Serves: 5

First, use the index to choose a recipe that suits your fancy. At the top of the recipe, you'll find instructions for preparing the recipes at home. On the bottom of the recipe, you'll find instructions for creating a Mason jar mix.

If you have decided to bake a tray of cookies, for instance, simply look at the ingredient list. You'll see that the ingredients have been broken into two lists. The first list--the Jar Ingredients--contains the nonperishable ingredients that would be placed in the jar if you were creating a mix. These items have been grouped together here for ease of mixing, as in most cases, all the Jar Ingredients get combined first. The second list presents the Additional Ingredients--the eggs, butter, and other perishable items that must be added to the dry mix. The numbered instructions will tell you exactly how to prepare the recipe.

If your goal is to craft a gift jar, look at "CREATING THE JAR" below the recipe's numbered instructions. The numbered instructions under the "CREATING THE JAR" title outline the steps for creating the jar. (For more details, see The Basics: 06-Creating the Jars.) In these instructions, you'll find a list that shows you how to fill the jar for attractive results. (Just remember that the layer shown at the "BOTTOM of the jar" should be placed in the jar first.) Finally, at the bottom of the recipe, you'll find a link to the gift tag with all the information you need for your tag. As discussed in "06-Creating the Jars: THE TAG", you can print the tag directly to a recipe card and attach the card to your jar, or, if you prefer, you can write these instructions out on decorative paper.

With THE MASON JAR SOUP-TO-NUTS COOKBOOK, you can easily create a wealth of sweet treats, satisfying soups and stews, and delightful beverages that are sure to bring smiles to the faces of friends and family alike. What's more, you can also give the gift of beautiful Mason jar mixes to everyone on your gift list. Have fun!

From "The Mason Jar Soup to Nuts Cookbook." Copyright 2004 by Lonnette Parks. Used with permission of the publisher, Square One Publishers. All Rights Reserved.

More Recipes from the The Mason Jar Soup to Nuts Cookbook Cookbook:
01-Introduction
02-The Basics
03-Ingredients
04-Basic Kitchen Equipment
05-Baking and Cooking Tips
06-Creating the Jars
07-How to Use this Book
08-Metric Conversion Tables