The Gift of Cooking - Meals in a Jar

The holiday season has begun and a many of us are thinking about gifts for our friends and loved ones. Why not share the joy of cooking with your friends and family this holiday season?

“One of my favorite things to do is to make a few meals in a jar, and decorate them with my family,” shares Despe Lebel, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator. You can make almost any meal a “meal in a jar” by taking all of the dry ingredients and layering them into a mason jar or clear container. The general rule of thumb is to place all the dry ingredients from a recipe into the jar; with the exception of anything that needs to go into the recipe towards the end, such as spices or yeast. These smaller dry ingredients can be tucked into the jar in a small bag. Once you have layered your dry ingredients you can add a decorative label or tag with the recipe instructions and list any fresh ingredients needed.

Try some of Despe’s meal-in-a-jar favorites: Friendship Soup, Mixed Nut Butter or Gingerbread in a Jar.

As we all prepare to fill our bellies and warm our hearts with family and friends this holiday season we encourage you to check out Maine SNAP-Ed for more ways to shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget.

SNAP-Ed educators at Healthy Acadia offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Allie or Kirsten in Washington County, or Nicole or Despe in Hancock County.