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handcrafted gift is the perfect way to “mix up” a celebration. Personalized presents make big impressions and create lasting memories. It is always more fun to give than receive and this is especially true when you create these inexpensive and easy-tomake homemade gifts. Family, friends, neighbors, and teachers are sure to enjoy and appreciate these thoughtful gifts. Unlike most gifts that eventually wind up in storage or a yard sale, these homemade gifts will continue to be treasured and each time they get used, you will be remembered. Unique jars, containers, or even sacks will turn into exciting gifts when you fill them up with these delicious recipe mixes. On a card or tag, be sure to provide the instructions for how to mix, use and serve it. To ensure a lifetime of enjoyment, include the recipe for the mix itself. These recipes will not only become new family favorites and seasonal traditions, but don’t be surprised to learn they are being “re-gifted.”
Chai Tea Mix
2 ½ tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. ground cinnamon ¾ tsp. ground cloves ¾ tsp. ground cardamom (optional) 1 tsp. ground allspice 1 tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 ½ cups unsweetened instant tea or decaffeinated instant tea 1 ½ to 2 cups sugar 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer 1 cup French vanilla-flavored powdered nondairy creamer Combine all of the spices and the tea in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is a fine powder. Pour into a large bowl. Add the sugar to the blender and process until it is a superfine powder. Add sugar to the bowl of spices and blend in your milk powder and creamers. (Use a large bowl with a lid and shake until mixed thoroughly.) Fill your gift jars! Yields: 5 ½ cups
Serving Directions: Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Chai Tea Mix into a mug and fill with either hot milk or boiling water.
Hot Cocoa Mix 1 (11 oz.) 1 (16 oz.) 2 c. 1 (24 oz.)
container of nondairy coffee creamer box of nonfat dry milk powder confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, sifted container of chocolate-flavored instant powdered drink mix (DO NOT USE COCOA)
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Store in a sealed container. Yields: 16 cups
Serving Directions: Add 2 heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix to mug and fill with hot water. Don’t forget the marshmallows! 44
NOVEMBER 2013 TEX APPEAL