Homemade Gifts in Jars

I always like to have gifts on hand to give as hostess gift or for teachers at the end of the year or around the holidays. Even just to give to a friend when I want to let them know how special they are. It can be expensive though to stockpile gifts year round at your house and in my experience there are not a lot of gifts that you can buy in bulk that say "from the heart." A wonderful way to store gifts on hand without breaking the bank is to make homemade gifts. A tasty way to do this is to measure out all the dry ingredients of your (or your recipient's) favorite recipe and layer them in a mason jar. There are several ways to present this gift but my favorite is to wrap a bow around the jar with a nicely written copy of the recipe and instructions on it. You can also add a unique touch by tying a wooden spoon or small whisk on it as well. These gifts can be kept in your pantry or even as decoration in your own kitchen until a special occasion arises. Any spices can be place in a smaller piece of cellophane and attached to the ribbon. Here is a recipe for chocolate chip muffins...a great breakfast treat for your hostess the morning after a dinner party!

Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Ingredients:
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips

Combine sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder. Place in quart jar. Add chocolate chips.

Option: Substitute raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries, or nuts for the chocolate chips.

Information to attach to the jar: "Chocolate Chip Muffins"

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and one egg in a large mixing bowl. Add ingredients from jar and mix gently; do no overmix. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from pan.