Holiday Spice Jars

Give this as a stocking stuffer to the cook in your life. You can use almost any combination of spices -- get creative!

Servings: 1/2 cup jar
Prep and cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Morning Toast Mix
4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
6 tablespoons (light brown and glittery) sugar-in-raw
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon cardamom
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice

Mediterranean Mix
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried toasted onion flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

Layer the ingredients as listed, making sure that you see the colors from the outside of the jar. Add a small serving spoon to the jar and some instructions: Using your computer or calligraphy let the gift-bearer know to shake the jar before using and add to recipes such as tomato sauce or a fresh salad composed of Italian greens. This is also great on saut‚ed spinach or with chopped tomatoes spread onto toasted baguette slices. Spread the bread onto a non-stick baking sheet and toast on both sides at 350 degrees for about 4 minutes a side.

Gail Greco is the food editor of Carefree Cooking; a field editor for Romantic Homes magazine; and a contributor to many other publications.  She has authored more than 15 books on cooking, decorating, and home lifestyle.

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