DIY: A Gift in a Jar

A GIFT IN A JAR: THE DRY INGREDIENTS OF A RECIPE, LAYERED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. AN EASY TO CREATE, HOMEMADE GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Gift in a jar:

GOULASH MIX

What you will need:

• A wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar
• Ribbon, paper, gift tags or whatever you’d like to use for decorating the jar
• 1 ½ cups of dried minced onion
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon pepper
• ¾ teaspoon sugar
• 3 cups of elbow macaroni

Layer the above ingredients in the jar, packing each one firmly into place before adding the next one.

Attach a gift card with the following cooking directions:

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Goulash Mix
• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
• 3 (14 ½ oz.) cans of stewed tomatoes
• 1 cup of water

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and then drain the fat. Add the tomatoes and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the Goulash Mix; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Then uncover and continue simmering until the macaroni is tender and the sauce is thickened.

The above gift in a jar should last for at least 6 months!

Stay in tune for the next DIY gift in a jar,

Vicky :)

Clinton Township resident Vicky Goldwater is the “Spokester” for Michigan First Credit Union's Young & Free Michigan program, helping the 17-25 year-old crowd get a head start on their finances. As the voice of the program, she shares this positive message through social media channels, local events and speaking opportunities as well as her blog on YoungFreeMichigan.com. You can also follow Vicky’s adventures on Twitter (@youngfreeMI) and Facebook. Michigan First Credit Union is a local financial institution serving more than 90,000 individuals and businesses in the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Visit www.MichiganFirst.com to learn more