Gifts in a Jar - Ideas and Recipes for Christmas Gifts

This year, the girls and I did gifts in a jar for their Sunday School and Awana teachers.  I really enjoyed this! 

It is a great homemade gift, easy for kids to do, can be done ahead of time, and good for those who aren't crafty or don't bake. 

I thought I would share the recipes with you.

Chili Taco Mix

Ingredients
1/2 cup dried kidney beans
1/2 cup dried pinto beans
1/2 cup dried red beans
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1-1/2 cups tortilla chips

Additional Ingredients:
4 cups water
1 pound ground beef
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce and sliced ripe olives

Directions:
1. Layer the beans in a 1-qt. glass jar. Place seasonings in a small resealable plastic bag; place in jar. Top with chips. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 2 months. Yield: 1 batch.
2. To prepare chili: Remove chips and seasoning packet from jar and set aside. Sort beans and rinse in cold water.
3. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1 to 4 hours or until softened. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
4. Return beans to the pan. Add contents of seasoning packet and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
5. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add to the bean mixture; stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Crush tortilla chips. Stir into chili; cook for 5-10 minutes or until thickened. Serve with cheese, lettuce and olives if desired. Yield: 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

We also did Sand Art Brownie Mix.  Mmm and so pretty!

Ingredients:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup vanilla or white chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Additional Ingredients:
3 eggs
2/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, sugar, cocoa, chips and pecans. Cover and store in a cool dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).
2. To prepare brownies: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil and vanilla. Add brownie mix; stir until blended.
3. Spread into a greased 9-in.-square baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack. 
Yield: 16 servings.

You can find fun labels online such as these.

Jar Labels Printable

My dad gave me this little books several years ago.  They have great ideas for soups, breads, dips, and sweet gifts.

You can buy premade items like these but it is so much fun to make and give instead!