Quick Handmade Healthy Gift: Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar

We recently got a last minute invitation to celebrate the 21st birthday of a health-conscious vegan guy in our family, so I immediately thought of this recipe for Curried Lentil Soup in a mason jar I had seen on Good Housekeeping's website last year.

Since the ingredients are almost all pantry staples, and I always have extra jars on hand, it was a breeze to put this together quickly before the party.  The recipe gives instructions for two jars worth; I cut the recipe in half to make this. Isn't it gorgeous?!?!

Recipe

8 ounces Red Lentils
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
3 Tablespoons Dried Onion
1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
8 ounces Green Lentils
1/2 cup Dried Apple Pieces (~1/2 inch each)
1 Tablespoon Parsley

Cooking Instructions

 Place soup mix in 3-quart saucepan with 7 cups water.  Heat to boiling on high.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Makes 8 cups soup.

To Make Jar:

Layer the ingredients in a quart mason jar in the order listed above.  Vacuum seal jar if desired.

I typed up the cooking instructions, along with what was in the jar (so he can make this over and over!) and attached them to the front and back of a piece of card stock.  Then I put a grommet through the card stock with my grommet tool and attached it to the jar with some kitchen string.

It turned out beautiful, and was simple, thoughtful, AND budget-friendly!

What are your favorite handmade gift ideas??

This post is linked up to the following link parties:

Tutorials & Tips Link Party @ Home Stories A to Z
Simply Sensational Tuesday @ Organizing Homelife 
One Project at a Time @ A Bowl Full of Lemons 
Home Decor and Organizing Party @ organize & decorate everything
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways @ Frugally Sustainable
Inspiration Board @ homework
Frugal "I Did It" Tuesday @ Off the Grid at -30 
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts 
Home is Where the Heart is Wednesday @ Homestead Simple 
Hookin Up with HOH @ House of Hepworths
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order
Link Party Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Fantabulous Friday @ Little Becky Homecky
Inspiration Friday @ At the Picket Fence
Potpourri Friday @ 2805
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Weekend Bloggy Reading @ Serenity Now 
Simply Natural Saturdays @ The Pistachio Project
Overflowing with Creativity @ It's Overflowing 
The Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Nap Time 
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it Simple 
A Pinteresting Party @ Tutus and Tea Parties