The Soup Basket

It's not soup in a basket. It's soup in a two cup jar and a basket of jars. I love making these gifts. They take very little work and cost (sometimes), but deliver a message of love, caring and warmth. I love things that come from the kitchen. It reminds me of all the gatherings and activity that was the center of our home...the kitchen.

Our church has used these jar gifts as fundraisers. I've used them as teacher gifts; get well gifts; welcome home gifts; going away gifts; care packages; all the Hallmark created appreciation gift days; or just because. My husband would have really appreciated a basket of jars when we were first married. I didn't always like being in the kitchen and most of the time it was safer if I wasn't. Just saying...new husbands shouldn't assume because the mother-in-law is adept and comfortable in the kitchen that it is part of the gene pool. And, he should have really listened more closely to those embarrassing stories told by my loving family instead of gazing lovingly into my eyes. Really, he had warning (but that's another hub).

This is a much appreciated theme basket, especially during the flu season:

Needed

Basket to hold a Jar(or two) of Chicken Noodle Soup (directions follow); and any of the following: Cough drops; Vick's Vapor Rub; A microwaveable scented seed or rice hot pack; maybe a favorite tea; a soup mug; DVD; music CD; and/or a good book.

Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar:

Layer in a two cup jar from bottom (goes without saying) in the following order:

1/4 cup of red lentils

2 tbsp. dried onion flakes

2 1/2 tsp. chicken bouillon powder

1/2 tsp. dried dill weed or dill seed ( I prefer the weed - you know what I mean)

1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder

approximately 1 cup medium egg noodles and

1 bay leaf.

Seal jar. You can add a cute lid cover (or not).

Tag with the following instructions:

Bring 8 cups of water to boil. Stir in jar of soup mix (contents only). Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn or mixed veggies and 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or turkey. Simmer until veggies are tender and chicken is heated through. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Other soup recipes include: Minestrone (one of the most requested); Texas Two Step (I made a theme basket everything Texas for friends moving to Texas); Four Bean; Country Soup; French Market; Beef Barley (very colorful jar of ingredients); and Chili.

A gift that doesn't come off the shelf, easy and fun to assemble, greatly appreciated, and enjoyable.

Enjoy or excuse the music but most importantly enjoy your family and friends.

A Tisket - A Tasket

Give Away A Basket

Be it Red - yes,yes

Be it Green - yes,yes

Be it Cerise -

if you wish!!!