5 Classically Cool Ways to Use Mason Jars in the Kitchen…

May 14, 2013

Is there anything that we haven’t done to the mason jar?  Paint it, illuminate it, fill it with buttons and hang it from the bottom of our cabinets.  I can’t really point the finger – I recently bought a $7 bag of coffee beans just so I could dump it into a mason jar and top it off with a tea light.

These handy little jars used to have a purpose, though – my grandmother used them to store homemade apple butter (and a fly one Christmas…which also happened to be the last Christmas I ate apple butter).  But I love the idea of using them for serving food; it’s practical and trendy and after all, that’s what they were made for…I think!  Pinterest might prove me wrong there.

So, here are 5 Classically Cool Ways to Use Mason Jars in the Kitchen…

#1.  Cupcake in a Jar

This idea makes me smile.  It’s so simple and ingenious and endlessly cute all at once!  Can you see these at a baby shower or an outdoor vintage wedding?  They would make such a cute gift around Christmas time!  Perfect for the kids to help make and eat…love this idea.

#2.  Overnight, No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal

Made with a base of Greek yogurt and old-fashioned rolled oats you can pretty much add in anything else you like – including fresh fruit, seeds and nuts!  Make these ahead and have a healthy breakfast ready for the whole family all week-long.  This is eaten cold so think of it more like yogurt and granola (which would also be really good!)

#3.  S’Mores in a Jar

I know we were just talking about being healthy and everything but – S’Mores in a Jar, people.  PharMa suggests using butter and brown sugar along with the classic chocolate pieces, marshmallows and graham crackers and I will not argue with her.  Never wait for a campfire again!

#4.  Single Serving Pie in a Jar

Best idea ever.  Use store-bought pie crust or homemade, line the inside of your jars, fill with fruit and freeze.  Pull them out and bake for a single serving or send a few as a gift.  Follow the link for more information – they have really cute gift tag ideas to go along with these, recipe suggestions and presentation options for mason jar pies!

#5.  Mason Jar Chicken Cordon Blue

We did a lot of sweet so we’ll end with savory.  Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of my absolute favorite things – this is the traditional dish made with fresh chicken, ham and Swiss cheese along with breadcrumbs, butter and herbs.  Bake and let cool…seal up your mason jar and pop them in the freezer!  Eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner…or all three ( I would).  Follow the link for preparation and baking instructions.  Mmmmmmm.