100 More Easy Recipes In Jars Bonnie Scott 100 More Easy Recipes in Jars Copyright: Bonnie Scott Published: 10 th October 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the publisher. You must not circulate this book in any format. Graphics by Cheryl Seslar Designs TABLE OF CONTENTS
More Easy Recipes in Jars
Jars, jars, jars everyone is hooked on jars today for decorating, storing and organizing. Look at any homemaker blog, the shelves of your local craft store and the big box chain stores and youll find tons of jars in every shape and size. 100 More Easy Recipes in Jars is the 2 nd book in a series to incorporate this latest trend with a delicious homemade gift thats sure to please everyone.
You have an almost unlimited variety of choices when it comes to making gifts in jars. Even if youre not the greatest chef on the block, never fear. With this book you have a wealth of simple and easy recipes that will make your gift giving easy this year. Whether youre looking for a recipe for a rich and decadent dessert, savory seasoning or warm, satisfying soup, youll find a variety of recipes for almost any occasion in this latest collection. Use the easy-to-follow directions and add your own creative touch to create a fun and tasty gift. Make up a whole batch and youre ready for any last-minute gift-giving occasion that comes along.
These festive gift jars are great for a favorite teacher, your pastor or a thank-you gift for a helpful neighbor. Youll find many occasions that are just right for gifts in jars, so keep a few handy.
Filling the Jar
Whether youre using a Mason jar, glass canister or a plastic storage jar, make sure the inside of the jar stays clean as you fill it with your ingredients. You dont want a flour or powdered sugar coated jar on display, so wipe the inside as you add the layers if there is a mess on the glass. Just like layered sand art, think about how you will position your layers. A variety in color, texture and thickness adds to the decorative look of your jar.
The contents will settle, so place the finest ground ingredients like flour in the bottom and work up to the coarsest items at the top if you are layering your jar. Pack your layers to conserve space and create definite layers. Use a bean masher tool or a flat-bottomed glass to tamp down the layers. If you wind up with extra space at the top of the jar, add extra chocolate chips, nuts or other ingredients that are part of the recipe to fill the container to the top.
Fresh Ingredients
Dont even think about clearing out your pantry to make these gifts! Use only fresh ingredients, as the recipient may not use your recipe right away. Spices lose their flavor, nuts get rancid and items like baking soda and baking powder lose their potency.
Dry mixes will keep 6 to 8 months if stored in a cool, dry place sealed in jar until ready to use. Some ingredients tend to harden when exposed to the air. Brown sugar is one culprit, and its popular in many cookie and bar recipes. Its best to either inform the recipient that your recipe should be used within a few weeks or place the brown sugar in a sealed plastic bag.
Jar Sizes and Capacity
Here are the capacities of standard size canning jars: Quart = 4 cups or 32 ounces Pint = 2 cups or 16 ounces Half pint = 1 cup or 8 ounces Quarter pint = 1/2 cup or 4 ounces If you are packing your ingredients tightly, you can fit: Quart = 4 3/4 cups Pint = 2 1/8 cups Half pint = 1 cup + 2 tablespoons Items like chocolate chips and nuts cant be compressed.
Even Ball jars come in various shapes.
Even Ball jars come in various shapes.
For example, the pint size Ball jar comes in a squatty format or a tall shape. You can purchase jars at your local grocery store, Wal-Mart, Target or craft stores. Most craft stores carry a large variety of jars; some jars have a one-piece lid that might be more convenient for storing the seasoning mixes in this book.
Hints and Tips
Some people think the jars are so pretty, they wont use them right away. If your jar contains brown sugar and the recipient decides to use the jar after a year, they will have to chisel the brown sugar out. If the brown sugar does become hard in the jar, after removing it: - Place the brown sugar in the microwave with a small container of water beside it.
Microwave for one minute. Then, check and continue to microwave in 30-second increments until the sugar is soft. The jars themselves are relatively inexpensive. A case of quart or pint jars is about $15 at Wal-Mart. Use the small resealable snack bags (6 1/2" x 3 1/4") to add an ingredient to a jar if necessary, found at the Dollar Store. Book one of 100 Easy Recipes in Jars has 100 more recipes and 2000 additional labels and recipe cards for jars.
Available in both Kindle and paperback versions.
Get Creative with Containers
Browse around a craft store, hobby store or department store like Wal-Mart or Target for loads of interesting containers to hold your gifts. Think outside the box and surprise your recipient with something for their home as well as for their tummy. Kitchen utensils and accessories would be thoughtful add-ons for a newlywed couple or someone just starting out in their first apartment. Place your gift jar in a mixing bowl; add some utensils, measuring cups and tea towels for a perfect shower or housewarming gift. Pack a teapot with ingredients to make .
Add a box of a favorite tea and package it all together on a small serving tray. Make a basket filled with movie night treats. Include the latest DVD, a jar of your homemade nuts or snacks, a couple packs of microwave popcorn and a container of vanilla hot chocolate. 100 Easy Recipes in Jars book one also has popcorn seasonings to add. Instead of a basket, use an oversized plastic bowl to use when the popcorn is ready to serve.
Seasoning Mixes
It is really quite cost-effective to make your own seasoning mixes.
You can easily save 50% or more on spice mixes by making your own and its a great way to get the taste you and your family prefer. You can also control the amount of ingredients like salt, MSG, preservatives, dyes and other additives. Take a look at the spice and seasoning area of your local grocer. It seems that area is always expanding as new brands and flavor combinations keep adding to the number of spices and herbs on the shelves. If you have a group of ethnic dishes that are always on your short list, create seasoning combinations to make preparing them a snap. Italian, Cajun or Mexican spice combos are ready when you are for quickly seasoning a favorite ethnic dish to perfection.
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