Outrageous Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

Instructions for layering ingredients:

In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more baking chips, dried fruits or nuts to fill the jar

Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with a rubber band, then ribbon or raffia. Decorate as desired.

Note: When measuring 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.

Make a gift card to attach as follows: "Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown.
Makes 2-1/2 dozen cookies

Substitute almond extract for vanilla in cookies containing almonds.

"To make cookies as bars: Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Press into an 8x8-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 24 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set

Makes 16 bar cookies."

Potato Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar

1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

In a small bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder. Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart "wide mouth" canning jar. It will be a tight fit. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Decorate the jar and attach a tag with the following directions:
Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Add: 2 sticks butter, softened and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until blended completely. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Flatten.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 14 to 18 minutes until edges are very lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on the cookie sheets. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Raisin Crunch Cookie Mix

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1-1/4 cups packed flaked coconut
1 cup crushed cornflakes
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick oats
1-1/4 cups flour mixed with 1 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. baking powder

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 1 cup softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350º for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 3 to 4 dozen.

Russian Teacakes Cookie Mix in a Jar

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine the confectioners' sugar and flour and place into a 1-quart canning jar. Put the chopped pecans on top.

Include the following instructions with the jar:

Russian Teacakes
3/4 cup solid shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and butter. Stir in vanilla extract. Add the contents of the jar, and mix well. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool, and roll in confectioners' sugar.

Makes 4 dozen.