Not enough money for Christmas? Consider Gifts in a Jar.

 Not enough money for Christmas? Consider Gifts in a Jar.

Time is money, and you don't have enough of either at this moment to answer the mall's Christmas shopping call. You believe that purchasing at Macy's is the only way you can offer your pals some love, peace on earth, and kindness toward man.

It's likely that the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were presented to Jesus Christ in the manger were not purchased from Macy's or Pottery Barn by the Three Kings.

This year, you too can offer fragrant myrrh and frankincense. The best part is that you can make them right in your own kitchen or at your local grocery store. You can use an inexpensive 1-quart mason jar to house your "sand art" cookies, also known as "Gifts in a Jar," just as the Three Kings did with their elaborate vessels.

What is required to assemble "Gifts in a Jar"? Consider the following ingredients for chocolate chip cookies: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. You can get all of these at your neighborhood grocery shop for less than $5. You'll save more time and money if you purchase in bulk, but be sure to make your "Gifts in a Jar" as close to the time of delivery as feasible. Use fresh ingredients as they typically have a three-month shelf life.

For that "art" appearance, layer the dry ingredients in the previously mentioned order, alternating between bright and dark-colored ingredients. You can attach your favorite recipe or the Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies in a Jar recipe, printed on fancy paper (like the kind you'd find inexpensively at Kinko's) with a decorative font from your computer, and tied to the jar with pretty ribbon or raffia (you can get it at craft and sewing shops for very cheap). The recipient provides the moist ingredients. Put a circle of attractive fabric—possibly from curtains, a tablecloth, or a dress destined for the rag bag—over the top of the jar.

To transform your preferred cookie recipe into "Gifts in a Jar," simply ensure that the quantity of dry ingredients used is one quart (1 l) or less. It will work even if you have to reduce your current recipe by half or a third to obtain the right number of dry ingredients. When writing up your instructions to put on the jar, don't forget to alter the proportions of wet materials required. Alternatively, you can use the bigger 2-quart (2 l) mason jars instead of dividing your mixture. If there is any room left at the top of the jar, stuff it full of tissue paper or add some extra raisins and oatmeal for some added flair!

When you make "Gifts in a Jar," you'll save money and make everyone on your list very happy with your thoughtful, personalized gift. Furthermore, you'll undoubtedly receive an invitation to consume the cookies—when was the last time a Macy's sweater bestowed upon you such a delectable reward?

Cookies with Raisin and Oats in a Jar250 ml, or one cup, all-purpose flourOne milliliter (5 ml) of ground cinnamonGround nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml)one-tsp (5 milliliter) baking sodaHalf a tsp (2 ml) saltA half-cup (125 ml) of sugar, granulartightly packed 3/4 cup (175 ml) dark brown sugarTwo cups (500 ml) of oatmeal for rapid cooking175 ml or 3/4 cup raisins



Mix the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a sifter and transfer to the bottom of a 1-quart (1-l) glass mason jar. To ensure that the flour mixture is well packed in, tamp it down. In the prescribed order, add the remaining ingredients, packing down each layer firmly before adding the next. Put the jar's lid on screwily. Please affix the following instructions:

Raisin Spice Oatmeal Cookies

Note: Before using, keep this jar for up to three months in a cold, dark area.what's in this jar3/4 cup (175 ml) softened butter or margarineA tsp (5 ml) of extract vanilla



Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F. Using parchment paper, line two baking pans. Pour the contents of the cookie mix jar into a sizable mixing basin and fully combine the ingredients. Add the egg, vanilla, and butter or margarine and stir. Blend until well combined. Shape into walnut-sized balls. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake until gently browned around the edges, 11 to 13 minutes. After allowing it to cool for five minutes, move it to a wire rack to finish cooling. For up to three weeks, keep at room temperature in an airtight container. 36 cookies are made.

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