Gift Jars

[Noel+]

One of my favorite gifts are jars/baskets filled with goodies! I theme them according to the persons hobbies or passions. And at Christmas food is at the top of everyone's list!

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Mix - Gift Jar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups uncooked quick oats

1 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to gift jar:

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Mix

Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 3 dozen.

[Noel+]

Caramel Pecan Sauce


3 cups sugar
1 cup water
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups (about 9 ounces) pitted dried plums, each cut in half
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon



In heavy medium saucepan, heat sugar and water over low heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Increase heat to medium; bring to a boil. Boil, without stirring, 20 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown; remove from heat. (Watch carefully during last 10 minutes; mixture will darken quickly once color begins to change.) Using wire whisk, slowly stir in cream. (Mixture will bubble up.) Stir in dried plums, pecans, lemon juice and cinnamon; allow to cool.

Pour into jars with lids for gift-giving. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve warm over ice cream and sliced pound cake, if desired. Can also be served warm over fresh or poached pears.

Tip:
To toast pecan halves, arrange in even layer on baking sheet. Bake in 350 F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

[Noel+]

Brandied Dried Plums

4 cups (about 24 ounces) pitted dried plums
2 1/2 cups Armagnac
2 cups strongly brewed black tea
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped orange zest
4 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves



In medium bowl, combine dried plums and Armagnac; set aside.

Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, bring tea and sugar to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in dried plum mixture, orange zest, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Remove from heat; cool 20 minutes, uncovered.

Spoon into jars with lids for gift-giving. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to 1 month. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving. Serve warm, spooned over vanilla ice cream, if desired. Can also be served warm in individual dessert dishes, topped with whipped cream and crumbled macaroons or gingersnap cookies.

Tips:

- Armagnac is an aged French brandy; other brandies may also be used. When using other brandies, increase to 3 cups; decrease tea to 1 1/2 cups.
- To brew strong tea, use 2 standard-size tea bags per 2 cups boiling water.
- For orange zest, use zester or vegetable peeler to remove orange portion only from orange; chop finely. Grated orange peel may be substituted for orange zest; decrease to 1 tablespoon.

[Jodie]

What great ideas, thanks for sharing them with us,

I really like the sound of the pecan caramel sauce.

[Merry Sage]

Those all sound so good!

[Noel+]

Thanks Jodie & Merry! I'm always in the mood for sweets too!

[Jodie]

I know what you mean, I have a big sweet tooth as well.

[Winterself]

Reindeer trail mix

1/2c.chocolate chip morsels
1/4c.butterscotch morsels
1/2c.cap n" crunch christmas berry cereal
1/4c.raisins
1/2c.small twisted pretzels.
just mix it all up and pour into jar or you can also bag them for individual giving...this was a big hit at our church party.i didnt have a bag left..
option...instead of cereal you can add red and green m&m's.my DD loves the cereal and m&m's in them..

[Pixie Wildflower]

Ummm, so yummy!