Highlights From Higher Ground

Gifts in a Jar
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Spiced Tea Mix

1 (18 ounce) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container.

To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until candies dissolve. Yield: 5 cups (Makes about 1 1/2 quart, dry)

Keep the spiced tea mix on the kitchen counter in a decorative jar accented with a holiday ribbon. When company drops by, put the kettle on to boil, and set a tray with tea cups, lacy napkins, and cookies.

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Cappuccino Mix in a Jar
Makes two 12-ounce jars.

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix
2/3 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Have ready 2 (12-ounce) canning jars. Put the instant coffee into a food processor, and process to a fine powder. If you don't have a food processor, put it into a large plastic bag, and crush with a rolling pin.

In a large bowl, combine creamer, chocolate mix, instant coffee, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir together until well mixed. Spoon into the jars.

Attach a note to each jar:

Cappuccino

Mix 3 tablespoons of powder with 6 fluid ounces hot water.

Makes 16 servings

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Rainbow Soup Mix

¾ c small red kidney beans
¾ c great northern beans
¾ c green split peas
¾ c lentils
¾ c dry black beans
2 tsp. dried onion
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
2 tsp. parsley flakes
2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 ½ tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Filling the jar:

Layer the beans in a quart-canning jar in the order listed. Place seasonings in a non-resealable sandwich bag, tie a knot at the top and place at the top of the jar.

Attach recipe to jar:

Rainbow Bean Soup

1 five bean soup mix
8 cups water
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
desired vegetables
1 seasoning packet

Remove seasoning packet; set aside. Rinse beans. Place beans in large microwave safe dish, cover with water 1-2 inches over top of beans and cover dish loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on high 15 minutes, rotating after 6 minutes. Drain and rinse beans well.

Place beans in a large pot. Add 8 cups water, crushed tomatoes, desired vegetables and seasoning packet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat, cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours or until beans and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally. Add ham if desired.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate morsels
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
chopped pecans (optional) (But place somewhere in middle of jar if using.)

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in 1-quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer.

RECIPE TO ATTACH:

Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in preheated 375° F. oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Whole Wheat Pancakes in a Jar

Layer ingredients in the following order in quart-sized jar:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbls. baking powder
3/4 tspl salt
raisins, dried cranberries (or other berry) or chocolate chips
pecans (optional)
1 cup oats, or until full

Attach recipe to jar:

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Add 3 cups milk, 2 eggs, a dash of olive oil (optional) and a dash of honey (optional). Mix and make pancakes!