Introduction

The popularity of Mason jar mixes is taking the country by storm! These beautifully decorated jars are filled with attractive layers of ingredients for making a variety of kitchen creations. Topped with an eye-catching square of fabric that is tied on with decorative twine or ribbon, these jars are a pleasure to give and a joy to receive.

If you have ever wanted to create beautiful Mason gift jars in your own home, or try your hand at making the recipes yourself, here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a craft expert to assemble the containers, nor do you have to be a culinary school graduate to make the recipes in your own kitchen. The Mason Jar Soup-to-Nuts Cookbook will show you just how easy it is. Within its pages, you’ll find recipes for satisfying soups and stews, delicious hot and cold beverages, and a sensational array of blue-ribbon baked goods. (Just for fun, it even includes a recipe for making “doggie” treats for your favorite four-legged friend!)

The book begins with a chapter called “The Basics.” The first part of this chapter guides you in buying the best ingredients and equipment for your cooking adventures, and provides tips for successful recipe results. It then covers all the ins and outs of creating the jars, including what size jar to use, how to make neat, even ingredient layers, and how to add those finishing touches that turn the jar into a beautiful gift.

Next, you’ll find over fifty kitchen-tested recipes that fall into the following categories: Breakfast Fare; Muffins, Scones, and Breads; Cookies and Cakes; Soups and Stews; and Beverages. There are heavenly baked treats like Apricot-Walnut Muffins and Blueberry Scones, breakfast dishes like Old World Muesli and Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes, and a tasty assortment of cookies including Toffee Chip and buttery Scottish Shortbread. You can also kick back and relax with a steaming mug of Café Mocha, or cool down with a frosty glass of Southern Peach Tea. And if it’s heartier fare you’re after, you can choose from an array of nourishing soups and stews, from Hearty Potato-Bean to Gobble-Up Turkey Noodle.

Because this book is designed for both the cook and the crafter, each recipe contains both instructions for making the recipe itself, and directions for creating the jarred mix—either to display in your own home or to present as gifts. A helpful diagram shows you how to layer the ingredients for attractive results, and a box neatly displays the recipe preparation instructions to include on your gift tag. All you have to do is pour the contents of the jar into a bowl or pot, add a few basic ingredients like butter and eggs, and follow a handful of easy instructions.

Whether you want to prepare the Mason jar recipes for your personal eating pleasure, or you’d like to create impressive gift jars for family and friends, The Mason Jar Soup-to-Nuts Cookbook is all you need. Enjoy the experience!