Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

This post is going to be a short one, but I wanted to share a great gift idea with you.  I made these cocoa jars to bring to my bestest friend and the Monkey Scientist's parents while I was visiting Chicago a couple weeks ago.  I think they're the most adorable gift to send for the holidays!



Of course, you can also make this mix and store it to have your own cocoa all winter long!  I had tons left over and I've been keeping it in a jar on my counter to make hot cocoa whenever I like.  You just mix it with hot water, or even coffee if that's your kind of thing, and it's ready! It's absolutely delicious - creamy and frothy and chocolately and sweet.  The best drink on a cold winter's day!



Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
adjusted slightly from Whole Eats & Whole Treats

Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp cornstarch
3/4 tsp fine salt
1 bag mini marshmallows

Instructions
Put all of the ingredients through a fine-mesh sieve. You will have to smoosh the powdered milk through with a spoon. This breaks up those lumps of milk and makes a nice uniform looking powder.

Fill a glass jar nearly to the top with mix, leaving about 1" of space at the top.  Fill the rest with mini marshmallows and put on the lid.

Instructions for making cocoa: 
Fill mug 1/3 of the way (or less for weaker hot cocoa) with the mix. Add a little bit of boiling water (or coffee) and stir or whisk. Fill the rest of the way with more water/coffee.

Cowboy Cookies in a Jar (a gift!)

I know, it's been FOREVER.  But I've been away! And I really didn't do a whole lot of cooking while I was on vacation.  First, I was up at my parents house on the lake in NH with some friends, where we did things like grill and make lobsters.  Not the most exciting food to blog, but it sure was delicious.



Then, I headed up to Chicago to visit the Monkey Scientist's family, as well as some of my closest friends.  It was his mom's birthday, so I wanted to bring a little something special for her.  She loves to bake, so I thought this recipe was a pretty and fun gift to bring her.



Well, it turns out, going through security, a mason jar looks a bit...suspicious.  Fortunately, when my friendly TSA agent unwrapped the jar, he actually thought it was the smartest idea ever.  Apparently, I was informed, you can't bring actual cookie dough on planes because it is unstable, but as long as you remove the liquids, you're good to go.  I told him he should put this recipe up on the TSA website!



My little trip to the North was amazing - I saw so many great friends and family, and had a fantastic time jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, and then experiencing the "beach" in Chicago.  The cookie mix jar went over great, and I definitely recommend it as a gift.  Make sure you REALLY pack down each layer, as I had trouble stuffing in the last of the flour...and then the sugar, chocolate chips, and pecans got a little shaken up on the plane.  I suggest using a wide mouth jar (not like the one I used) so it's easier to pack it in. I'll definitely perfect it by the holiday season!



Cowboy Cookies in a Jar
from all recipes

Ingredients
1 1/3 c rolled oats
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c chopped pecans
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
1. Layer the ingredients in a 1 quart jar in the order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next layer.
2. Include a card with the following instructions:

Cowboy Cookies Mix in a Jar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 c melted butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla.  Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut-sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven.  Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.