basket. Add sundae dishes, an ice cream scoop, nuts, hot fudge sauce, butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, Maraschino cherries and a gift certificate for 2 1/2 gallons of ice cream.
• Soup Basket- In a basket, stock pot or bean crock, add large soup mugs, 7 bean soup, cornbread mix, cookie mix and oyster crackers wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon.
• Nail Polish Basket- In a pretty bucket or basket, add a variety of nail polish, emery boards, nail clippers, polish remover, cotton balls, hand cream, cuticle cream and a nail buffer.
• Family Night- In a large bowl, add a puzzle or game, popcorn, candy bars, soda, hot chocolate mix and mugs.
• Fruit Basket- Line a basket with tissue paper. Add apples, oranges, hot chocolate mix, various teas and dried fruits (like figs or raisins). Sprinkle nuts on top of everything.
• Cookie Delight-In a basket lined with tissue paper, add two cookie mixes in cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbons, Russian Tea (also in a cellophane bag or small jar tied with ribbon), cookie cutters, a teacup and two pot holders.
• Chocolate Lover- In a basket, add Hot Chocolate Mix, Brownie Mix, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Mix, Party Mints, Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix and a small package of marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate Mix

8 cups dry milk
4 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 3/4 cups cocoa
1 1/2 cup non-dairy creamer
1 sm. pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

Sift the ingredients into a large bowl. Place the mix into an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Hot Chocolate

5 Tbsp. (1/3 cup) Hot Chocolate Mix
1 cup hot water (not boiling)
marshmallows or whipped cream

Place the Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug. Add hot water. Stir until Hot Chocolate mix is dissolved. Garnish as desired with marshmallows or whipped cream. Serves 1.

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins and/or nuts

In a bowl, mix together first 5 ingredients. Place in an air tight container. Package raisins and nuts separately.

Topping

3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

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

Attach this to the jar:

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix

To prepare, preheat oven to 350°. Mix together: Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix, raisins and/or nuts, 1 cup apple juice, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 cup applesauce.

Stir just until 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 muffins.

For more gift basket tips and recipes like these, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbook!

Photos By: nerdcoregirl and Melissa Doroquez

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Snickerdoodle Mix

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar

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

Attach this note 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.

From: Dining on a Dime

photo by: evanrude

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Homemade Spiced Walnuts and Soup Mixes

Thanks Lois! Tawra

FUN GIFTS TO MAKE ~ EASY ON THE BUDGET ~ GREAT TO RECEIVE!
By Lois Breneman, Heart to Heart Newsletter, jhbreneman@juno.com

SPICED WALNUTS

1 pound (4 cups) walnut halves or large pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher) salt

In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except the salt. Stir to mix well. Cook, uncovered, on the high heat setting about 2 hours or until the nuts are toasted. Stir in the salt. Let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Serve at room temperature. Makes 4 cups.

Note from Tawra: We have this recipe in Dining On A Dime. You can use any type of nuts that you like.

FIVE BEAN SOUP IN A JAR
(Layer the dried beans in a jar and tie the recipe to the jar)

1/2 cup dried black beans
1/2 cup small red chili beans
1/3 cup dried Great Northern beans
1/3 cup dried cranberry beans
1/3 cup dried pinto beans
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 large onions, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil (1/4 cup dried)
1 tsp. salt

Soak beans overnight in large bowl, with water covering the beans by 3 inches. Drain, rinse and set aside beans. In a large Dutch oven or casserole, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes or until softened. Stir in carrots and cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and basil, and cook 3 minutes. Add 8 cups water and beans and bring to a boil over medium heat, skimming any foam that rises to surface. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir salt into soup and ladle into warmed soup bowls. Serves 6.

FRIENDSHIP SOUP MIX IN A JAR

1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon – low sodium
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice or macaroni

Additional Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
3 quarts water
1 can diced tomatoes – (28 ounces) undrained

In a 1 -1/2-pint or 1 quart jar, layer the first seven ingredients in the order listed. Seal tightly. If ingredients do not come right up to the top of the jar, place a crumpled piece of plastic wrap on top of the last layer to keep layers from shifting. Yield: 1 batch. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

To give as a gift, decorate jar as desired and attach the following directions:

To prepare soup: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown beef and drain. Add water, tomatoes and soup mix, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes. Stir and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until peas, lentils and barley are tender. 16 servings.

photo by: nirak

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From: Rosie

This is a great alternative to Warm Delights Single Serve Cake!

Homemade Warm Delights

1 box cake mix (any flavor)
1 box pudding mix (any flavor)

Mix the 2 boxes together and store in a container. When ready to make, mix the following:

1 cup mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon cooking oil

Mix all in an oversized microwave safe mug (soup bowl with a handle). Put a dab of frosting on top of batter. Microwave for one minute. When done you have cake for one. My son always wants me to buy Warm Delights but they are way too expensive. And we never eat a whole cake.

photo by: grongar

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