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Delicious Homemade GF Holiday Gifts in a Jar

From left to right – Front row: Season’s Greetings poultry seasoning mix and Spiced Holiday Nuts. Back row: Pumpkin Pie Muffin Mix, Raw Cookie Dough Bites Mix, Homemade Granola and Fruit-n-Nut Bars Mix.

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is to make homemade gifts in a jar. And the wonderful thing is, they’re as much fun to make together, as they are to give to others! Simply layer the ingredients of a favorite recipe in a mason jars, then add a festive ribbon and tag, and there you have it – a thoughtful gift made with love.

There are certainly a ton of mason jar gift ideas out there, but unfortunately, many rely on unhealthy ingredients. So I thought it would be fun to share just a few of my favorites with the hope that this may help you to create some healthy homemade gifts of your own!

My Favorite GF Whole Food Mason Jar Gift Recipes

1. Fruit-in-Nut Bars in a Jar – These mock KIND Fruit-n-Nut Bars have been one of the most popular recipes I’ve posted this year. I modified the recipe a bit so it makes a beautiful and delicious gift-in-a-jar.

2. Slow Cooker Spiced Holiday Nuts – This year, we’ll be spreading holiday cheer with this delightful Spiced Holiday Nuts Gift-in-a-Jar recipe. These tasty nuts capture the aroma and flavor of the holiday season with just a hint of cayenne, giving them an extra kick of flavor. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to stop eating them!

3. Festive Little Gingersnaps in a Jar – Slightly crispy along the edges with a sweet-n-spicy chewy center, these scrumptious little grain-free gingersnap cookies make a thoughtful holiday gift! I like to stack them in recycled mason jars and dress-them-up with festive ribbons and bows.

4. “Season’s Greetings” in a Jar – This savory all-purpose seasoning mix makes a wonderful gift, especially when paired with my free recipe card printables.

5. Raw Cookie Dough Bites Mix in a Jar – My popular Raw Cookie Dough Bites recipe also works beautifully as a gift in a jar. Bet you can’t eat just one!

6. Pumpkin Pie Muffins Mix in a Jar – A much requested favorite, my GF pumpkin muffin recipe makes a beautiful and tasty gift in a jar!

7. Jumbleberry Jam in a Jar – You can use any whole food jam recipe to create a delicious holiday gift. I especially love to give my family’s favorite – Jumbleberry Jam – it’s secret ingredient allows the jam to set without the use of pectin powders!

8. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter and/or Slow Cooker Apple Butter in a Jar – These traditional fall-inspired spreads are so easy to make! And there so delicious! Your friends and family will love these!

9. Healthy Homemade Granola Gifts-in-a-Jar – the delicious versatility of homemade granola (and this simple healthy homemade granola bars recipe) makes it a thoughtful and welcomed gift!

10. Homemade Doggie Treats Gift-in-a-Jar – don’t forget your furry little friends! Doggies love homemade treats too! Take it from my pup Frankie, these easy Sweet Potato Puppy Treats are tail waggin’ good!

Tips for Creating Your Own Homemade Gifts …

Many recipes can be converted into beautiful gifts-in-a-jar. When thinking about which of your favorite recipes will work well as a gift-in-the-jar, it’s important to consider the following:
• Will the recipe ingredients fit in a standard size mason jar, such as a half-pint, pint or quart?
• How easy is the recipe to assemble? Are the additional items needed to complete the recipe standard ingredients that most people have on hand?
• How will you include instructions for making the recipe? (My preferred option is to include the instructions inside a holiday greeting card and place the card and gift jar into a recycled gift bag.)
• What are the storage requirements for the gift jar – should it be refrigerated or stored at room temp? And for how long? (Be sure these are included in the instructions, or explained to the recipient.)

I hope these ideas inspire you to create some healthy homemade holiday gifts of your own! Wishing you and your family many blessings for a joyful and Merry Christmas! Joyfully Serving Him, Kelly

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Pumpkin Pie Porridge (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

By Kelly · 35 Comments

As wintertime approaches and the sun tries its best to peek out from behind a thick layer of overcast skies, I can’t help but want to linger in my jammies and savor something warm and creamy. How about you?

I think most would agree … these cold, gloomy mornings are best greeted with a bowl of porridge. Which thankfully is no longer a pleasure of the past, since I discovered a foolproof method for creating a rich creamy hot cereal that rivals its grain-laden counterparts.

Feeling all fall-happy and pumpkin obsessed, I decided to tinker with my Grain-Free Cinnamon Apple Porridge recipe and my-oh-my I’m so glad I did!

With just one taste, I’m sure you will be too, my friends! Its aromatic fall-inspired spices paired with subtle pumpkin flavor and warm, creamy texture is a delight to each of the senses. (Of course, it’s important to point out that technically speaking this isn’t a Whole30-compliant breakfast since it mimics cereal. But you’ll definitely want to add this to your reintroduction phase!)

Since this delightful grain-free pumpkin pie porridge reheats beautifully and can be refrigerated for up to five days, it’s perfect for doubling up. That way you’ll be able to get a warm satisfying breakfast on the table in just a matter of minutes – leaving more time for snuggling under the covers just a bit longer!

P.S. The lovely napkins featured in these photos are courtesy of my friends at Hen House Linens. I just adore their beautiful linens, and even more so, their mission to make mealtimes special by adding a touch of warmth and beauty to the table.

Pumpkin Pie Porridge (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free)

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup whole raw almonds
1/2 cup whole raw cashews
1/3 cup raw pecans
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 medium ripe banana
1 14 oz. can (1 3/4 cups) pure coconut milk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the nuts and coconut flakes. Add enough filtered water to the bowl to completely cover the nuts and coconut. Add a pinch of salt and cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plate. Allow the nuts to soak at least 7-8 hours or overnight.
Once soaking time is completed, drain the nuts and coconut flakes in a colander; making sure to rinse them well until water runs clear.
Add the nuts and coconut flakes to the bowl of a food processor. Then, add the banana (break the banana in pieces and add to the top of the nuts).
Pulse the nuts and banana mixture until it forms a fine nut meal, making sure to stop and scrape down the bowl as needed for an even texture. Then, remove bowl from food processor and set aside. (Please note: You can alternate between pulsing and blending, if desired. The goal is to create a very fine nut meal, but not a paste. I find pulsing makes it easier to keep an eye on the consistency.)
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and raisins. Then add the banana-nut meal mixture. Stir well to thoroughly combine.
Bring the porridge to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-6 minutes until it's thick and creamy.
Ladle the pumpkin nut porridge into bowls and add a splash of your favorite milk and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, if desired. Truly the perfect breakfast to warm your family's hearts and tummies on cold fall and wintertime mornings.

Notes

Love cinnamon apples? Be sure to try my scrumptious grain-free Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Porridge too!

https://thenourishinghome.com/2014/11/grain-free-pumpkin-pie-porridge/

My new cookbook is here! With more than 100 irresistible recipes, Everyday Grain-Free Baking teaches you how easy it is to create grain-free, dairy-free versions of all your family’s favorite baked goods.
From breads, biscuits and muffins to savory snacks and decadent treats, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, beautiful color photographs and helpful tips & tidbits to make all of your GF baking adventures a delicious success!
Click here to get a SNEAK PEEK of the book!

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Cinnamon Apple Grain-Free Breakfast Porridge (Dairy-Free too!)

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Simple Healthy Breakfasts in 15 Minutes or Less!

By Kelly · 10 Comments

The morning rush hour can be quite a challenge. Believe me, I know! But in the hustle-bustle of getting kids dressed and out the door for school (or ready to be schooled at home), it’s important to also take time out to start the day with a healthy breakfast!

Eating a nutritious breakfast not only helps kids stay healthy, but it also helps them to do better in school. Studies show that kids who eat a wholesome breakfast have improved cognitive function, memory, behavior and attention span.

So what better motivation is there than that for whipping up a delicious and nutritious breakfast – not just for the kiddos, but you and your spouse too!

Of course, time is always hard to come by. That’s why, I’ve put together a round-up of some quick, yet healthy, gluten-free (and grain-free) breakfast recipes that will give your kids the energy they need to do their best in school, without slowing you down during the busy morning rush hour.

Time-Saving Tip: Breakfast can be especially simple, when you plan ahead. By doubling or tripling your favorite go-to breakfast recipes (like biscuits, waffles, pancakes, muffins, etc.), you can freeze the extras. Then, simply reheat them throughout the week for a super fast and nutritious breakfast. Another benefit to stockpiling already-prepared healthy breakfast foods is minimal clean-up – saving you even more time! Yeah!

Simple, Healthy, Gluten-Free (and Grain-Free) Breakfast Ideas

Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits

What kid wouldn’t want an ice cream sundae for breakfast? So why not offer your family the next best thing … breakfast sundaes made with wholesome yogurt, crispy nuts and fresh fruit. And of course, there’s always the classic fruit & yogurt parfait made by layering yogurt with homemade granola and fresh berries.

Of course the healthiest yogurt is homemade, so if you have a few minutes to spare on the weekend, I highly encourage you to give it a try. In my “How to Make Greek-Style Yogurt“ post, I show you just how simple it is to make both dairy and non-dairy yogurt.

Gluten-Free Oatmeal & Grain-Free Breakfast Porridge

It’s no surprise that studies have shown processed cereals to be among the worst breakfast foods for children (and adults too). For example, Tufts University researchers discovered that children who ate oatmeal scored up to 20 percent higher on academic tasks than children who ate processed cereal for breakfast.

And incase you or your kids think oatmeal is boring, think again? There are lots of delicious ways to liven-up oatmeal, such as my family’s favorite quick and easy …
• Banana Split Oatmeal Breakfast Buffet and
• Cinnamon Maple Crunch Oatmeal.

Grain-free? No problem! My simple Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Porridge is a delicious grain-free alternative to oatmeal, as shown in the photo at right!

Homemade Granola

And continuing on the topic of healthy alternatives to processed cereals, homemade gluten-free granola has all the crunch-appeal and sweet flavor of cereal without any health detriments.

Grain-free? Again, no problem, my delicious Grain-Free Cinnamon Crunch Granola is amazing, and so easy to make, as shown in the photo!

Breakfast Sandwiches

There are lots of ways to build a quick-n-easy breakfast sandwich that’s as healthy as it is delicious …

Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit • Transform leftover biscuits into Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits – a great breakfast for families on-the-go … No biscuits, no problem. Simply substitute with your favorite wholesome toasted bread or bagel.

• Use leftover waffles to assemble a wonderful waffle sandwich, or leftover pancakes to create Nut Butter & Jam Pancake Sandwiches.

• And don’t forget about breakfast wraps! A little salsa, cheese and scrambled eggs can magically transform into a delicious Breakfast Burrito or Breakfast Tostada.

An Egg-cellent Way to Start the Day!

Eggs are packed with protein and nutrients, including the important B-complex vitamin choline, which is associated with better neurological function. And they’re so quick and easy to prepare.

Whether it’s a simple Toad in the Hole or a quick Veggie Egg Scramble with your favorite add-ins, you’ll be serving up a hearty breakfast that will keep your kids fully energized and ready to learn!

Got More Than 15 Minutes to Spare?

Weekends are a great time to try new breakfast recipes and to cook-up double or triple batches of your favorite breakfast staples in order to save time later (as mentioned above). That way, you’ll knock out at least two days or more worth of breakfasts, rather than just one.

Here are some of my favorite breakfast foods that can easily be doubled (or tripled for that matter):

Pancakes
Waffles
French Toast
Biscuits
Muffins
Boiled eggs

Storing breakfast foods:

The following homemade breakfast foods can be individually wrapped and stored in airtight containers in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, no need to thaw – simply place in a 200°F oven to reheat until warmed.

Pancakes
Waffles
French Toast
Biscuits, whole grain (be sure to cut in half first before freezing)

The homemade breakfast foods listed below are best stored in the refrigerator (not freezer). Simply place in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. When ready to serve, place in a 200°F oven to reheat until warmed.

Biscuits, almond flour (be sure to cut in half first before freezing)
Muffins (especially almond flour muffins)
Boiled eggs
Yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)

6 pancake muffins CloseUp More healthy breakfast ideas & recipes …

Some of our favorite weekend breakfast recipes can be found in the breakfast section of this site and on my breakfast pinterest board. Again, these recipes can easily be doubled or tripled and stored in the fridge or freezer for a super-quick weekday breakfast!

I also encourage you to pop over to KitchenAid to check out my quick and easy Grab-n-Go Pancake Muffins that can be made in less than 30 minutes, plus they reheat beautifully, so why not bake a double batch!

Three cheers for healthy breakfasts that are as easy to prepare, healthy and delicious!

Joyfully Serving HIM, Kelly

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