Filling the jars Tips
Source of Recipe
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List of Ingredients
- Be sure to pack the ingredients tightly when adding to the jar, especialy brown sugar. (Try crumbling the brown sugar to give it an even texture before packing into jar. Recipes with brown sugar should be used within weeks of making because the sugar will turn rock hard the longer it sits. If this happens, you may have to pick at it to remove it from the jar.)
- When adding ingredients such as nuts, candy, etc. it is best to place under the brown sugar in the jar.
Flour and sugar seep through, so nuts and candies should be on top of flour or white sugar.
You can put the flour and sugar on top of brown sugar if both sugars are in the recipe.
- Pack contrasting colors together, the layers will look nicer.
- Wipe the inside of the jar after adding ingredients like cocoa, brown sugar, etc. Be sure to do this before adding the next ingredient so you don't get a smeared look on the outside.
- Use a hammer or mallet to help pack the ingredients into the jar firmly. Persistent tapping with a towel will help the ingredients to pack firmly. You can even cut a jar gripper to size and place in the jar before tapping to help pack down the ingredients; be sure to wipe the gripper before the next addition.
- Always use clean jars and let them dry completely before using.
A dishwasher dryer or hair dryer can speed up the drying process if you are in a hurry.
- Use a funnel to help pour most of the ingredients into the jar.
- Use colored coordianted candy for holiday themes, such as pastel M&M's for Easter or babyshowers, or red and green M&M's for Christmas.
- Use wide mouth, 1 quart canning jars for most recipes.
Some recipes require bigger jars, and others will only need a smaller jars.
Or you can use clear cannisters, plastic zip bags, or any other sealable container.
Seasonings can be made in small jars or bags.
You can also make fabric bags and place the sealed plastic bags with the dry ingredients into the fabric bags.
The fabric bag is a good idea for spiced drinks, coffees and cocoas.
- Be sure to follow the recipe's directions.
Some jar recipes may need to be refrigerated.
- How much will fit into jar?
Approximately 4 cups fit into a 1 quart, wide mouth canning jar.
Brown sugar compacts well, so recipes with brown sugar can fit more into a jar.
- If there is any space left after adding all ingredients, you can add more candy, nuts, chocolate chips, etc. Any that are included in the recipe, to fill up the space.
* These dry mixes can be made ahead, but for no longer than 3 months; and if your jar mix includes nuts, the recipe should be used no later than 3 months.
You do not have to keep these dry mixes in the refrigerator unless the recipe states to do it.
There are so many different recipes for these. And who knows, maybe you will come up with one of your own.Recipe
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