When packing up a meal to eat alfresco, the convenience of a single serve package is hard to resist – however – the additional cost and unnecessary trash is a turn off for me. Here are some earth-friendly ways to pack up single servings for a meal out in the open air…
Jello brand pudding prepared in 8 oz. Ball jars are a big hit with little ones.
You'll need a package of instant pudding, milk and six 8 oz. mason jars.
Let your child mix the ingredients - they love to help.
Pour equal amounts into 6 jars. Jane likes to add fresh mint from the garden and blackberries as a garnish. Add lids and let them set in the fridge.
With the addition of an unbleached, recycled paper towel (made by Seventh Generation) and a sustainable and compostable spoon (made by World Centric $3.99 for a pack of 24 at World Market) you've got an environmentally friendly package.
Wrapped up and ready to go.
Around here, we call these - "Jane's Jello Jars".
Pack up a cooler of "Jargaritas" - margaritas prepared in 12 oz. Ball jars. You can make these in advance - when you're ready to serve, just give them a shake and drink right out the jar. You could also serve iced tea or lemonade in these jars.
Fill each jar with your favorite margarita recipe, add ice, close jar with lid, give a good shake and serve.
You can get a package of Ball jars almost anywhere - I picked mine up at my local grocery store (Dominick's). A package of 12 jars is about $10.00.
Never underestimate the power of presentation – you’ll get quite a reaction when you serve these. Have fun with it!
Darcie
June 2, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Thanks for welcoming Dan and I home from work with your delicious jargaritas!
Crystal Tinucci
June 2, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Hi, Camilla!
Great idea, as usual! To add to this, I also save almost all of my pasta sauce jars — some brands actually use Ball jars and I can buy lids and rings for them. Probably too big for individual desserts, but another idea! Crystal
JUJU
June 4, 2010 at 8:40 am
Camilla –
great idea! – I was wondering, do you use any sort of lighting for your photos? they look so good!
camilla
June 5, 2010 at 6:43 am
I turn off the flash on my camera and use natural light as often as possible. I get a lot of light in my home – so I turn off any indoor lighting and work with the light that comes through the windows. It’s important not to have two different light sources (like incandescent and natural) if you do, it will give your photos a yellow cast. Thanks for asking and take care, Camilla
Courtney Kraik
February 10, 2011 at 10:04 am
Hi Camilla.
I’m an intern working for CanadianFamily.ca in Toronto and I just wanted to say that your blog has some really amazing and creative ideas that I have been featuring on our website’s blogroll. I especially love the environmental twist you put on your postings. Feel free to check out my posts about your creations. I hope I did them some justice.
camilla
February 10, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Thank You So Much Courtney! I really appreciate the exposure – I’ve checked out Canadian Family and it looks like a perfect fit! Hopefully your readers are responding well 🙂
Take care, Camilla
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