CLASSIC COCOA MIX IN A JAR

Layer the ingredients for a nice presentation. This mix will fill a 1-quart jar (12 servings), but if your containers are different sizes, just keep the ratio of ingredients constant. You can include a book and/or nice mug with your mix.

Classic Cocoa Mix In A Jar

Yield: Makes 1 quart mix or 12 servings hot cocoa

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows

Layer sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, salt, chocolate chips, and marshmallows.

Include the following instruction for preparation: "Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remaining mix in airtight container."

FRIENDSHIP SOUP MIX IN A JAR

Need a quick last minute gift that won't cost your first born?

If you can't find a container as shown above, you can put it in a celophane gift bag or a mason jar. You can also tie a wooden spoon to your container. Be sure to include the directions for preparing the soup.

Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

From Allrecipes.com
1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup quick pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup uncooked alphabet pasta or other tiny pasta

In a 1-pint or 1-1/2-pint jar, layer split peas, bouillon, barley, lentils, onion flakes, Italian seasoning, rice and bay leaves. Wrap pasta in plastic wrap and place in the jar. Seal tightly.

Attach a label to the jar with the following instructions:

Friendship Soup additional ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; black pepper to taste; garlic powder to taste; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; and three quarts water.
To prepare soup: Remove pasta from top of jar and set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water and soup mix. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Stir in the pasta, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta, peas, lentils and barley are tender