Gifts from the Kitchen

Sojourner’s Truth

By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributor

Looking for a loving, cozy way to show others that you love them? Is food part of your love language?  Giving a gift of food can be a way to save time for yourself and others and might even help budget for food and gift costs. While some of these recipes might be of interest to others in your life, some of these recipes might also be helpful to you! All the recipes are made with dry ingredients and then have instructions on what to add and how to prepare the food.

Food Safety

As with any food preparation, start by cleaning and sanitizing the work area and wash hands with soap and water. Make sure the containers are food safe, clean and completely dry before adding any ingredients. If you are making a gift for others, make sure you are aware of any food allergies or aversion and do not use a recipes that would not work for them.

Types of Containers

Use only food safe containers. This can be many different types of containers such as to-go or plastic food containers, zip top bags, glass canning jars, and mugs. Canning jars are a good option but make sure they are free of chips or cracks. Many recipes designed for gift giving will list the dry recipe ingredients and recommend a jar size such as pint or quart. If this is a recipe for your own kitchen, you may choose to use container that fits best in your space. If this is a gift, you might choose to decorate the container. Avoid containers that contain toxic metals cush as lead, copper, brass, etc. Some decorative containers will say “not food safe” on the bottom. For example, I received a bouquet of flowers in a light blue glass jar that looked similar to a canning jar but it was not labeled as a Mason jar and on the bottom it said, “not food safe”.

Your decorations for gift giving can be as simple as attaching the recipe to the container or you can add some scrap fabric, ribbon or colored paper to decorate the outside of the package. What do you already have that could be used for decorating? Containers and lids can be decorated with, fabric, ribbons, twine, stickers, etc.

Free Class

You are invited to join Ohio State University Extension, Lucas County at our last monthly community program this year at the Glass City Enrichment Center (815 Front Street, with a free parking lot right across the street from Burger King). Drop in anytime between 3pm – 5pm on Thursday, December 12th to sample a recipe or two and pick of copies of various recipes and instructions to make your own gifts from the kitchen. This is free but we ask you register by December 11 at go.osu.edu/osugcec .  If you are not able to make this event but would like copies of the recipes please visit go.osu.edu/giftsfromkitchen

Two Easy Recipes

Layered Soup

In a clean pint-sized jar or container, layer the following ingredients. Cover the jar/container with a tight fitting lid and attach a copy of the recipe below. This recipe can be made vegetarian as written or add some leftover cooked turkey, canned chicken or ground beef. Makes one large pot of soup.

 

Layer these dry ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup dried split peas
  • 2 Tablespoons dried bouillon (broth) granules
  • 1/4 cup pearl barley
  • 1/2 cup dry lentils
  • 1/4 cup dry minced onions
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup rice

 

Recipe to Make Layered Soup

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 container Layered Soup Mix
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • Optional: 10-12 ounces of cooked meat

 

Directions:  Add dry soup mix, water and tomatoes to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Add optional cooked meat and heat through. For best flavor, use dry mix within one year.

 

Peach Crisp in a Mug from the University of Maine, makes one serving.

 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons quick oats
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon finely chopped pecans
1 (4 ounce) container peaches in natural juice

 

  • Use one mug.
  • Place dry ingredients inside a snack-sized re-closable bag and place bag in bottom of mug
  • Place the container of peaches on top of the dry ingredients.
  • Attach gift tag instructions for the final product. Note: Store in refrigerator and use within 1 month.

 

Instructions for Cooking Peach Crisp in a Mug:

 

Ingredients:

Peach Crisp dry ingredients
1 ½ teaspoons butter
1 4-ounce container of peaches

 

Directions:

  1. Place butter into a plain coffee cup/mug. Microwave for 20 – 45 seconds to melt butter.
  2. Add dry ingredients, stir to moisten. Mixture will be crumbly.
  3. Add the peaches, undrained, and stir well.
  4. Microwave 2 more minutes.

Enjoy!