A Season of Giving

It's that time of year again, and whether you celebrate Christmas or another holiday at this time of year, there will be presents.  This year (barring any unforeseen shoulder breaks, or broken bones) I will try and post a gift a day for the next two weeks.  My first book published in 1993 was The Perfect Mix, a book filled with nothing but mixes that you put together and gave as gifts.  Unfortunately now out of print, some of these recipes will be from the book, as well as new recipes that I've developed since then.  These are items easily put together in your home kitchen, to give as gifts to friends, co-workers, and those you want to remember at this time of year.
Trust me, homemade gifts are as rare as dinosaur eggs, and it's time to teach your children, and those you love that gifts from your kitchen can make the holidays merry and bright.  Try enlisting your children to make some of these gifts, since they are simple, but filled with great foods to enjoy during the holidays.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn't love a cookie?  This gift practically makes itself and you can have your kids layering the ingredients into the jars, while you print off the recipes for your friends.  This recipe will make 1 jar, that holds 8 cups.  Layer in the order given, or change it up to suit your needs.

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla powder (or sub in vanilla extract in the recipe card)
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations:  Add 1 cup dried cranberries to the layer between the oats and flour.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 4 dozen

One jar Oat Meal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees, line baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners.  
2. Put the mix in a large bowl, and blend in the butter, egg, and egg yolks until the mixture is incorporated.  
3. Using a portion scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, 2inches apart.  
4. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are dark golden brown.  Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack. 

Ideas for decorating the jar can be raffia tied to the recipe, custom made labels (www.avery.com) bits of seasonal fabric cut with pinking shears to cover the jar top and sprigs of silk holly, or ivy.  I tend to use wired ribbon since it holds up well.