I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful way to warm both heart and belly.
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Giving soup mix as a gift isn’t the same as giving other food: Typically, the receiver will have to add a few other ingredients to actually make the finished product. But you can use that to your advantage and enhance your soup gift by including as many of those ingredients as possible, such as canned tomato sauce, canned beans, a small bag of macaroni, etc.
Stores such as Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Bed, Bath & Beyond are great places to find unique items with which to accessorize your gift, such as a spoon to stir the pot, a spoon rest or an oversize mug. Typically, these stores also carry packages of gourmet crackers and bags of fun-shaped pasta (snowflakes, trees, sports equipment).
Photo: Deposit Photos
Give a spoonful of comfort to your friends this holiday season, and give them homemade soup as a gift. Check out the following soup mix recipes for your unique and delicious delivery.
Friendship soup mix: A few years back I made this friendship soup for several folks, who later told me they loved it. Layer the lentils, split peas, rice and other dry ingredients in colorful stripes in a clear jar. Your recipient will need to add ground beef, tomatoes and tomato paste, plus seasonings.
Chicken tortilla soup mix: Chicken tortilla soup is great for those who like a little spice in their life. You are essentially gifting rice and crushed tortilla chips in a jar, so consider printing the recipe on festive paper and adding a festive soup bowl to pretty up your present.
Country soup in a jar: This country soup in a jar recipe includes barley, rice and fun-shaped macaroni. The green split peas make the color ideal for a Christmas gift.
Love soup mix: Love soup mix is perfect for that special someone, such as your parents who don’t want to add more stuff to their home.
Curried lentil soup mix: Does someone on your list fancy Indian food? Consider this Curried Lentil Soup Mix. The soup mix recipe is vegan, soy, nut and gluten free, so it makes a great gift for friends or families with food restrictions.
Bonus tip: Whip up some biscuit mix to go along with the soup mix. Your gift recipient will certainly enjoy some easy fresh-baked biscuits to go along with the soup. This biscuit mix recipe is large, but can be scaled down.
Finally, if you’re giving soup as a gift, remember to include a list of additional necessary ingredients (and perhaps a few of the ingredients themselves) and the cooking directions in your gift package. A beautifully hand printed recipe on festive holiday paper or colorful index cards will liven up your presentation. A bow on top of your jar of dried ingredients adds the finishing touch.
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