Gifts in Jars

Homemade Cookie Mixes, Soup Mixes, Candles, Lotions, Teas, and More!

Natalie Wise

• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Year: 2016
• eBook ISBN: 9781510719750
• Edition: 0

Kitchen

Coffee Syrups

Coffee syrups are a cinch to make at home and the colors are so pretty in glass jars. Coffee syrups make great hostess gifts, especially if you include a package of coffee. Or set them out at your own party and make a coffee bar, then give away tiny jars as favors. The syrups work in both cold and hot coffee, which is part of their appeal. Don’t forget to mix and match. Chocolate-raspberry? Tastes like dessert. Raspberry-coconut? A tropical vacation.

Each recipe makes: approx. 2 cups

Jar size in photo: 1 pint

Chocolate Syrup

Ingredients

Jar of choice

Tight-fitting lid

1½ cups water

1 cup cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

¼ tsp. salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 2–3 minutes, until smooth, and remove from heat. Funnel into jar. Will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Coconut Syrup

Ingredients

Jar of choice

Tight-fitting lid

1½ cups water

1 tablespoon sugar

¾ cup sweetened flaked coconut

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Funnel into jars. Will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Raspberry Syrup

Ingredients

Jar of choice

Tight-fitting lid

1½ cups sugar

1½ cups water

¾ cup fresh raspberries

Combine all ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Mash the raspberries using a metal potato masher or the back of a spoon. Turn heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Funnel into your jars and let cool. Will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Tag Instructions: Stir 2–4 tablespoons into your coffee beverage of choice. Keep syrup in refrigerator.

Best-Ever Barbecue Rub

This barbecue rub is sure to become an oft-requested gift, particularly by the grill masters in your life. This recipe makes the perfect amount to fill two small shaker jars, the ideal size for keeping by the grill or stove. Look for jars with the holes in a star shape instead of “S” and “P” for salt and pepper. The stars allow a generous flow of rub. There should be enough left over for your own dinner tonight … try it on chicken, ribs, or pork.

Makes: Just over 1 cup

Jar size in photo: 4 ounces

Ingredients

2 jars of choice

Tight-fitting lids

½ cup paprika

⅓ cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon pepper

1 tablespoon salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix well in a small bowl, then funnel into your storage jars. If you live in a humid place, store shakers in a resealable bag to keep moisture out.

Iced Tea Jar

This is such a fun hostess gift for any summer barbecue. But these teas are also just as enjoyable hot and can be given any time of year. The debate between sweetened and unsweetened tea is long-standing, so I suggest filling the bottom of the jar with individual sugar packets to let everyone choose their level of sweetness. Look for the tea and dried flowers in the bulk section of your local grocery or health food store.

Makes: 1 gift jar

Jar size in photo: ½ gallon

Ingredients

Jar of choice

Tight-fitting lid

1 cup orange pekoe tea

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

Cheesecloth

Baker’s twine

Assortment of citrus fruit: oranges, lemons, limes

Straws

Individual packets of sugar

Colorful rubber spatula

Cut 4 squares of the cheesecloth about 6 inches square. In the center of each square, place ¼ cup of orange pekoe tea and ¼ cup hibiscus flowers. Gather the corners and tie with twine. Set aside. Place the sugar packets on the bottom of the jar and layer the fruit on top. Gather the straws and place them down the height of the jar on one side. Gently place the 4 tea bags you’ve created on top. Close the lid and tie a cute spatula around the mouth of the jar.

OTHER TEA COMBINATION IDEAS FOR HOT OR ICED TEA:

Lemon Mint: 1 cup lemon balm, 1 cup spearmint leaves (add lemons and limes to jar)

Earl Gray-Lavender: 1 cup earl gray tea, ¼ cup dried lavender (add lemons and a small jar of honey)

Tag Instructions: To cold brew: Slice the fruit and add back to the jar. Place 1 tea bag in the jar and fill with cold water. Stir. Close the lid and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Serve over ice with sugar, if desired, and straws. Can also be brewed and served hot.

Hot Fudge Topping

My friend who owns an ice cream parlor declared this hot fudge topping “Spectacular!” and asked if she could trade me a jar for an ice cream sundae. Then she asked me to make it and sell it in her shop. Success! This recipe makes two jars, one for keeping and one for giving (or two for giving if you’re feeling generous).

Makes: approx. 4 cups

Jar size in photo: 12 ounces

Ingredients

2 jars of choice

Tight-fitting lids

¾ cup heavy cream

½ cup light corn syrup

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup cocoa powder

½ teaspoon salt

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan over medium h...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• Kitchen
• Bath and Body
• For the Home
• Party and Kids
• For and from the Garden
• Index