Potpourri Gel Jars

Recipe By : Real Food for Real People
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Holiday Non-Food
O.A.M.C.

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups Distilled Water
4 packages Unflavored Gelatin
50 drops Essential Oil -- (for fragrance)
Food Coloring -- as desired

Heat one cup water in medium sized saucepan. Add gelatin, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat and add remaining 1 cup of liquid as well as food coloring, and stir until dissolved. Put drops of essential oil into jars then add gelatin mixture. Place in fridge for approximately 2 hours. Remove, cover with plastic wrap or lid if you have one, and store at room temperature. To release the scent simply remove the lid... and when you are finished make sure you re-cover the jar so all the scent doesn't evaporate.

This recipe makes four gel jars/ approximately 4 oz each.

To decorate for gifts, tie ribbon or lace around the neck of the jar or add silk/dried flowers to the bow. It works very well to cut a circle of lace which can be reapplied after removing lid, by screwing the band on over the lace. This will allow the scent to be enjoyed as well as keeping the jar decorative while it is being used.

Note: Some folks in humid areas had trouble with their gel accumulating a thin layer of mold when stored for a long time. If you are in an area like this, or plan to store your jars for an extended period of time, you may want to store them in your refrigerator or a cool, dark place, such as a cellar.

Additional note: Since I first published this recipe in my ezine, Real Food for Real People, folks have sent in ideas to add to it. One of these, was to use the `Easter Egg Coloring' kit dye tablets to color the gel- another, to use recycled candle jars or potted cheese jars. Another reader sent in the following additional recipes & ideas:

"Kaylin, Here's another method of making these cute little jars. They really make nice gifts. You will need:

Clear glycerin soap
Essential Oil
Coloring if desired-to compliment the fragrance you choose.

Grate or chop soap and place in glass measuring cup. Heat in microwave until thoroughly melted. Stir in your essential oil and coloring. Pour into jars and decorate as desired. This will also be a thick enough mixture
that you can suspend things like lemon slices or orange slices in them.

I have also made these gel jars this way. You will need:

4 envelopes Plain Gelatin
16 ounce bottle *Potpourri Oil

In heat proof 4 cup glass cup, place 8 oz. of potpourri oil. Heat in microwave until really hot. This will give off a VERY STRONG fragrance so you may want to open a window. Stir in gelatin until completely dissolved. Add the remaining 8 oz. potpourri oil. Pour into jars and decorate.

*The potpourri oil is available in most Wal-Mart stores and craft stores. It has coloring added to it so you don't need to add any additional coloring. Linda G."

Note from Lucy: With Christmas a few short months away, this is a wonderful way to give some homemade gifts... I don't know about you, but shopping for gifts this year is going to be creative...and this looks like a great way to give a homemade gift and stretch your budget at the same time... I got these recipes from the Real Food for Real People website and Katlin has lots of ideas for gift giving... Check out her website... Have a great weekend everyone.