Between classroom, specials, and educational assistants, we have ten teachers to whom we want to show our appreciation at the holidays -- and that doesn't even include the administrative staff! We just can't afford to give each of them a gift card, but we want them to know that they are important to us and we are grateful for their presence in our lives. We started making these homemade gifts a few years ago and they have been very well received. They are affordable, easy to make several at a time, and my kids can help in the preparation. In addition to teachers, we give them to special friends and neighbors.
Tri-Colored Spiral Soup
Before you begin, sort tri-colored rotini pasta by color. Use a one-quart jar.Layer 1 Tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon crushed celery seed, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/3 cup beef or chicken bouillon granules, 1/2 cup dried minced onion, and about 1 cup of each color pasta (or enough to fill the jar). Attached these instructions: "Bring 8 cups of water and 2 cups crushed or diced tomatoes to boil in a large stockpot. Add the soup mix and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender. This soup is delicious as is, but also makes a great base. Add diced cooked chicken, a can of corn (drained), and a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) for a Southwestern twist. Or try cooked ground beef and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables."
5-Grain Pancake Mix
Use a one-quart jar. Layer 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole-wheat flour, ½ cup cornmeal, ½ cup quick oats, 1/3 cup wheat bran, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Add a spatula or a bottle of pure maple syrup to make this gift extra special. Attach a card with these instructions: "Mix contents in a large bowl. For one batch of pancakes, whisk together 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil until combined. Stir in 3/4 cup dry pancake mix just until combined. Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake into pan, and cook two minutes per side or until pancakes are golden. Makes six 4” pancakes per batch. Store remaining mix in an airtight container."
Homemade Cocoa Mix
Use a one-quart jar or 32-ounce container. Layer 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup powdered milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. Replace the marshmallows with 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy for peppermint cocoa or 1/2 cup instant coffee for mocha cocoa. Attach a card with these instructions: " Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remaining mix in an airtight container."
Bath Salts
In a large bowl, combine two 4-pound bags of Epsom salts, two containers of sea salt from the baking aisle (I use one container fine and one container medium). Add 10-15 drops of essential oil (can be found in the soap-making section of most craft stores); combine well. Add more oil, if desired. When you think you have the fragrance right, cover the bowl and take a ten-minute break to clear your nose. Come back and check the fragrance; add more oil if desired. Add soap-safe colorants (found in the same section of the craft store). You can also add dried flowers or other extras found in the soap-making section. Divide among 12 pint jars.
