Wednesday, May 05, 2013

Margaritas-in-a-Jar Anyone?

Here’s What You’ll Need…

12 oz. frozen limeade concentrate
8 oz. of your favorite tequila
2 oz. triple sec (or cointreau)
juice of 2 limes (plus a lime for garnish)
4-5 cups ice
coarse margarita salt

Directions

In a blender, combine limeade, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Cover and blend briefly until mixed. Fill blender to top with ice. Cover and blend until slushy and no ice chunks remain.  Using a leftover juiced lime, rub the cut side of the lime around the rim of the glasses.  Dip glass rims in salt.  For an optional garnish, slice a lime into circles or semi-circles, cut a notch in them and hang on the edge of the glass.

MAKE AHEAD MARGARITAS-IN-A-JAR: Pour blended margaritas into 8 oz. glass jars, screw on the lids and freeze. To serve, remove from freezer & immediately dip it in salt (while the margarita is still solid and won’t come out of the inverted jar). Use a fork to break up and stir the semi-frozen margaritas into a slushy consistency.  The alcohol keeps them from freezing to a hard solid state, so they’re always ready to remove from the freezer, serve, and drink.

VIRGIN MARGARITAS: Simply omit tequila and triple sec, and substitute equivalent amount of water. If made ahead, these will reach a hard ice state when refrozen due to the lack of alcohol. Remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before stirring into a slushy consistency.

Source: http://www.theyummylife.com/Make_Ahead_Margaritas

Posted in 8 oz Glass Bottles, canning jars, cocktail jars, glass bottles, glass jars, glass jars for canning, jars, round glass jars, Straight Sided Single Wall Jars, wide mouth glass jars | Leave a comment
Tuesday, Mar 03, 2013

Orange Rhubarb Jam

While looking for some spring canning ideas, we came across this yummy recipe by Food in Jars that we really like:

Orange Rhubarb Jam

Ingredients (makes two 16 oz. jars)

  • 6 cups chopped rhubarb (approximately 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 oranges, zested and juiced

Prepare a boiling water bath and two pint jars. Place a couple small plates or saucers into your freezer (we’ll use these to test the jam at the end of cooking to determine if it has reached set).

Combine rhubarb, sugar, orange juice and zest in a large, non-reactive pot. Place over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring regularly. Once mixture is bubbling rapidly, reduce temperature to medium-high and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture has thickened considerably.

When the contents of the pot have reduced by approximately 1/3 to 1/2, slide the pot off the heat. Remove one of your small plates from the freezer. Drop a small amount of the jam on the center of the plate and return to the freezer for 1-2 minutes.

Once the time is up, pull the plate out of the freezer. Gently nudge the mound of jam. If it holds its shape, the jam is done. If your finger slides right through it, it needs a bit more cooking time.

When you’ve determined that the jam has cooked sufficiently, remove the pot from the heat. Pour the jam into hot jars. Wipe rims, apply lids and process in a boiling water bath canner for ten minutes. When time is up, remove jars from water bath and let them cool on a folded kitchen towel.

Sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Recipe by Marisa McClellan, Food in Jars

Posted in 16 oz Bottles, 8 oz Glass Bottles, canning, canning jars, glass bottles, glass jars, glass jars for canning, hexagonal jars, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Gifts, homemade jam, Homemade Recipes, jars, lids, Orange Rhubarb Jam, round glass jars | Leave a comment
Monday, Mar 03, 2013

Banana Cream Pie in a Jar

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Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup flour or 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups milk, scalded
  • 3 slightly beaten egg yolks (keep the whites for the meringue)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-2 bananas, depending on taste

Meringue:

  • 3 egg whites
  • 6 tablespoons sugar

Mix the flour, sugar and salt together.  Scald the milk.  Pour milk into the dry ingredients.  Place the mixture onto the stove on medium heat.  Stir constantly until it thickens and boils.  Cook 2 minutes longer and then remove from heat.  Add a little bit of the mixture into the eggs so they don’t cook.  Add the egg mixture to the filling and cook for another minute or two.  Remove filling from the stove and add the butter and vanilla.  Mash 1-2 bananas and fold them into the filling mixture.  Cool slightly before spooning into jars.

Note: The pretty Tureen Jars shown in the piture above are available for purchase here.

For the meringue topping, beat the egg whites in a mixer on high until light and fluffy.  Add a pinch of cream of tartar and the sugar.

Heat the oven to 250˚.  Spoon the meringue topping onto the jars as the topping.  Place the jars on a cookie sheet and slide into oven on the middle rack.  Cook for 5 – 10 minutes or until meringue looks toasted.

Original Recipe adapted from: http://rileymadel.blogspot.com/2011/08/banana-cream-pie-in-jars.html
Photo credits: Snippets of Thyme

Posted in 4 oz. Glass Bottles, 8 oz Glass Bottles, bottles, canning, canning jars, glass jars, glass jars for canning, hexagonal jars, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Gifts, imported bottles from Europe, jars, round glass jars, wide mouth glass jars | Leave a comment
Friday, Mar 03, 2013

Easter S’Mores in a Jar

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These colorful Easter S’Mores in a Jar are easy to make and fun to give to friends, teachers, and colleagues or simply enjoy with your loved ones at home. Attach a colorful Gift Tag to your Jars with instructions on how to bake.

Tip: These are great for any holiday for which marshmallow candies are available.

Ingredients and Directions:

1. Reduce 1 sleeve graham crackers to crumbs.
2. Layer 2/3 of the crumbs in a 32 oz. jar.
3. Place 8 marshmallow bunny peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar.
4. Press them up against the glass, but don’t squash them.
5. Carefully spoon remaining crumbs in the center of the jar to support the bunnies, pressing down to keep it snug.
6. On top of this pour 1-1/4 cup Easter M&M’s.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup brown sugar into center of M&M’s, gently pressing with a spoon.

Attach a Gift Tag with the following instructions:

EASTER BUNNY S’MORES

1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl. Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen sheers or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 9″ square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
(Option: Leave bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top; then bake as directed.)

Makes 9 to 12 bars.

Original Recipe adapted from: http://www.bubblecrumb.com/2011/04/23/how-to-make-bunny-brownies-in-a-jar-bunny-smores/
Photo Credit: www.bubblecrumb.com

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Tuesday, Feb 02, 2013

Serve Carrot Cakes in a Jar this Easter!

Foods in jars are becoming more and more popular,  and with Easter right around the corner, why not celebrate the holiday with Carrot Cakes in a Jar this year.

It’s a real treat – and best of all, you can prep the jars in advance, put the lids on and serve at parties, take to work, send to school, share with friends.

It’s fun and so convenient!

There is a variety of jars to choose from at www.eBottles.com. You can browse the complete selection here, or simply go with the 8 oz. Economy Round Jar used in our example below.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar (I usually use half white, half brown)
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp. grated fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried ginger
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 packed cup coarsely grated carrots (about 1 large carrot)
  • 1/2 cup applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries, or a combination of dried fruit and nuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter the insides of 12 8 oz. Economy Glass Jars, or spray them with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a smaller bowl, stir together the oil, eggs, ginger and vanilla. Add the oil mixture, grated carrots and applesauce to the dry ingredients and stir by hand until almost combined. Add the nuts and dried fruit and stir just until the batter is blended. Pour the batter into the buttered jars, filling them halfway. Bake for 30 minutes, until the tops are springy to the touch and the edges are pulling away from the sides of the jars. Cool before frosting. Serve with forks, straight from the jars. Makes 12 servings.

Original Source: http://blogs.babble.com

Posted in 8 oz Glass Bottles, canning jars, glass bottles, glass jars, glass jars for canning, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Gifts, jars, round glass jars, wide mouth glass jars | Leave a comment
Friday, Dec 12, 2012

Homemade Cranberry Sauce in a Jar

Here is What You’ll Need…

  • 4 cups cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar

Makes about four 8 oz. jars (recipe may be doubled). You can get your jars at www.eBottles.com. Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Hot Fill – Wash your cranberries and cook them in water until soft. Press through a fine sifter. Add sugar and boil for 3 minutes. Pour the boiling hot sauce into hot glass jars, leaving about ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of the jars with a damp clean paper towel; apply metal canning lids. Process in a Boiling Water Canner.

Recommended process time for Cranberry Sauce in a boiling-water canner.

Process Time at Altitudes of

Style   of Pack

Jar   Size

0 –   1,000 ft

1,001 –   3,000 ft

3,001 –   6,000 ft

Above   6,000 ft

Hot

Half-pints
Pints

15 min
15

20
20

20
20

25
25

Preparation Note: To reduce foaming, cook the berries until soft, then add ½ teaspoon of butter before berries are sieved or crushed and sugar is added.

Variations:

(1) To make crushed cranberry sauce instead of sieved, cook berries until soft and then mash with a potato masher or back of cooking spoon until desired consistency. Add butter (if desired to reduce foaming); stir to melt. Add sugar; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, and then boil for 3 minutes. Following complete directions above, fill jars, wipe rims and process.

(2) To make whole cranberry sauce, cook the berries until soft. Do not sieve or mash berries before adding butter (if desired to reduce foaming); stir to melt. Add sugar to softened whole berries; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, and then boil for 3 minutes. Following complete directions above, fill the jars, wipe the rims and process.

This document was adapted from “So Easy to Preserve”, 5th ed. 2006. Bulletin 989, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Athens. Revised by Elizabeth L. Andress. Ph.D. and Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialists. November 14, 2012.

 

Posted in canning, canning jars, glass jars, glass jars for canning, hexagonal jars, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Cranberry Sauce, Homemade Gifts, homemade jam, jars | Leave a comment
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2012

Turn Simple Canning Jars into Festive Holiday Decorations!

We came across this idea on Better Homes & Gardens and just had to share it here with you! Who would have thought that something as simple as a canning jar could turn out to be so festive?

Duplicating this beautiful illuminated jar for your home this holiday season is simple:

1. Rinse out jars and place greenery of your choice in the bottom of the jar.

2. Add cranberries.

3. Add water to allow cranberries to float to the top of the jar.

4.  Insert a floating candle.

Also makes a great Holiday Gift. You can get your jars for this project at www.ebottles.com.

Posted in canning, canning jars, glass jars, glass jars for canning, hexagonal jars, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Gifts, jars, round glass jars, wide mouth glass jars | Leave a comment
Friday, Nov 11, 2012

How to Place an Order for Bottles and Caps Online

Today we’ll share with you the easiest way to place an order for bottles and caps online. From the homepage on www.eBottles.com, click on the Bottles tab which is the second link in the blue navigation bar, next to Home.

In the drop down menu, you will see that you have 4 different options to search for bottles. You can search by Plastic Bottles, Glass Bottles, Aluminum Bottles, or by Bottle Size.

In our example, we will show you how to purchase a case of 4 oz. HDPE Plastic Cylinder Rounds in Natural with Fine Ribbed Lined Closures in White online.

Find Your Bottle Material

First, we’ll click on the Bottles tab in the blue navigation bar and select “Plastic Bottles.”

A page will load that shows images of all the plastic bottles that we carry, sorted by material (we carry bottles made from HDPE, PET, PVC, PP and PS Plastic).

If you are not sure which type of plastic is right to package your product in, you can scroll all the way down on this page to the plastic resin section. Here you will find a short description of each plastic material, and its most common uses.

In our example, we are looking for an HDPE Cylinder. HDPE stands for High Density Polyethylene. HDPE is the most widely used resin for plastic bottles. This material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is compatible with a wide range of products including acids and caustics, but is not compatible with solvents.

 Find Your Bottle Style

Once you found the material you are looking for, you’ll need to locate your bottle style – in our case the Cylinder Round. The Cylinder Round is our most popular and economical bottle and is commonly used for packaging cosmetic products, such as shampoos, conditioners and lotions.

When you click on the bottle image, the bottle order page will load. Here you will find all the details including sizes, cap options, colors, quantities and wholesale pricing for the bottle you selected.

The 1st column shows the bottle size. Please note that you can also look up the bottle dimensions by clicking on the bottle size.

In column number 2, you’ll see the available color options for your bottle.

The 3rd column shows you the neck finish of the bottle, listing the outer diameter of the bottle opening in millimeters, as well as the thread style.

Column number 4 shows you whether an item is currently in stock, or, if not, when it will be back in stock.

The 5th column shows you all available cap options for your bottle. When you hover over the cap codes with your mouse, you can see images for each cap.

The three remaining columns display the different quantities and pricing options. Most bottles are offered individually, in medium quantities (or ‘bags’) and in cases. By buying bottles by the case, you’ll get the best price available. Please note that these prices DO NOT INCLUDE CLOSURES. 

There are 3 steps involved in placing an order online. First, you’ll need to select the size and quantity of the bottles you need. Next, you’ll choose your caps on the following page. Then, you’ll review and place your order.

STEP 1 – Select Your Bottle Quantity

Once you have found the bottle style you are looking for, you’ll need to find the right size. In our example, we’ll scroll down, until we locate the 4 oz. Bottle in Natural. It shows us that a case of 728 of these bottles is $0.17 each. This price does not include caps.

All your cap options are listed in the column ‘Closure Options.’ When you hover over each cap code with your mouse, you will see an image of that particular cap. FR is the fine ribbed lined closure in white; FRB is the fine ribbed closure in black, and so on. You can also look up the cap codes by scrolling down on the page, where all the cap images are shown with cap codes to the left.

Step 2 – Choose Your Caps

Once you select your bottle quantity, the next step is to choose your caps. Simply click on the “Select” button next to the bottle quantity of your choice and the closure page will load, prompting you to choose your caps.

Click on the field that says “No closure” (or the little arrow next to it) and a drop down menu will appear that lists all the available cap options for your bottles, including the price for each.

Click on the cap option of your choice, and the amount and size of your caps will automatically match the quantity and size of your bottles. (Note: For some bottles, you also have the option to add shrink bands. You can add shrink bands by checking the box next to the shrink band option, and, if applicable, choose your size and color preference from the drop down menu).

You’re almost done!

Step 3 – Place Your Order

Next, you will click the “Add to Cart” button which will take you to your order summary page. Here you can review what’s in your shopping cart, make adjustments by changing quantities, or adding and removing items. You can also use the shipping estimator to calculate your estimated UPS Shipping cost.

If everything is to your satisfaction, you can now go ahead and proceed to Checkout.

Some people prefer to “Checkout without registering”, while others prefer to “Checkout and Create an Account.” Creating an account will save your information and allow you to easily duplicate your orders in the future.

If you choose to create an account, you’ll need to create a username and password. Then you’ll proceed to entering your billing and shipping information as well as your payment information. Once all the information is complete, hit the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.

You now have another opportunity to double-check your order before actually placing it. You can also see all the available shipping options and your total, including the shipping cost. (Note: If your order ships to the state of Florida, a sales tax charge may also apply, unless we have your Florida Resale Certificate on file).

If everything looks satisfactory, click “Place Order” and your order will be processed. Your order confirmation will be emailed to the email address you provided, and once your order ships, you will also be emailed your UPS Tracking Number. Typically, all orders placed by 1 pm EST ship the same day as long as your items are in stock.

If at any time during the ordering process you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 888-215-0023. Our friendly customer service team is standing by to answer any questions you may have and will be happy to assist you with your order.

Posted in bottles, canning, canning jars, closures, corks, glass bottles, glass jars, glass jars for canning, glass message in a bottles, Holiday Gift Ideas, Homemade Gifts, imported bottles from Europe, jars, lids, Message in a Bottle, nail polish brushes, online ordering, PET Plastic Bottles, Pharmaceutical Rounds, plastic and glass message in a bottle, plastic bottles, Plastic Cylinder Round Bottles, round glass jars, Spice Jars, swing top bottles, Uncategorized, wine bottles | Leave a comment
Wednesday, Aug 08, 2012

End of Summer Family Fun…

Bring back an old favorite…  by whipping up some Kool Aid Slurpees in a jar!

For this drink, you will need:

1 Kool Aid package {pick your favorite flavor}
1/2 cup sugar
A bottle of club soda {or ginger ale}
Ice
Fruit for garnish {optional}
Straws
Blender
8 oz Glass Jars

Directions:

In blender, combine Kool Aid package with 1/2 cup sugar and a cup of club soda.

Blend together until mixed and foamy.

Add lots of ice and blend some more.

{Tip: Use the ice crush button on your blender. It works great!}

Pour the icy mixture into the jars and add a little more club soda to finish off.

Garnish with fresh fruit and add a straw.
{This recipe makes four full 8 oz. jars}

You can make adorable little straw flags by using the template and instructions at this beautiful blog found here.

Not only would this drink be great for a hot summer day, but for a special dinner at home or when hosting a kid’s birthday party!

And there we have it folks….. Kool Aid Slurpees in a jar…. Get Slurpy! Enjoy! Stay Cool!

Check out all the Glass Jars available from www.eBottles.com.

Posted in canning jars, cocktail jars, glass jars, glass jars for canning, hexagonal jars, jars, round glass jars, wide mouth glass jars | 3 Comments
Friday, Aug 08, 2012

Latest Summer Trends… Salads in a Jar!

Here is yet another great idea on how to get creative with your canning jars this Summer! Next time your friends are coming over for dinner, serve them a Salad in a Jar. You can find a variety of jars and lids at www.eBottles.com.

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To keep the process easy, chop up a variety of veggies and fruit that you have on hand. Leftover corn is perfect in a salad, and carrots or orange peppers add that extra splash of color. For protein, add boiled eggs, leftover chopped grilled chicken or burgers, and garbanzo beans (or chickpeas).

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Use your favorite salad dressing, or try the suggested recipe below, for a delicious Balsamic Vinaigrette.  It’s great as is, or you can add additional flavors to your liking, such as roasted garlic, basil, shallots, or onions:

Balsamic Vinaigrette
Recipe from Creative Kitchen Adventures

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1-2 tbsp water (more or less depending on the consistency you want)
2 tbsp honey (can be replaced with agave or brown sugar)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Place all ingredients into a small jar (canning jar).
Shake to mix thoroughly. Stores in fridge for 1-2 weeks.

When you are ready to prepare your salads, layer all of your salad ingredients in the jars.

Here are a few important tips:

1. Dressing on the bottom, lettuce on the top! If the two are touching, the lettuce will turn to slime.

2. Use hearty lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, or spinach so it doesn’t wilt, and make sure to put it on top so it doesn’t get crushed.

3. So, make sure the dressing goes in first. On top of your dressing, use a rather “hearty” vegetable, such as shredded cabbage or carrots. They can withstand the acidity of the dressing, and actually get better!

4. Now pack it in. Use a nice variety of colorful vegetables and make it fun!

5. For an outdoor buffet with friends, fill a shallow platter with ice and nestle the jars (tightly sealed) in the ice so the salad doesn’t get warm and wilt.

Note: Any leftover jars make perfect lunches at work. When you’re ready to eat, just shake it up!

Fresh Fruit Salads in Jars are a delicious option, too… Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

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Additional Recipes you may also want to try…

Asian Salad in a Jar:

-light asian ginger dressing
-peapods
-carrot shreds
-cabbage shreds
-water chestnuts
-green peas
-bean sprouts
-quinoa
-toasted sesame seeds
-lettuce

Seafood Salad in a Jar:

-light dressing with light mayo, skim milk, salt and pepper, and parmesan
-cabbage shreds
-cherry tomatoes (halved)
-black olives
-celery
-drained canned crab / drained canned salad shrimp
-lettuce

Caesar’s Salad in a Jar:

-light Caesar dressing
-carrot shreds
-diced grilled chicken
-celery
-cukes
-lettuce
-parmesan

(add croutons later)… they get mooshy in the jar.

Be sure to visit www.eBottles.com to find the jars you’re looking for! Once you’ve tried Salads in a Jar, we want to hear from you! Post your favorite recipe(s) below.

 

 

Posted in canning, canning jars, glass jars, glass jars for canning, jars, round glass jars, Salad Dressing Bottles, Uncategorized, wide mouth glass jars | 2 Comments