M&M Oatmeal Bars in a Jar

1/2 C. old-fashioned oats
1/2 C. mini M&M's candies
1/2 C. light brown sugar, packed*
1 C. buttermilk biscuit baking mix
1/2 C. dark brown sugar, packed*
1 C. buttermilk biscuit baking mix

In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed, beginning with oats. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more M&M candies to fill the jar. Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover the lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with ribbon of raffia. Decorate as desired.

Make gift card to attach as follows:
M&M OATMEAL BARS

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in:
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Press into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set.

Makes 16 bars.

*After measuring the brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it.

Oatmeal Cookie Mix

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups quick rolled oats

In large bowl, combine all and store in airtight container. Good placed in cellophane bag, and placed in a sun-tea jar for later use.

Oatmeal Cookies (4 dozen): 1 1/4 cup butter softened, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 package oatmeal cookie mix. Preheat oven to 375ºF.

In large bowl of electric mixer, cream the butter, egg and vanilla. Add the cookie mix and stir until the mixture is well blended. Drop the cookies by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8-9 minutes. Cool 1 minutes and then remove to wire racks to cool.

Oatmeal Fruit Cookies in a Jar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup wheat germ
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup golden raisins
2/3 cup flaked coconut
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix the flour, baking soda and salt together. Starting with the brown sugar layer the ingredients in a 1 liter sized glass jar in the order given. Ending with the flour mixture.

Attach a card with the following directions:
Oatmeal Fruit Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.

Empty the contents of the jar into a large bowl. Using a wooden spoon blend the mixture until well combined.

Using you hands work in 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Beat 1 egg with 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 cup milk. Still using your hands or a wooden spoon blend the egg mixture into the dough until well combined.

Drop teaspoon sized mounds 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Place cookies on a rack to finish cooling. Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies.

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Mix

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups uncooked quick oats
1 cup flour mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1 tsp. baking soda
and 1/2 tsp. salt

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350º for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 3 dozen.