As the daughter of a teacher, it is not uncommon to walk into my parents home during the holidays and see an array of cookies, cakes, candy, cupcakes and sweets galore!… Think Willie Wonka, the home version! The kids in her classroom, and their mothers, ADORE her and shower her with gratitude and edible gifts. Day by day between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, my parents’ dining room table turns into a dessert bar, sparkling with sweets and treats.
But teachers are not the only ones who discover their dining room tables being overtaken by sweets! Most of us receive a variety of baked goods and edible delights from neighbors, co-workers and those we serve and do business with in our community. It is the season of gift giving and so many of us love to bake up a little love to share.
The problem is that most of us simply can’t eat all the treats and many of us don’t want to eat all the treats, even though they may look amazing and were given with kindness. Baked goods have an expiration and the feasibility of eating all of them in the short time frame is not the game you want to play during the holidays, or any time of the year.
The generosity and kindness of a homemade gift is a gift itself! That person considered me the whole time they were making it- WOW! I love the touch of a homemade gift and I enjoy giving them as well. But to make sure that mine don’t get lost in the crowd on the temporary dessert table and tossed after a week because it was starting to mold, I have come up with a few unique mason jar gifts that are the perfect way to show that you care!
01. Spiced Nuts
INGREDIENTS
16oz nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
1 egg white
SEASONINGS
⅓ cup of sugar (or granulated sugar substitute, like baking stevia)
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground is awesome, if you have it!)
½ tsp kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
On a foil lined sheet pan, toast nuts on 300 degrees for about 15 minutes or until just lightly golden brown. In a medium bowl, whisk egg white until frothy. Stir in nuts and combine to coat. Add seasoning blend and combine well. Spray foil lined sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread out nuts on pan and bake in oven on 325 degrees for 16-20 minutes, making sure to watch them towards the end so that they do not burn. Allow to cool completely before filling mason jars.
Attach a little card to the lid of the mason jar sharing the type of spiced nut and then give some serving ideas…
- Add to yogurt with berries
- Chop nuts and stir into oatmeal or hot cereal
- Sprinkled chopped walnuts or pecans on roasted sweet potatoes just before serving
- Top your favorite salad or kale dish with spiced nuts
- Mix with dried fruit for an energy sustaining snack
NOTES
- You can use any variety of seasonings to make this recipe your own. The nuts can be completely savory, all sweet or a combination. Use your imagination!
- I used baking stevia to keep the sugar lower. Don’t swap honey or agave for the sugar as these will burn easier.
- Make sure to toast the nuts first, BEFORE coating in egg and seasonings, otherwise, the nuts may not be as crunchy and may still taste slightly “raw.”
- Carefully watch the nuts towards the end of cooking time! They can burn easily!
GIFT GIVING IDEA: Look for smaller hinge lid mason jars like these to pack full of nuts and add to a small gift basket.
02. Pickled Vegetables
INGREDIENTS
12oz raw vegetables*
1 ¼ cup cider vinegar
¾ cup water
¼ cup sugar (or substitute)
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp brown mustard seeds
1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
DIRECTIONS
In a small non-stick pan, toast the peppercorns and mustard seeds for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. In a medium saucepan, combine all other ingredients, along with seeds and bring to a boil. While brine is heating, pack a 1 quart (or 2 smaller) glass mason jars with all the vegetables.
Once brine comes to a boil, pour over the vegetables, making sure to cover them completely. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, about 1 hour. Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid and shake or rotate to evenly distribute brine and spices. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 day and preferably 1 week before consuming.
Attach a card to the lid of the mason jar to share what you made and a little message. Make sure to let them know that “The pickled vegetables can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.”
*Vegetable Options
12oz chopped cauliflower
12oz okra
16oz small or medium kirby cucumbers, halved
16oz baby carrots
NOTE: wide mouth mason jars like these are easier to pack full of veggies than those with a regular mouth.
03. Pumpkin Butter
INGREDIENTS
15oz can pure pumpkin puree
1 medium banana, very ripe
2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
1tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/16 tsp kosher salt (a hefty pinch)
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mash banana. In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla and spices on medium heat. Allow mixture to begin to bubble. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring every few seconds to avoid burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool before filling mason jar.
Don’t forget to include some yummy serving ideas on the tag!
- Add to bowl of spiced oatmeal
- Top yogurt with a dollop or two
- Spread on whole grain or sprouted grain toast
- Dip sliced apples or pears
- Top whole grain waffles or pancakes
- Add to fresh whipped cream
- Mix with light cream cheese for a delightful, silky breakfast spread
Don’t have time to cook? That’s OK! I think this last idea is my absolute all-time favorite mason jar gift…
04. Blessings Jar
This is a mason jar you stuff with small papers or notecards filled with blessings, complements, admirations, scriptures and encouragement for your friend. You can write these or even type them out- use computer paper, stationery, post-its, or colored paper. You can be super artsy or very simple. The messages can be very personal, funny, sentimental or just encouraging quotes and verses. After you are done writing, then just fold up the paper and stuff into the jar. The individual can read them all at once or savor them, reading one each day or when they need some encouragement.
This is the gift that keeps on giving because you won’t bless them just once, but dozens upon dozens of times! There is not a single person who doesn’t need encouragement some days, but this gift is especially meaningful to those individuals who speak the love language of “words of affirmation.”
The most meaningful and memorable gifts don’t need to come in fancy packaging, cost a fortune or sparkle under the tree, the gifts we remember are being remembered, noticed, and thought of and loved. Make sure to write a special, hand written note to accompany your mason jar gift to celebrate that person and the positive impact they have had on your life.
If you have been looking for a small gift for someone you know, I hope you are inspired by these ideas. Enjoy making them, giving them and loving on the people who mean the most to us!
The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.
TRUTH: A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. –Proverbs 18:16 (NIV)
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through this link, your cost will be the same but Healthy Inspiration will receive a small commission to help with the operating costs of this blog. Thank you for your support!