By Brandie Valenzuela

One of my favorite quick and easy gifts to give is a cooking mix that is presented in a bag. Below you will find three of my favorite muffin mixes that are sure to please just about anyone on your gift list. I usually prepare the mix as described, and then place it in a plastic zipper syle bag. Once the mix is in the bag, you can just tie the baggie with a pretty bow, or you can do a little more like make a fabric bag to cover the plastic bag. These mixes would also be fantastic placed in one of the newer disposible food storage containers (such as GladWare), decorated with ribbon and bows. No matter how you dress up this gift, it will be sure to make someone very happy!

"Banana Bran Muffin Mix in a Bag"

Mix together the following and place in zipper syle bag:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole bran

Attach the following instructions:

To make your "Banana Bran Muffins", place this mix in a bowl, and add the following: 1 egg, beaten 1 cup banana, mashed and very ripe 1/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons oil Stir just until the flour mixture is moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin pans 2/3 full with mixture. Bake in 400 degree F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until done. Makes 1 dozen.

"Mini Pumpkin Muffin Mix in a Bag"

Mix together the following and place in zipper style bag:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Attach the following instructions:

To make your "Mini Pumpkin Muffins", place this mix in a bowl, and cut in the following until fine: 1/4 cup shortening Then add the following: 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup pumpkin 1/2 cup milk Mix until flour mixture is moistened. Fill greased or paper line mini muffin pans 2/3 full. Bake in 400 degree F oven for 15 - 20 minutes, or until done. Makes 1-3 dozen muffins depending on size.

"Peanut Butter Muffin Mix in a Bag" Mix together the following and place in zipper syle bag:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Attach the following instructions:

To make your "Peanut Butter Muffins", place this mix in a bowl, and cut in the following until coarse crumbs form: 1/2 cup crunchy-style peanut butter 2 tablespoons butter Now add the following to the mixture: 3/4 cup milk 2 eggs, beaten Stir until moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 - 17 minutes. Makes 1 1/2 - 2 dozen muffins.

By Brandie Valenzuela
http://homemadeliving.blogspot.com

About The Author: Brandie Valenzuela is a wife and homeschooling mom of three, who loves scrapbooking, cooking, and spending time with her family. In her spare time, she publishes "HomeMade Living", a popular weblog for mothers, at http://homemadeliving.blogspot.com