By Kelly Bogard

Coming up with gift ideas for this time of year can be tricky. I want to share my appreciation with so many people—my co-workers, neighbors, my daughter’s teachers—but I always struggle to find something thoughtful, festive and affordable.

This year, though, I’ll be giving Potato Soup Mix in a Jar. It’s a quick and easy holiday gift idea, and my friends and family can enjoy a warm, delicious meal in the cold winter months.

For Potato Soup Mix in a Jar, you will need…Potato Soup Mix - Ingredients
1 quart jar
2 cups instant potato flakes
1-¾ cups powdered milk
2 tbsp. beef bouillon
2 tbsp. bacon bits
2 tsp. dried chives
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. pepper
½ tsp. seasoned salt

You might want to have some decorative items on hand to make your jar looks pretty. I like using printable labels and fun fabrics to add a personal touch, and don’t forget to attach the recipe for cooking.

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.
Potato Soup Mix - Mixed
Pour into a wide-mouth quart jar, decorate and share with friends. How easy is that?
Potato Soup Mix - Finished
To make the soup, add ½ cup of soup mix to 1 cup of hot water. Heat on low for five minutes, until heated through. Top with grated cheese, and you have a nice warm bowl of potato soup to enjoy.
Potato Soup Mix - Cooked
You also can add chunks of fresh baked potatoes for extra yumminess.

I hope you are enjoying the hustle and bustle of this holiday season. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy time with your family and friends.

From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Recipe: Potato Soup Mix in a Jar

Summary: Wonderful gift to keep friends warm in the cold winter months

Potato Soup Mix - Finished

Ingredients

  • 1 quart jar
  • 2 cups instant potato flakes
  • 1-¾ cups powdered milk
  • 2 tbsp. beef bouillon
  • 2 tbsp. bacon bits
  • 2 tsp. dried chives
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ½ tsp. seasoned salt

Instructions for Assembly

  • In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients, adding a few at a time to make sure everything is well mixed.
  • Pour the mix into a washed and dried quart jar.
  • Decorate the jar to give as a gift, or just set aside to enjoy during the cold winter months.

Instructions for Cooking

  • Add 1/2 cup of soup mix to 1 cup hot water.
  • Heat on low for five minutes, until the soup begins to thicken and is heated through.
  • Sprinkle with grated cheese and enjoy.
  • Makes one bowl.

Prep time (duration): 5-10 minutes

Number of servings (yield): 8 servings per jar

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