Brownie Mix - Gift in a Jar

I have a couple weddings to attend this fall and, to make gift-buying efficient and painless, I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and got both couples' registries to knock out all my wedding shopping in one trip.

For the couple that got married last weekend, we saw that they had registered for a lot of mixing spoons. While I was amused at the fact they were going to be inundated with wooden spoons, I obliged because it is my favorite kitchen utensil. The box of spoons I ended up with seemed kind of dull for a wedding gift, so I wanted to throw in something a bit more personalized. What could be better than an opportunity to USE a mixing spoon?!

Brownie Mix in a Jar

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup vegetable shortening

PREPARATION:
Combine dry ingredients. Cut in shortening thoroughly with a pastry blender. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Makes 8 cups, or enough for 4 one-pint jars yielding 4 batches of brownies. Give with directions below:

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups brownie mix with 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts. Stir until just moistened. Spread in prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until center is set.
Makes 16 brownies.

Of course I had to actually bake a batch of these to make sure the mix worked out... I was delighted at the results. I printed the directions on labels and hot-glued the label to the jars. All in all, I was pleased with the results, and am considering making these for gifts this holiday season as well!

From House decor