DIY Gift Guide: Sweetness in a Jar
During the winter, there's nothing better than curling up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate after a long day spent battling the icy outdoors. (And when I say 'icy' I mean temps dropping below 70-degrees here in California. At least we can pretend to have seasons... haha.) While store-bought gifts are wonderful, homemade presents are even better! Especially when chocolate is in the mix (literally). Today I'm going to show you how to make an inexpensive, yet thoughtful, holiday gift: Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar. Not only will you be giving your friends and family something sweet to sip on, you will also be giving them an excuse to take the time to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and relax. And we all know, nothing beats that.
What you will need:
- 1 mason jar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup cocoa
- 2 ½ cups powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (Alton Brown's secret ingredient!)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- Ribbon
- Gift tag
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients except the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Divide powder mixture into mason jars leaving room for chocolate chips and marshmallows. Then add a layer of chips and a layer of marshmallows on top of the mix.
- Write these instructions on stationary paper: Combine ½ cup of mix with 1 cup of hot water. Spinkle with marshmallows & chips and enjoy!
- Fold up instructions and place on top mix in the jar (or tie onto the outside of the jar). Seal tightly.
- Finish it off by tying a ribbon around the lid of the jar or decorating the mason jar as your see it (the above photo is great decorating inspo).
Are you going to give a little sweetness this holiday season?
XO Lauren
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Recipe Source: Food Network
Photo: Andrea Doizer & Simply Photography via Ruffled
32 comments
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I did this last year and my recipients loved it! I'm also trying it this year with a little twist. I'll be sure to upload the pictures to my profile page, so you, guys tell me what you think.
Huge hugs from the Caribbean and merry Christmas!! :) -
I also chose to go with the DIY mason jar gift idea! Its fun, inexpensive, and from the heart! I called mine Elf Cookies and keep them around for party gifts, goodies, and last minute presents for unexpected Christmas gifts! See the recipe here : http://katewain.blogspot.com/2012/12/elf-cookies-diy-gift-idea.html
ENJOY! -
Do you think it's necessary to put in the powdered milk? I was thinking of putting warm lactose milk instead because I'm lactose intolerant. Anyone have any tips? -
I love this idea! It's so sweet and I've always thought gifts mean a lot more when someone has hand made them. I will try this around christmas time :) Thanks for the idea xo
http://rochellepockettx.blogspot.co.uk/
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Love this DIY! :)
http://www.soupforthegirlysoul.blogspot.com
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Please go to Beauty Army on Facebook and write on their wall "I vote for video 2" and then go follow my blog...trubeautygems.blogspot.com
Thanks!
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This is an amazing gift idea I made two for my two of my closest friends and their families. I wish I took a picture of it, but it was really simple and cute. My best friend said it was tasted pretty amazing too!
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This is absolutely perfect for my managers! Very thoughtful as well!!
http://www.rewindwithcoffee.com/
Thanks Lauren
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Hey all, check out gingerbread house for this holiday :D
http://whynotstartnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-time.html
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i love this idea!!....now i have another little something for my best girl<3
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This is such a cute idea for the holiday's. I would like for you to share this on my website if you want and you can add pictures and a link.
gift-ideas-info-guide.com
Thanks!
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I loooovvvvve this recipe! Must try!!! Everybody loves hot chocolate :) I live in Tallahassee FL and Yesterday it was 76 degrees out but I would still love some hot chocolate <3 -
Such a creative idea! LOVE IT! Wished I has seen it sooner to make these for all the staff at the school I work at. I will be doing this next year for sure!
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I like that it's super easy to make and will be inexpensive! Check out my holiday gift guide:
http://messyhairprettydress.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-minute-holiday-gift-guide.html
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I'm doing this for Christmas, such a cute idea! Just a few questions- I'm guessing this recipe must be for 1 large mason jar or 4 small jam size jars? I'm also wondering about the decorations on the mason jar itself. Any tutorials on how to make it look so pretty? I'm all thumbs, need help! lol
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This is so cute and such a great idea for the friends who are so hard to buy for! Thanks Lauren :)
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I LOVE this Idea it is so pretty really cute. Thank you Lauren for share this with us.
xoxo, Petra
www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com -
omg this is an awesome idea... i am so gonna do this. i didn't know what to get my friends since my budget is so tight this year but this is such a cute and inexpensive gift. and since its been really cold here in California this will be perfect!!
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