Ask Jen about Christmas gift giving

Who doesn’t enjoy a glass jar filled with something to make your mouth water? I know I do! This week Around the Table is bringing you different mixes to give friends and neighbors. Dee-licious!!

Make sure to check out all of this week’s wonderful Gifts in a Jar recipes, and head over to http://www.farmanddairy.com/extras/ChristmasTags.pdf to download printable gift tags to attach. We just made gift giving a piece of cake!

A lot of you out there in Farm and Dairy land are bonafide professional bakers, like me … or at least, I like to call myself that. Maybe I would be better suited to call myself a professional baked-goods eater. Yep. Let’s go with that.

Speaking of baking, how would you like to help your child or grandchild WIN A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD? Simply snap a photo of your child helping you bake Christmas goodies this year, and upload it here for a chance to win — it’s that easy!

OK, back to my story …

I’ve never given out any gifts in a jar, but I did received one once. It was a jar of brownie mix, and I dropped the darn thing in my driveway and broke it before I could enjoy it. Boy was I upset! It was presented beautifully, and knowing who it came from, I can only imagine how delicious the brownies would have been.

(Great story, eh? I have a point, don’t worry.)

This year, I have an extra long list of friends who I would like to give a little something to for Christmas. I’ve decided to recreate that unfortunate gift from so long ago (seriously, only like 2 years, but whatever). The best part is that I can tie candy canes to the jars — well, maybe not the BEST part, but as least it’s festive!

Go make something awesome,
Jen

Christmas Brownies in a Jar

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 2 candy canes

Combine flour and salt, and place in the bottom of a 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar. Next, add 6 tablespoons cocoa, and wipe the cocoa dust from the inside of the jar. Add brown sugar and pack down. Next, add 3/4 cup sugar, the rest of the cocoa, and the remaining sugar. Pack walnuts next, and finally, top with chocolate chips, adding more if you have the space. Seal with a lid, and tie the 2 candy canes to the jar with ribbon. Add the following recipe for the recipient:

You will need:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 eggs, beaten

Instructions

1. Unwrap and crush the candy canes into small pieces, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Combine brownie mix with 1/2 cup melted butter.
4. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and eggs.
5. Spread mixture in a greased 9″x9″ baking pan.
6. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes. The brownies will be done when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle the candy cane pieces onto the brownies, pressing them into the brownies slightly, and place back into the oven for 3 minutes.
8. Cool on wire rack, cut and enjoy!