White Christmas Bars in a Jar

1/4 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted* and cooled
1/2 cup sweetened dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed**
1 cup buttermilk biscuit baking mix
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed**
1 cup buttermilk biscuit baking mix

In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed, beginning with the white chocolate or vanilla chips. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more white chocolate or vanilla chips to fill the jar. Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with ribbon or raffia. Decorate as desired.

Make a gift card to attach as follows:

White Christmas Cherry Bars

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Press into an 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set.

Makes 16 bars.

* To toast pecans, place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on HIGH for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute.

** After measuring the brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it.