Still opening Christmas presents...

Thought I'd lighten things up this wintry Saturday morning and share a recipe.  My sister Marcella gave me several of these wonderful "gift in a jar" goodies for Christmas and I had the chance to make the first one last night.  Here are the ingredients and instructions for filling the jar: 

Sand Art Brownies

5/8 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2/3 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup white baking chips, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.  

Mix 5/8 c. flour with salt.  Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide mouth 1 quart jar, starting with the flour and sale mixture and ending with the walnuts.  NOTE: While the type of jar my sister used is really cute, the brown sugar hardened and was difficult to get out.  Microwaving hardened brown sugar softens it, but because of the metal clamps I wasn't able to do that.  So you might want to just use a regular wide-mouthed canning jar.

When ready to use the mix, follow these directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350℉.  Grease one 8 or 9 inch square baking pan. (I think this disposable aluminum pan was more like 7 " square, so it made the brownies a bit thicker and required a little longer baking time.)

2.  Pour the contents of the jar into a large bowl, and mix well.

3.  Stir in 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 tbsp. water, and 2 eggs.  Beat until just combined. (I used a wooden spoon, not a mixer.)

4.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 mins.  (I baked mine for about 40 mins.)

Oh my! these brownies are SO GOOD!  And it was easy and fun to make them!

Last week I had breakfast with my friend Leslie, who gave me the gift of this awesome tiered plate which matches my collection of Pfaltzgraff  (Yorktowne) dishes.  Even though it was just hubby and me enjoying movie night at home, I set our treats out on the dish.  Fortunately we didn't eat them all and I think I'll enjoy another brownie with my coffee this morning!