What to return mason jars with?
June 2, 2023 6:46 PM Subscribe
A coworker periodically gives me homemade jam and yogurt in mason and canning jars and I don't want to return them empty. When I return them, what can I fill them with? (Or gift back alongside the jars?)
I've accumulated 4 jars now and don't particularly want to return all of them empty! Coworker wouldn't expect anything in return but I think it's the right thing to do.
I'm pretty good at making pickled onions but I wasn't sure if the vinegar smell will linger. Some other ideas were mango chutney and rice pudding. Or take the easy route and fill them with some candy? Coworker has a sweet tooth but sometimes goes on keto type diets, likes coffee and is a gardener. Any ideas or tips would be welcome!
I've accumulated 4 jars now and don't particularly want to return all of them empty! Coworker wouldn't expect anything in return but I think it's the right thing to do.
I'm pretty good at making pickled onions but I wasn't sure if the vinegar smell will linger. Some other ideas were mango chutney and rice pudding. Or take the easy route and fill them with some candy? Coworker has a sweet tooth but sometimes goes on keto type diets, likes coffee and is a gardener. Any ideas or tips would be welcome!
It's not keto, really, but if you have a cocktail you can pre-mix, or some booze infusion, that might go over.
posted by Sunburnt at 6:58 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Sunburnt at 6:58 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
Cold brew concentrate? Homemade caramels or toffee?
posted by potrzebie at 7:05 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by potrzebie at 7:05 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
Popcorn, mixed nuts, trail mix, or granola
posted by mezzanayne at 7:14 PM on June 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by mezzanayne at 7:14 PM on June 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
This mango kulfi recipe is very easy and could be a fun way to fill the jars
posted by knile at 7:22 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by knile at 7:22 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I give away stuff in mason jars. I do not expect them to be returned empty or full though would be pleasantly surprised to receive them with some kind of something treat that you enjoy making/giving whatever that is.
posted by RoadScholar at 7:28 PM on June 2, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by RoadScholar at 7:28 PM on June 2, 2023 [7 favorites]
Best answer: I also am a canner and gift things in mason jars. I don't personally expect the jars to come back, so "empty and clean" is already exceeding expectations. If you make a good cookie or similar, put a few in one of the jars you send back.
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:41 PM on June 2, 2023 [19 favorites]
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:41 PM on June 2, 2023 [19 favorites]
Jelly beans, salted peanuts, a microwave bag of popcorn, and Red Vines.
posted by summerstorm at 7:49 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by summerstorm at 7:49 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: If your friend actually cans / preserves: once in a while a sealed, Ball brand pack of canning lids in whatever size the jars are (regular or wide mouth) along with the clean empties would be well above and beyond what I'd expect.
I don't know what they might want to eat but I guarantee that if preserve foods they never have enough canning lids.
posted by true at 7:58 PM on June 2, 2023 [27 favorites]
I don't know what they might want to eat but I guarantee that if preserve foods they never have enough canning lids.
posted by true at 7:58 PM on June 2, 2023 [27 favorites]
Flowers. Lid on the side.
Fresh organic parsley. Trim the stems under water when you get them home, rinse, smells great.
Nuts.
Fancy unpopped popcorn.
Homemade bisquick (needs refrigeration).
A poem of thanks.
Treats and toys for their pet.
Homemade cranberry sauce.
Fancy cheese, cut and wrapped at the store so it will fit.
Blueberry shrub syrup, sparkling water possibly on the side.
Bean soup mix.
Homemade kale chips - for the win.
posted by amtho at 8:01 PM on June 2, 2023 [10 favorites]
Fresh organic parsley. Trim the stems under water when you get them home, rinse, smells great.
Nuts.
Fancy unpopped popcorn.
Homemade bisquick (needs refrigeration).
A poem of thanks.
Treats and toys for their pet.
Homemade cranberry sauce.
Fancy cheese, cut and wrapped at the store so it will fit.
Blueberry shrub syrup, sparkling water possibly on the side.
Bean soup mix.
Homemade kale chips - for the win.
posted by amtho at 8:01 PM on June 2, 2023 [10 favorites]
That's practically a poem, amtho!!
It was weirdly lovely in this jagged world. It reminds me to do stuff for others.
posted by Jody Tresidder at 8:22 PM on June 2, 2023 [3 favorites]
It was weirdly lovely in this jagged world. It reminds me to do stuff for others.
posted by Jody Tresidder at 8:22 PM on June 2, 2023 [3 favorites]
M&Ms!
posted by Rash at 9:38 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Rash at 9:38 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
If they’re a gardener, how about a packet of heirloom seeds for herbs, flowers or tomatoes?
posted by dancinglamb at 10:51 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by dancinglamb at 10:51 PM on June 2, 2023 [1 favorite]
Roasted chickpeas. Lots of recipes online. BTW some people report they get soggy. Mine never do. I suspect it’s because I omit the oil.
posted by FencingGal at 5:37 AM on June 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by FencingGal at 5:37 AM on June 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
I make this rhubarb cordial in mason jars. If you're in the Northern hemisphere, it's the perfect time of year to do it.
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:09 AM on June 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 7:09 AM on June 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
You could sprout alfalfa seeds in them! Just get good organic seeds and rinse and drain twice a day— in like 5 days the whole jar will be full of ready-to-eat sprouts.
posted by asimplemouse at 5:13 PM on June 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by asimplemouse at 5:13 PM on June 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
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