Santas Favorite APPLE CAKE IN A JAR

2/3 cup shortening
2 2/3 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup water
3 cups grated apple
2/3 cup raisins
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
8 straight-sided wide-mouth pint canning jars

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease the insides of 8
straight-sided wide-mouth pint canning jars. Sift together flour, baking soda,
salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat in well. Add flour
alternately with water and mix until smooth. Fold in apples, raisins and nuts.
Fill jars 1/2 full of batter, being careful to keep the rims clean. Wipe off any
batter that gets on the rims. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, sterilize the lids and rings in boiling water.
As soon as cake is done, remove from oven one at a time, wipe rims of jars and put
on lid and ring. Jars will seal as cakes cool. Place the jars on the counter and
listen for them to "ping" as they seal. If you miss the "ping", wait until they are
completely cool and press on the top of the lid. If it doesn't move at all, it's
sealed.
Unsealed jars should be eaten or kept in refrigerator for up to a week. Sealed jars
can be stored with other canned food for up to a year.

Thrifty Santa APPLE, CINNAMON, WALNUT OATMEAL MIX

1 package {7 oz.} dried apples
1 container {18 oz.} quick-cooking oats
1 jar {3 oz.} non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Place dried apples in a processor; process until finely chopped. Add remaining
ingredients and process until well blended. Store in airtight container. Give with
serving instructions. Makes 7 1/2 cups mix; about 15 servings.

ATTACH TO JAR OR CONTAINER: Stir 2/3 cup boiling water into 1/2 cup oatmeal
mix until well blended. Let stand until thickened.

A pretty bow and you have the perfect gift idea..

AMARETTO COFFEE CREAMER

3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
Combine all ingredients in a container with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to
blend. Store in airtight container and give creamer with the recipe for Amaretto
Coffee. Yields 12 servings.
Attach to the jar:
Amaretto Coffee: In a mug, combine 2 tablespoons of creamer with 6 ounces of
coffee.

Christmas Gift Basket Ideas for the Vegetarian

Fill a basket, pot or large bowl with:

Your favorite recipes hand printed on recipe cards

Assorted dried beans.

Brown rice.

Sun-dried tomatoes.

Spices: oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, etc..

Mixing spoons.

Pot holders.


This makes an awesome personalized gift.

Christmas Gift Basket for the Chili Lover

Fill a stew pot or pottery casserole dish with:

Assorted dried beans: kidney, black, white, navy, Pinto, etc.

Dried red chili peppers

Chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, cilantro

Chili recipes

A ladle

Oven mitts


This makes an awesome little gift basket.

The Wine lovers Christmas Gift Basket

Fill a basket with:

Two bottles of quality wine, one red, one white.

A corkscrew

Two or more wine glasses

Tickets or an invitation to a wine tasting ( often held at wine specialty shops or wineries)

Add snacks to go with the wine - fine cheese, fruit, crackers, etc.

This basket is sure to bring a big smile to their face.

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Cookie Lover

Use a cookie tin for a basket and filled it in with:

Your favorite cookie recipes or a cookbook

Cookie-cutter set

Chocolate chips

Nuts

A decorator icing set

Assorted sprinkles

Everybody loves cookies in this gift is sure to please.  :)

The Ice Cream Sundae Gift Basket

Fill a basket with:

An ice cream scoop

Gourmet sauces

Sprinkles

Cones

Maraschino Cherries

Assorted nuts

Sundae glasses and spoons

Coupons for gourmet ice cream

This makes an awesome gift that anyone is sure to appreciate.

Gift Basket For the Pasta Lover

A wonderful Christmas gift basket for the pasta lover.

Use a large pasta bowl for a basket and fill the bowl with:

A package or two of gourmet pasta

Tongs.

A package of sun dried tomatoes.

A collection of your favorite pasta recipes and printed on recipe cards

and/or a pasta cookbook

this is an easy and affordable gift idea that someone will actually enjoy and use.