Gift Ideas

If you're like me, you try really hard to give thoughtful, creative gifts, while trying to reign in the budget. I came across a book I have titled "Holiday Jar Mixes" from the Christmas at Home series by Andra Roberts and Wilma Teal. I have received a couple gifts like this and they are great. They look great and it'a a practical, comsumable gift. Here are a couple recipes. Let me know if you'd like to borrow the book!

Hot Spiced Tea Mix

1/3 cup instant tea with lemon

1/3 cup instant orange breakfast drink mix

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring well to mix. Spoon Hot Spiced Tea Mix ino a 1 pint glass jar. Attach recipe card with th following instructions.

Place 2 teaspoons Hot Spiced Tea Mix into a cup. Add 8 ounces boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread Mix

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped pecans

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnaon. Place in bottom of 1 quart glass jar. Layer emaining ingredents in order given. Atach a recipe card with the following instructions.

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Break

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Break Mix

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Place Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread Mix in a large bowl, stirring to combine. Add butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan before inverting onto a wire rack.

As we are planning, buying, making, wrapping and giving our gifts, let's give thanks to God for the greatest gift ever given! Happy gift giving!