The Holiday season is often the most stressful time of year for many due to the costs involved and the financial strain.  For many years I have helped ease the burden in our home by assembling a handful of these 3 Easy “In A Jar” Gift Recipes to be used as Christmas gifts that are both budget friendly and appealing to those who receive them.  These are especially great to create for your kids teachers at school, coaches in extra-curricular activities and all of those miscellaneous helpers, babysitters and Sunday School teachers that impact their daily life.

BEAN SOUP IN A JAR

• ¾ Cup Dry Kidney or Red Beans
• ¾ Cup Dry Black Beans
• ¾ Cup Dry Great Northern Beans
• ¾ Cup Dry Pinto Beans
• ¾ Cup Slit Green Peas
• ¾ Cup Dry Red Lentils
• 2 Tablespoons Dry Onion Flakes
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend
• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

In quart size Mason jar, layer beans in order listed.  In snack sized Ziploc bag place dry seasonings.  Place bag in top of Mason jar on top of layered beans.  Cover with lid.  Attach direction below printed on pretty paper with ribbon.

Directions: Set aside seasoning packet.  Rinse bean mix in large colander and place in large stockpot.  Cover with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Add one 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes and seasoning packet.  Continue to boil on low heat for 2 hours stirring occasionally.  Additional water may be needed to prevent burning.  Add salt as desired.  May include 1 cup cubed ham or 4 slices bacon for additional flavor while cooking.

SPICED TEA

• 1 Cup Instant Lemon Tea Mix
• 2 Cups Tang Mix
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
• ½ Teaspoon Ginger
• ½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 Packet Lemon Kool Aid Mix

Mix all ingredients together in small bowl.  Pour into pint sized mason jars or clear jar with lid closure.  Cover with lid, attach recipe with desired ribbon.

Directions: Use 2 Tablespoons Mixture to 1 Cup Hot Water.

SNICKERDOODLE IN A JAR

• 2 ¾ Cups Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt
• 1 ¾ Cups Sugar
• ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon

In a medium bowl mix ingredients together until well blended.  Pour into quart sized Mason jar.  Attach directions below with ribbon.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.  Set aside.  In a large bowl mix together 1 cup butter, 2 eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.  Pour in Snickerdoodle mix gradually until dough forms.  Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls.  Roll balls in cinnamon sugar mix and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown.  Allow cookies to cool and serve with milk.

Like Gift Jar Recipes? Find more Recipes on Frugal Coupon Living.

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