DIY Gifts from the Co-op

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Tis the season for gift giving, and what better way to show you care than with gifts made by hand from the co-op! These DIY gifts save packaging waste and include inexpensive, organic ingredients.

popcorn

You’ll need:

Quart wide-mouth mason jar

¼ pint mason jar

3 cups bulk popcorn

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons chili powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 teaspoons salt

 

Directions: Pour popcorn into quart mason jar. In small bowl, combine seasonings, pour into ¼ pint mason jar and cover tightly with lid. Drop small jar into quart jar on top of popcorn, cover quart jar with lid. Tie with ribbon or twine and attach gift tag.

Recipe: In a large stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons oil (coconut, grapeseed or safflower) over medium high heat. Add 1/3 cup popcorn and cover pot with lid. When kernels start to pop, turn heat to medium low and shake pot until most kernels are popped. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Nacho Salt.

 

 

You’ll need:

Pint wide-mouth mason jar

1 cup sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup dry milk powder

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup broken candy cane pieces

 

Directions: Layer ingredients in jar in order given, ending with candy cane pieces. Cover jar tightly with lid. Tie with ribbon or twine and attach gift tag.

Recipe: In a medium sauce pan, bring 4 cups of water to a simmer. Add contents of jar and stir until dissolved. Makes 4 servings.

 

You’ll need:

Quart wide-mouth mason jar

1 ½ cups dried black beans

1 cup dry vegetable soup mix

1 ½ cups dried white (great northern) beans

 

Directions: Layer black beans, dried vegetable mix and white beans in jar, cover tightly with lid. Tie with ribbon or twine and attach gift tag.

Recipe: Pour beans in medium sauce pan, cover with cold water, and heat to a boil on medium high heat. Reduce to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with lid, let stand 1 hour. Drain beans, cover with cold water, and simmer beans over medium low heat for 1 hour. Add 1 – 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 tablespoon seasoning blend (Cajun, Italian, Mexican), salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until beans are tender, adding more water or liquid if necessary. If desired, add cooked shredded chicken, cooked sausage, tofu or other protein before serving.

 

 

You’ll need:

Quart wide-mouth mason jar

2 1/3 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup sugar

¾ cup unsalted, shelled pistachios

¾ cups dried cranberries

 

Directions: Layer flour, salt, cranberries, sugar and pistachios in jar. Cover tightly with lid. Tie with ribbon or twine and attach gift tag.

Recipe: In a large bowl, cream together 2 sticks of softened butter, one egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add contents of jar and mix together by hand. Pour onto work surface and knead lightly a few times until dough comes together. Divide in half, roll each into a log and wrap in plastic. Chill one hour. Slice logs into ¼ inch rounds, place on baking sheet and bake in 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Makes 3 dozen.