Brownie mix is a delicious and thoughtful pastry bag gift.
When it comes to giving birthday, anniversary, holiday or any occasion gifts, sometimes it is difficult to decide just what to give. Whether money is tight or you are looking for something out of the ordinary, homemade gourmet food items in a pastry bag are fun, easy and thoughtful gifts.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is delicious on a cool day and looks pretty when layered in a bag. Pastry bags typically come in 10, 12 or 18-inch sizes. For one serving size, you will want to use a 10 inch sized bag. To make the hot chocolate, you will need the following; 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons powdered creamer, 4 tablespoons dry milk powder, 2 tablespoons plus 2 ½ teaspoons unsweetened cocoa, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and recipe tags. In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together except the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Next, fill the pastry bag with 1/3 cup mix. Then put a layer of mini chocolate chips on top, and then a layer of mini marshmallows. Use either twist ties or rubber band to tie bags together. Then take tags and print "mix 1/3 cup mix with 3/4 cup boiling water and stir to dissolve." Lastly take a decorative piece of cut ribbon to cover bag tie. Tie ribbon and attach tag. You can use flavored non-dairy creamer to add additional flavors.
Chili Seasoning
Chili seasoning is a low cost gift for anyone who likes chili. For the recipe, you will need 3 tablespoons corn meal; 3 tablespoons chili powder; ½ teaspoon each of ground cumin, salt and dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 crushed beef bouillon cube and recipe tags. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Place three 1/3 cup portions of the mix in a 12-inch clear pastry bag. Tie the bag together with a rubber band or twist tie. On the tag, print, "To make chili, place one pound of ground beef drained in medium pot. Add 3 (15oz) cans of tomato sauce, and 1/3 cup of seasoning, one onion, and ½-cup bell pepper chopped. Simmer with lid on for at least 15 minutes. Add ribbon and tag.
Brownie Mix
This recipe makes warm, chewy brownies. First, you will need the 18-inch clear pastry bags. For the mix you need; 1-1/2 cups sugar, ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons cocoa, 3/4-cup flour, 3/4-teaspoon baking powder and 3/4-teaspoon salt. Pour sugar into the bag and press firmly. Add cocoa and press firmly. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt and pour on the top. Make sure the bag is tightly secured. On the tag print "In large bowl add mix, 3/4 cup softened butter and 3 eggs. Mix thoroughly and spread into a greased 8 x 8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes." Add ribbon and tag.
Tags: chocolate chips, will need, clear pastry, ingredients together, large bowl, layer mini, mini chocolate