Day 3 and 4!

I had some computer problems yesterday, so I didn't get to post what I'd planned. Rest assured, though, that I did some Christmas work...I started the grocery lists for all the parties and gatherings coming up this fall and holiday season. I didn't get it finished, but I started it!!

Today I'm planning to work on an altered clipboard for a gift. I'll pick up the supplies in a little while when I go to the grocery store, and make it tonight. I'm debating on whether to do it as a Christmas countdown or like the others I did with the boys' pictures on it. I'll let you know tomorrow what I decide.

In the meantime, here's some more gift ideas from the Celebrating-Christmas 2004 magazine. These are all for gift mixes in a jar...one of my favorite things to make for gifts!

*Muffin Mix
2 c. self-rising flour
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. chopped dried apple

Combine and store in an airtight container. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Apple Muffins
Contents of jar
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour jar contents into medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

*Rum Balls in a Jar
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup finely chopped almonds
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 1/2 instant coffee crystals
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, optional

Layer ingredients into a one quart jar, tamping down layers to eliminate air gaps. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Place contents of jar into a bowl. Add 4-5 tablespoons rum (I would think a few drops of rum extract would work, also) expresso and/or coffee. Form into small balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Place on a cookie sheet to dry. Store in airtight container.

*Spice Cake Mix
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Combine and store in an airtight container. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Pour jar contents into a mixing bowl. Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup applesauce, and 1 tsp. vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
(Note: I make a cake I call a "Harvest Cake" using this same recipe, with the addition of a can of pumpkin, a handful of raisins, a handful of dried cranberries and about a half cup or so of chopped nuts. Then I frost it with a cream cheese icing...yummy!!)

*Christmas Soup Mix
1/2 cup split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillion granules
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onions
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning mix
1 cup raw long grain white rice

In a quart jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Seal the jar tightly.

Gift tag directions:
In a large soup pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef or 1 pound cubed chicken breast; drain. Add 3 quarts water, a 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes with their liquid and the soup mix. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer about 1 hour.

Doesn't that soup sound good?? I love soup, eat it all year long-yes, even in the summer!

More goodies tomorrow, God and the computer willing!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy