DIY Gift Jars

I have become very mindful of the processed foods and preservatives my family is regularly consuming from our grocery store purchases. I watch those TikToks where others show themselves ditching the dry mixes and making their own. These are a few of my first attempts at following their lead. I also think the jars would make great gifts, so I put together the lists and directions with that in mind as well.

Bloody Mary Mix

In an 8 ounce jar, combine…

• 2 Tbs black pepper

• 4 Tbs celery salt (or ground celery seed for a reduced-salt option)

• 3 Tbs Worcestershire powder

• 1 Tbs smoked paprika

• 1.5 Tbs lemon juice powder

• 1 Tbs lime juice powder

• 1 Tbs onion powder

• 1 Tbs garlic powder

• 1 tsp Tabasco pepper powder

To make the cocktail…

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Add 1 - 1.5 tsp of dry spice mix.

3. Pour 1.5 ounce (50 ml) Vodka and 5.5 - 6 oz of tomato juice.

4. Stir well (or shake) and garnish as desired.

Mulled Cider and Wine

• 6 - 8 cinnamon sticks (broken into 1 inch pieces)

• 4 Tbs dried orange peel

• 2 Tbs whole cloves

• 2 Tbs allspice berries

• 5 - 6 star anise pods

• 1 Tbs dried ginger pieces

• 1 tsp cadamom pods

To make the cider or wine:

1. Pour one bottle (750 ml) of red wine or a half-gallon of apple cider into a pot.

2. Add 3 - 4 tablespoons of the spice mix.

3. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Do not let it boil.

4. Strain and serve warm.

Rustic Italian Dipping Oil Seasoning

• 4 Tbs dried oregano

• 3 Tbs dried basil

• 2 Tbs dried parsley

• 2 Tbs dried minced garlic

• 1 Tbs dried minced onion

• 1 Tbs red pepper flakes

• 1 Tbs flaky sea salt

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp dried thyme

To prepare the bread dip:

1. Place 1 tablespoon of the seasoning onto a small shallow plate.

2. Pour ¼ cup of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the herbs.

3. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

4. Let it sit for 5 - 10 minutes so the herbs can “bloom” in the oil.

5. Serve with crusty bread.

Taco Seasoning

• 4 Tbs chili powder (mild or California for no heat)

• 4 Tbs ground cumin

• 3 Tbs smoked paprika

• 2 Tbs sea salt

• 1 Tbs garlic powder

• 1 Tbs onion powder

• 1 Tbs dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

To make tacos…

1. Brown 1 lb of ground beef and drain excess fat.

2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix.

3. Pour in ¼ cup of water (or beef broth).

4. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces to a thick, flavorful glaze.

Ranch Seasoning

• 8 Tbs buttermilk powder

• 3 Tbs dried parsley

• 1 Tbs dried dill weed

• 1 Tbs dried chives

• 1 Tbs garlic powder

• 1 Tbs onion powder

• 2 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

*Store in cool, dry place or fridge.

Classic Ranch Dressing

1. Whisk 1 tablespoon of seasoning with ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup milk (or sour cream).

2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the herbs to hydrate.

Party Dip

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of seasoning with 16 ounces of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

2. Serve with veggies or chips.