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Friday, December 16, 2011

The Mason Jar...fill 'er up for Christmas. ~~Tanya Hanson

In 1858, The Mason jar was invented as the first canning jar by John Landis Mason. He expanded upon the ideas of Frenchman Francois Nicolas Appert, a pickler, brewer, chef and distiller who in 1810, had established the principles of preserving food in hermetically-sealed glass containers. 


John Mason developed a shoulder-seal jar with a zinc screw-cap.  Ten years later, he inroduced a top rubber seal above the threads and under a glass lid.

So why do most Mason jars come marked with the name Ball? 

When John Mason’s patent expired in 1879 , the market opened for competition. In 1884, the Ball brothers swooped in and started a manufacturing company inNew York State. However, three years later, Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company moved to Indiana. During the Great Depression, the company did not lay off one single worker. After 88 years as a family business, the company went public in 1972.

And their lovely jars can be used to construct the perfect Christmas gift for your neighbors. Cover the lid with a circle of gingham or calico, tie with a festive bow, and you’ve got it made. Don’t forget to attach the directions.




SAND ART BROWNIES!                                 
This recipe makes one gift jar using a wide-mouth quart Mason jar.  For 1 jar:
2/3 t. salt
1 1/8 c. flour, divided
1/3 c. cocoa powder
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
1/2 c. walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
In  a clean, dry canning jar, layer the ingredients as follows:
2/3 t. salt
5/8 c. flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
1/2 c. walnuts
Close jar, add fabric circle and attach the following directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x9 baking pan.
2. Pour the contents of the jar into a large bowl and mix well.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2/3 cup vegetable oil and 3 eggs. Beat until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and enjoy!


There's still time to cuddle up with Right to Bragg, Book Four in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series...set at the ranch during a snowy Christmastime...


http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/right-to-bragg
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8 comments:

  1. Paty JagerDecember 16, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Fun information and a good tip. I gave away "jar" recipes several years ago as Christmas gifts to family members and friends. Have a wonderful Christmas, Tanya!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 16, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Now I know what to do with my boxes and boxes of Mason Jars! I won't let my husband get rid of them, even though I don't use them anymore. I used to make jelly every year--loved to make jelly! But that doesn't happen anymore.
    But I could fill them with candy, etc. and give as gifts.
    Wonderful, Tanya..love it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tanya HansonDecember 16, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    hi Friends, hubby and I had a little project a couple of Christmases ago to fill jars for our neighbors. We had great fun with our "team" effort, and our neighbors had a yummy treat.

    And yes, Celia, they can be filled with anything. Adding a calico topper just adds the finishing touch.

    Love to you both...and merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cheryl PiersonDecember 16, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Tanya,
    This was really interesting. I DID wonder why it says "Ball" on the side but is called a "Mason jar." LOL Thanks for the recipe. I have a couple of people that I need gifts for that have everything. This will be perfect! Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  5. Caroline ClemmonsDecember 16, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Tanya, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I have a gazillion (rough estimate) jars left from when I used to can from the orchard and our garden. I think I'm over canning, but miss having the home-canned veggies and jams. This is a great way to accomplish two things--get rid of jars and provide treats for neighbors.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anna Kathryn LanierDecember 16, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Interesting post. I've been doing 'gifts in a jar' for years. Thanks for the cookie recipe, looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tanya HansonDecember 18, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Hi all, I'm getting back in the saddle a d shooting for more online time in the midst of the chaos. Love to all...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jeanmarie HamiltonDecember 19, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Tanya, what a lovely gift. Great idea for presents and for keeping on the kitchen counter or shelf, until baked, for a bit of art in the kitchen. :-)

    Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete

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