CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIE MIX IN A JAR

FOR THE COOKIE MIX:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups dried cherries*
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and soda.

In a wide mouth quart canning jar, layer ingredients in order listed. Press down ingredients after each addition before adding next ingredient. Place the lid on to tightly pack the last layer.

Cut fabric in a 6-inch circle; lay over lid and screw on jar band.

*A blend of dried fruits (cranberries, apples and cherries) can be substituted.

FOR THE LABEL:

CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
Directions: Makes 3 dozen

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease or line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, empty the jar of cookie mix. Thoroughly blend the ingredients.

Add:
3/4 cup softened margarine or butter
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix until completely blended; it will be stiff and will require hand mixing. Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake 12-15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to racks to finish cooling.

Recipe ingredients: Dried cherries, enriched wheat flour, chocolate chips, margarine, granulated and brown sugars, whole egg, cocoa, baking powder, vanilla extract and baking soda.

Source: Kansas Wheat Commission