To care package or not to care package?

I have been avoiding going care package shopping, because it just adds to the reality that Brandon is really not here.  He is not coming back next weekend or even next month.  That isn't exactly fair to Brandon who is anxious to have a taste of home when he is so far away.  Needless to say, I sucked it up and made him a care package.  I included the typical stuff that most of the guys want - Beef jerky, protein bars, and magazines.  Brandon also has a thing for crunchy peanut butter and I threw that in there also.  I wanted to do something a little special for him.  I miss having him around to taste my latest cacations, and I thought well heck he can still taste some of them even if he is all the way across the world.  With extra love and care I baked him cake in a jar and cheesy ranch chex mix.  I hope his heart is happy when he gets this package and he feels a little bit more connected to us.  I love Brandon Beane so much, and I would bake him a million cakes if that is what his heart desired.

I think next time I make the cake in a jar, I will use a measuring cup to pour it in there.  But hey I don't think they came out too bad for my first time making them! Brandon could care less if there is cake on the side of the jar or not.  If you make the cake in the jar remember to send icing(do not apply the icing in the jar) and forks/knives.  I will also include the recipes for ya :)

~Cake in a Jar~


Ingredients

• Get wide-mouth canning jars. You can find them at Walmart. Boil the jars to sterilize.
• 1 package of cake mix or any cake recipe

Directions
1. Make the cake batter according to the instructions or recipe
2. Grease the jar by liberally spraying the inside with cooking spray
3. Fill jar no more than 1/2 way with batter
4. Place jars on cookie sheet on rack in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean @ 400 degrees
5. While baking, boil jar lids in a pan of water
6. When cake is done, take on jar out at a time and cover with hot lid. Screw on jar ring tightening it slightly
7. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear the "ping" as they seal.
8. As the cake cools, it will pull away from the jar slightly. That's OK, it just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.
9. DO NOT FROST cake in the jar! Send frosting along.
10. Make sure you wrap the jars well (bubble wrap is preferable, but wadded newspaper or clothing and other items will pad it too)

~Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix~

Original Recipe Yield 26 (1/2 cup) servings

Ingredients

• 9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® or Wheat Chex® cereal (or combination)
• 2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
• 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing and seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.      In large microwaveable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in cereal, pretzels and crackers until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.

2.      Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.