Gifts from Your Kitchen - Ideas for Party Favors or Hostess Gifts

If you're attending an event, you may ask the host or hostess what you can bring. Many times the response is "Oh, whatever you'd like" or "Nothing, thanks." Now you have a challenge. If you don't want to chance making a dish that is out of place and are tired of bringing a bottle of wine, try one of these recipes.

I think the recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness! And these are also great for party favors.

Mocha Cooler Mix	Seasoned Rice Mix
Pancake Mix	Hot Cocoa Mix
Brownie Mix	Holiday Potpourri Kit

Mocha Cooler Mix
Makes 14 servings

1/2 c. instant coffee granules	2/3 c. cocoa
2 c. nonfat dry milk powder	2 c. powdered nondairy creamer
2 c. sugar	1/2 tsp. salt

1. With a rolling pin, crush coffee granules into a fine powder between sheets of waxed paper. Place the granules in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into airtight containers.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions: To prepare a cooler, combine 1/2 c. crushed ice, 1/4 c. milk, and 1/4 c. mix in a blender. Cover and process on high until smooth. Pour into a glass. Top with whipped cream if desired.
3. This mix can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 1 year.

Pancake Mix
Makes 8 cups (4 batches of 10 pancakes each)

4 c. quick cooking oatmeal	2 tbs. baking powder
2 c. all-purpose flour	2 tbs. ground cinnamon
1 c. nonfat dry milk powder	5 tsp. salt
2 c. whole wheat flour	1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 c. packed brown sugar

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into airtight containers.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions: To make pancakes, beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Gradually beat in 1/3 c. vegetable oil. Add 2 c. pancake mix and 1 c. water. Mix well. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle on medium heat. Turn after about 2 minutes. Cook until second side is browned.

Brownie Mix
Makes 1 gift jar

1 1/2 c. sugar	1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/3 c. cocoa	1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. peanut butter or white chocolate chips	1/2 c. miniature chocolate chips
1 c. all-purpose flour

1. Layer the ingredients in a 1-quart glass jar or canister in the order listed above. Tap the jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next. Cover the jar.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking pan. Combine 1/2 c. melted, cooled butter and 2 beaten eggs in a large bowl. Stir in contents of jar and spread in prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool in pan and cut into bars.

Seasoned Rice Mix
Makes 3 1/2 cups

3 c. uncooked long grain rice	2 tsp. onion powder
6 tsp. instant chicken bouillon granules	1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 c. dried parsley flakes	1/4 tsp. dried thyme

1. Combine the ingredients in a storage container with an airtight lid.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions: To prepare rice, combine 2 c. water and 1 tbs. butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in 1 c. mix. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Hot Cocoa Mix
Makes 32 servings

4 c. nonfat dry milk powder	1 c. powdered nondairy creamer
1 1/2 c. sugar	Dash salt
1 c. cocoa	1/2 c. miniature marshmallows (optional)

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into airtight containers.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions: To prepare a serving, combine 1/4 c. mix and 3/4 c. boiling water. Stir to blend.
3. This mix can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Holiday Potpourri Kit
Makes the house smell great!

3 cinnamon sticks	1 lemon
3 bay leaves	1 orange
1/4 c. whole cloves

1. Wrap the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cloves separately in plastic wrap. Place the packets and the fruit in a cellophane or plastic bag tied with a ribbon or in any decorative container.
2. Include a tag or note with the following directions:

Slice the lemon and orange. Wrap half of the fruit slices in plastic wrap or a container and refrigerate them.
Put the remaining slices in a saucepan, hot pot, or simmering potpourri container, followed by the other ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer as long as desired.
Be sure to check the mixture often and add more water as necessary.
Once cooled, the mixture may be refrigerated and reused for a few days.
Replace the lemon and orange slices when they become too mushy.

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