Holiday Gift Jars Christmas Biscotti ------------------ 3/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries 3/4 cup shelled green pistachios 2 cups all purpose unbleached flour 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 2 tsp baking powder 2/3 cup Vanilla Sugar* *To make vanilla sugar, fill a 1 quart jar with sugar. Split a vanilla bean in half lengthwise and add both halves to the sugar. Flavor gets better after a couple of weeks, and it will keep as long as regular sugar. Layer all the ingredients in a 1 quart canning jar. Tap gently on the counter top to settle each layer before adding the next. Add additional dried fruits or pistachios to fill any gaps. Decorate after putting lid on with ribbons, tassels, berries, etc. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Beat 1/3 cup butter in a large mixing bowl on med speed for 30 secs. Add 2 eggs, and beat on med until well combined. Stir in contents of jar just until combined using a wooden spoon. Divide into 2 loaves on cookie sheet, chilling if necessary to make dough easier to handle. Each loaf should be about 9 inches long and 2 inches wide. Bake at 375*f for 25-30 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on sheet for 1 hour. Cut each loaf diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices using a serrated (bread) knife. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325*f for 8 minutes, then turn over and bake for 8-10 minutes more or until dry and crisp. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Makes 32. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Italian Herb and Dried Tomato Risotto *Use an assortment of 1/2 pint jars for this one. You can make this part of a gift basket, adding a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano and a bottle of Chianti. 3 1/2 cups arborio rice 3/4 cup snipped dried tomatoes (NOT in oil) 3 Tbs dried minced onion 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp dried sage leaves or dried basil, crushed 1 tsp dried garlic 1/2 tsp pepper Divide equally among four 1/2 pint jars, layering attractively. Add additional rice and tomatoes to fill small gaps if necessary. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Bring 3 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock to a boil, then reduce heat. In a deep sided skillet, empty the contents of one jar. Over med heat, add stock to rice 1 cup at a time, allowing it to absorb almost completely before adding the next. Check rice for doneness after 3 cups. (It should take approximately 20 minutes to get this far). If needed, add remaining broth. Rice should be tender but firm. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beer Bottle Pretzels *Great for a snack while watching the ball games, or as an accompaniment for soup or salad. 3 1/3 cup whole wheat flour 1 Tbs sugar 1 package active dry yeast 1 tsp salt 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp dried minced onion 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese Stir together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Stir together oregano, basil, garlic, onion, and cheese in another. Dive ingredients equally among two 16 ounce beer bottles or jars, layering if bottles are clear. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Empty jar into a med mixing bowl. Add 1/2 of a 12 oz can or bottle of beer (3/4 cup). Stir to combine. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover and let rest in a warm area until doubled. (About 45 min.) Roll out on lightly floured surface into a 10x6 inch rectangle and cut lengthwise into 6 strips. (Shape if desired or leave as is). Cover and let rise again until nearly doubled; about 30 min. Bake on the top rack of a 400*f oven for about 8 minutes or until lightly golden. Transfer to wire rack to cool. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beer Bread 1 1/2 cups all purpose unbleached flour 2/3 cup yellow corn meal 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 Tbsp brown sugar 2/3 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper 4 tsp dried minced onion Stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Layer with remaining ingredients in an 18 ounce jar. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS; Place contents of jar in a med mixing bowl. Stir in 12 ounces of beer, just until combined. Pour into a greased 8x4x2 inch loaf pan and bake at 375*f for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover with foil during last 10 minutes to prevent overbrowning if necessary. Cool in pan 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Minty Hot Cocoa 1 10 ounce pkg. mint chocolate chips (1 2/3 cups) 1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder 2/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup quality unsweetened cocoa powder 8 peppermint sticks, or round hard candies Layer ingredients attractively in two 2 cup jars, dividing everything equally. Insert peppermint sticks, candy canes, or candies around the inside of the jar or use with decorations on outside of jar if sealed in wrappers. Add additional chocolate pieces if necessary to fill any gaps. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Place contents of one jar with 1 2/3 cups water. Heat and stir over medium heat until hot and chocolate pieces are melted. Pour into 4 cocoa mugs, and serve with peppermint candy. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ultimate Chocolate Brownies 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 cups Vanilla sugar 1/4 cup quality unsweetened cocoa powder Any combination of the following to equal 1 cup: mini chocolate chips mini m&m's junior mints chocolate covered candy bar, chopped (Heath, for one!) 1/2 cup toasted almonds, coconut, or mini marshmallows Layer ingredients in 1 quart canning jar. Tap gently on the counter after each layer before adding the next. Add additional mix-ins to fill any small gaps if necessary. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Combine 1/2 cup melted and cooled butter with 2 lightly beaten eggs in a large bowl. Gently stir in contents of jar. Spread into greased 8x8x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350*f for 35 min, and cool in pan for ten minutes. Score top, and let cool completely. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- White Chocolate Cherry Cookies 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup Vanilla sugar 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts 1/2 of a 10 oz pkg. white chocolate chips 1/2 tsp dried lemon peel Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Layer with remaining ingredients in a 1 quart jar, tapping gently after each layer to settle before adding the next. Don't worry if the sugar sifts down over the cherries and nuts; it will add a lovely crystalline snowy look. Add additional white chocolate pieces and dried cherries if necessary to fill in any gaps, or to replace nuts in the case of allergies. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter in a large mixing bowl for 30 seconds. Add in one egg and beat until well combined. Stir in jar contents. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375*f for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Chai 1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1/4 cup black tea leaves 12 cardamom pods 4 2 inch pieces of cinnamon stick 2 tsp dried lemon peel Divide all ingredients, layering equally between two 6 ounce jars. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: To serve, place contents of one jar in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water. Bring to boiling. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Strain through a wire strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Add honey to taste. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Blueberry Scones *These are delicious warm from the oven with butter and jam; a perfect breakfast food. A jar of homemade blueberry jam would make a wonderful accompaniment to this. 2 cups all purpose unbleached flour 1/2 cup Vanilla sugar 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp dried lemon peel 1/4 tsp salt 1/3 cup shortening 1 cup dried blueberries Stir together flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, lemon peel, and salt. Cut in shortening using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in berries. Layer into a 1 quart canning jar, tapping gently on the counter between layers to settle before adding the next. Add additional dried blueberries to fill in small gaps if necessary. Stores at room temp for up to 6 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Place jar contents in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup water; stir just until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and quickly knead gently for 12 to 15 strokes or until nearly smooth. Pat to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into desired shape and place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with milk. Bake at 400*f for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly and serve warm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Breakfast Muffins *For a special gift, include a muffin tin with this mix. 1 1/2 cups all purpose unbleached flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 Tbsp finely snipped chopped candied lemon peel 1/2 cup snipped dried cherries, strawberries, apples, or apricots 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Layer all ingredients in a 1 quart canning jar. Tap gently between layers to settle before adding the next. Add additional dried fruits to fill in any small gaps if necessary. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Beat 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup milk (or vanilla yogurt) and 1 egg together in a mixing bowl until combined. Stir in contents of jar. Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups and bake at 400*f for 20-25 minutes or until done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Transfer to a wire rack and cool slightly; serve warm. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Christmas Coffee 1/2 cup powdered non dairy creamer 1 cup mini chocolate chips 2 Tbsp vanilla powder 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder 2/3 cup instant coffee crystals Chocolate Stir Spoons* Combine nondairy creamer, powdered sugar, powdered vanilla, and milk powder. Layer with coffee and chips into two cup jars. Tap between layers to settle before adding next layer. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: For each mug, place 1/4 cup of mix in a mug, and add 2/3 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Viennese Coffee Balls 2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs or crushed packaged chocolate chip cookies 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1 cup chopped toasted almonds 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder (or coffee, if you can't find) 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon Layer ingredients into a 1 quart canning jar, tapping gently on the counter to settle before adding the next layer. Add additional nuts to fill any small gaps if necessary. GIFT TAG DIRECTIONS: Place contents of jar into a large mixing bowl. Add 4-5 Tbsp espresso, strong coffee, or water, using just enough to moisten. Form into 1 1/2 inch balls, rolling in powdered sugar. Place on a sheet of waxed paper and let stand 'til dry (about 1 hour). Before serving, roll again in powdered sugar if desired. Store in airtight container. -----------------------------------------------------------------------