Christmas DIY Gifts From The Kitchen {Slammin’ Jammin’ Berry Bar Mix}

From hostess gifts to holiday gifts, it’s the season for DIY from our kitchens and I’m teaming up with my friends from Recipe ReDux for a link up to give you ideas. Homemade gifts are a special treat. They seem to be the best gifts for teachers, neighbors, family, friends and anyone else that deserves a little love from the kitchen.

And the best part? Creating gifts in the kitchen as a family.

1) Create anticipation. One thing we do each holiday season is create a holiday bucket list of all the things we want to do as a family. Each family member adds to the list. Then I put them on the calendar in a visible location, so all can look forward to fun! Include a kitchen-gift making session on that list.
2) Get organized. It might sound like a daunting task to say this during the holiday season, but all I do is lay out the supplies the night before, have the groceries purchased and figure out where my jars are (be sure to clean them!)!
3) Write down those who will receive your gifts. It’s no fun starting over again when you’ve just finished because you forgot someone.
4) Assembly line style is best. I’ve learned this through all the cooking classes I’ve taught. Just have the ingredients ready with the measurements needed to go into the jar. And yes, it will get messy. That’s part of the fun!
5) Decorate the jars. Cut some circles out of themed fabric by using the lids as a template. Add a fun ribbon and card off the side of the jar. Don’t forget to add the title of the recipe, and instructions!

My daughter created Slammin’ Jammin’ Berry Bars this summer for the county fair. She earned a well-deserved blue ribbon. Because they earned such high marks, we had to turn them into a mix in a jar for the holidays.

Emma’s Slammin’ Jammin’ Berry Bar Mix (in a Jar) 

Serves 16.

Ingredients for mix:
 1-1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar

Layer ingredients one at a time in a one quart jar.

Tie the following instructions onto the jar:

Additional ingredients needed:
3/4 cup butter (1-1/2 sticks), cut into one inch chunks
1 cup raspberry cranberry preserves
1/2 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions:
 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour contents of jar into large bowl. Add chunks of butter and mix until crumbly.
2) Measure one cup of crumb mixture and set aside (this will be used for the topping). Press the remaining crumbled mixture from the bowl into 9-by-9-inch greased dish.
3) Top bottom layer with preserves and cranberries. Over top of preserves and cranberries, sprinkle reserved one cup of crumbled mixture.
4) Bake 30-35 minutes or until light golden brown.

I would love to hear how you give the gift of love from your kitchen. For more great DIY holiday gift ideas and inspiration from other registered dietitians, be sure to check out the link below.