Soup and Seasoning Mixes You Can Make to Give as Gifts

One thing most cooks really like to do is to make up their own “instant recipe” dry mixes.  In the long run it is most likely cost effective because of the availability of bulk purchase of ingredients. 

Additionally, the cook can assure the ingredients are both healthy and of a good quality.
It is also very nice to be able to make up a mix as needed rather than making a trip to the store for just that one mix needed for salad dressing, etc. 

These mixes can make a very nice gift for any occasion.  Find some pretty jars, make a cover from a small bit of cloth, use raffia ties to hold cover on and voila: a useful, pretty, and thoughtful gift.   For your own use or for gift-giving, save empty spice bottles and re-label and refill with these mixes where size permits.  Most word processing programs offer the ability to print very creative labels for the jars or bottles or hand-printed instructions on colored paper gives a nice homey feel to gift as well.

Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix

1 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 Tbsp. dried chives
1/4 Tbsp. dried tarragon
1/2 Tbsp. lemon pepper
1 Tbsp. salt
1/4 Tbsp. oregano
1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in a small airtight sandwich bag, jar, or bottle.

Label as follows:

Ranch Dressing – Makes 1 cup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. Ranch Pressing & Dip Mix
In a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk and dressing & dip mix. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Ranch Dip
Makes 2 cups
2 Tbsp. Ranch Dressing & Dip Mix
1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayo
1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt
Combine the Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving with raw vegetables, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Fill a large mason jar with any type of snacks for dipping (small snack crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, etc.). Attach package of dip mix to jar and decorate for gift-giving.

Onion Soup or Dip Mix
3 onion bouillon cubes, crushed
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/3 cup instant onion flakes
2 dashes pepper

Put all ingredients in a small sandwich bag. Seal well and store in cool, dry place.

Label bag as follows:

Onion Soup: Empty package into a pot and gradually stir in 4 cups cold water and 1 Tbsp. butter. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 20 minutes. Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls, sprinkle with croutons or toasted bread. Then add one slice provolone cheese. Briefly put bowls under a broiler to melt cheese. Serve. Makes 4 1-cup servings.

Onion Dip: Mix one package onion soup mix with 2 cups sour cream. Chill before serving.

Fill a large mason jar with any type of snacks for dipping (small snack crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, etc.). Attach package of dip mix to jar and decorate for gift-giving.
Mexican Fiesta Dip Mix

1/2 cup dried parsley
1/3 cup minced onion
1/4 cup dried chives
1/3 cup chili powder
1/4 cup ground cumin
1/4 cup salt

In a large bowl, combine the spices and store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the Jar:
Mexican Fiesta Dip
Makes 2 cups
3 Tbsp. Mexican Fiesta Dip Mix
1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt
In a medium mixing bowl combine the Dip Mix with the mayonnaise and sour cream. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.



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