Gifts from the Kitchen #1

Happy Friday!  I'm going to start a Friday series, Gifts from the Kitchen.  I'll post items you can make and give.  We all like to give a small gift to the people who are special to us, the childrens' teachers, the postman, the list goes on.......  I hope you find something to help you.

I wish I could give credit where it is due - but........ I have had some of these for 20 plus years!  I've given you two breads and two soups and a dessert.  When you add a bread mix, soup mix, and a dessert mix to a basket you have a perfect gift.
              Beer/7 - Up Bread
3 c Self rising flour
1/3 c Sugar
2 TBS Butter, melted
12 oz Beer or 7 –Up
Mix dry ingredients, add butter then beverage. Put into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 45 – 50 minutes, or until done. It will sound hollow when done.

             Quick Muffin Recipe
1 c self rising flour
1 TBS sugar
1 TBS mayonnaise
Mix thoroughly and spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake about 15 minutes. Makes about 6 muffins. You may add berries, chocolate chips or any other flavoring.

               Chili Mix in a Jar
3 c dried beans (pink, red, or kidney -- sorted).
Put into a jar or large bag.
3 TBS chili powder
2 TBS dehydrated onions
1 TBS garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp salt
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Combine spices and put into a small bag.
         Include in your gift basket:
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 14oz. cans diced tomatoes in juice
Label: Wash beans. Put into pot with spices. Cook until done, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, brown 1 lb. ground beef (if desired), and drain. Add meat to the beans with the tomatoes and sauce. Simmer to blend flavors.

               Italian Soup Mix in a Jar
½ c dried pinto beans
½ c dried pink beans
½ c dried kidney beans
1 c small pasta, uncooked
1 TBS dried parsley
1 TBS chicken bouillon
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp salt
½ tsp dried, minced garlic
Layer beans in order listed in a one quart wide mouth jar; set aside. Place pasta in a plastic zipping bag; gently pack on top of beans. Secure lid; set aside. Toss remaining ingredients together; place seasonings in a small plastic zipping bag and add to jar. Tie on instructions. Instructions: Set plastic bags to the side; pour beans into a mixing bowl. Rinse with water; drain. Cover beans with water; let soak overnight. Rinse and pour into a 5 quart Dutch oven; add 8 cs water, a 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, seasoning packet, one c sliced carrots, one c sliced celery and one c chopped onions. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours; uncover and boil gently until thickened, about 35 minutes. Stir in pasta; heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Makes 2 quarts. Gift giving idea: Slip a soup mix inside a new thermos and tie on some mittens...a clever gift for a winter celebration.

                S'Mores in a Jar
1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed
1/3 c brown sugar
1 ½ c mini marshmallows
1 c milk chocolate chips
Layer ingredients in the order listed in one quart, wide mouth jar. Secure lid; attach instructions.
       Instructions
Pour mix into a greased 9 x 9" baking pan; set aside. Whisk 1/2 c melted butter and 2 tsp vanilla extract together; pour over mix. Stir well; pat lightly into pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool; cut into squares.