Are you still scrambling to find your “cubicle mates” at work the perfect holiday gift? You know, the people you spend so much of your life with but really don’t know them….all that well.
You want to make a nice gesture but let’s face it, you don’t want to spend a fortune. I would have loved to get this for a holiday gift when I worked in a corporate setting. This Potato Soup Mix is the perfect present for people working in an office situation and sometimes can’t leave at lunchtime to grab a bite.
By adding a cup of hot water to a half-cup of soup mix to a bowl, presto, lunch is served.
You could make the presentation much cuter by adding fabric to the lid or hanging a little ornament from the ribbon.
If you really like your “cubicle friends” set the jar in a cute bowl with a spoon and a half-cup scoop and wrap it up in cellophane with a big bow. You could even get crazier by adding a bag of cute crackers.
But either the jar by itself or the pimped out bowl version would make a great gift.
I’ll show you how to put this together…
Here’s what you’ll need: Instant mashed potato flakes, dry milk powder, chicken bouillon granules, dried chopped onion, dried parsley, ground white pepper, dried thyme, ground tumeric and seasoning salt.
In a large bowl combine 2 cups instant mashed potato flakes, 1-1/2 cups dry milk powder, 1-1/2 Tablespoons chicken bouillon granules, 2 teaspoons dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric and 1 teaspoon seasoning salt. Make sure to mix until you have a completely homogeneous mixture.
Pour mixture into a quart sized jar.
Then makes your jars cute. You’re done. Shopping crisis solved.
Yum.
Potato Soup Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups instant mashed potatoes
- 1-1/2 cups dry milk powder
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
- 2 teaspoons dried chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. Pour into a one quart jar.
- Attach the following instructions: To serve, place 1/2 cup soup mix in bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until smooth.
KathyB. says
What a wonderful idea for all those people who have way too much stuff, but little time.My sisters and I exchange gifts that are cheap and consumable. Any gift ideas for gift soup packages without potatoes? Please ?
Laura says
I am sending this to my sister who is trying to brainstorm small gift ideas right now.
Thanks.
Choosy Beggar Tina says
What a pretty gift, and a great idea! I’ve given out cookie and quick bread mixes before, but never a soup. Thanks for the wonderful idea!!
Mind you, I’m thinking about giving it to my peripheral friends, rather than my cell-mates. All that they’re getting will be Christmas cards saying, “TURN YOUR G.D. RADIO DOWN, SOME OF US ARE ACTUALLY TRYING TO WORK HERE….and Merry Christmas.”
Blond Duck says
Brilliant idea! I love it!
And hope, no hair cut. That was called the my-hair-is-a-wreck-doodle-bop style. Perfect for weeknights, humid weekends and cleaning the house.
Becky says
That is such a great idea!
It would be great for the elderly also.
Julia says
Oh, Your good! I like that you can totally customize the seasonings I was trying to think what else you could do like this? Maybe pancake batter with a fresh vanilla pod?
By the way, is it possible to subscribe to your blog in an RSS feed or only through email?
Laura says
I can so see this happening this year what a great gift idea!
I have two jars in my china cabinet one is hot chocolate mix the other is brownies mix and they have ribbons and the brownies have a tiny wisk… have had them for YEARS they are too cute to use but this… I do think would be used!
Barbie with a T says
Thank you so much for adding that cute idea for a last minute gift. However, it looks good enough to actually keep in the pantry during the winter months and enjoying right at home. My husband usually likes a snack somethng like that when he wakes up from his afternoon nap. (we do not eat lunch and exist on two meals a day) That would be an excellent alternative to ramen soup, which he loves. Don’t ask me why he likes that stuff, but he does. Anyway, I am grateful for that recipe for a quick fix.
Howdy says
Yum! I know someone who’s husband travels on occasion and this would be perfect for those nights she doesn’t want to cook!
Thanks for the Great Idea!
Jennifer says
What a cute idea!
tipper says
Lovely idea! So neat for folks who are faced with packing a lunch or eating out everyday!
Bellini Valli says
This is a fantastic idea for those we work with Cathy. If you really like your work buddies throw in a bottle of wine to sip alongside the soup as well….not at work of course!!
Mary says
This is an idea that borders on greatness. Well, maybe not so much, but it is one of the best small gift ideas I’ve seen this holiday season.
kayola says
I felt so honored to have you leave me a comment yesterday…you’re da bomb baby…I have read you for so long and for you to come to my humble little blog…it sure helped make my day!!!! Good luck with your huge list of things to do today! I love all of your recipes and most of all your awesome sense of humor!!!!!!! YOU MAKE ME SMILE!
Asthmagirl says
Absolutely brilliant! And festive! Thanks for the great idea~
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
Another brilliant Christmas idea. Anyone who reads this blog has no excuse to not get Christmas shopping finished in a timely manner and with minimal stress.
Steph says
What a splendid idea! So easy and inexpensive…I am definitely handing out some of these.
Jodie says
What a great inexpensive gift! I think I’ll make some for my in-laws. Thanks for solving that dilemma.
Darius T. Williams says
SUCH a great idea.
Dee says
I’m super organized with presents *preen* but I also end up wanting to keep them all for myself! Sigh. This year, we’re also going cheap and cheerful with cookies. Nowhere near as creative as instant soup đŸ™‚
By the way, the Bourbon-Walnut Sweet Potato Mash sounds fabulous! I’m definitely trying that one out. And if I don’t stop by in time, have an amazing Xmas, Cathy!
rayrena says
Screw the coworkers; I think I need to mix up a batch for when I’m too lazy to make lunch for myself :). I think we might have it for lunch today since I have nothing to make lunch with and don’t feel like driving in the rain today.
HoneyB says
Awesome idea Cathy!
dawn says
What a perfect idea for all those people you get gifts from and didn’t get them anything! Awesome!
Danielle says
What a fabulous idea! I hope it’s as good as it looks..I really would love to give these out! And I have to tell you how much I love that you post recipes that use Tumeric. I didn’t even know what it was when I bought it last year…I bought it actually as part of a poison ivy remedy I found online-ok, really dumb. But it sat in my cupboard just staring at me feeling very lonely until that awesome Moroccon spiced shorts ribs recipe! Oh I think I need to make that this weekend! Thank you!!!
Trisha says
Okay – that is a wonderful idea and it sounds yummy! Much better than a peanut butter sandwich for lunch!
Mental P Mama says
That is a great idea!
ELRA says
You always have such brilliant idea, Cathy!
Cheers,
Elra
Teri says
Hmmmm, one for a gift, one for me. This looks good. I would have to put one of these in the cabinet for myself for a rainy day. Hey, what do ya know, it’s raining! Nice idea! Thank you Cathy!
Kristy - Where's My Damn Answer says
I LOVE this idea. You’re always SO spot on when it comes to this stuff. When I grow up, I want to be like you đŸ˜€
Alisa says
What a wonderful idea. It will match perfectly with the apple pie mix I canned this summer.
Thanks for solving my what am I going to give with the apple pie mix dilemma.
Potatoe soup and apple pie go together right?
Marjie says
Holy mackerel! This is a great idea to give my kids to take back to college, since they often whine that dorm & cafeteria food sucks! Thanks, Cathy!
Loving Annie says
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Cathy !
Loving Annie
leslie says
So easy and everything is already in the pantry. I spend many hours a day in the car so this will be perfect to just tuck under the seat or place in the console for a quick, inexpensive lunch. Just stop at a connivance store, buy a drink and use their microwave. Thanks. Leslie
annbb says
What a neat idea! This is one of the only recipes I’ve seen that all you need to add is water.
Tanya says
What a great idea! You’re a genius!
magpie says
I like this in concept, but – how does it taste?
Louise says
OK, how did you know that for the first time in years I didn’t set aside enough time to bake cranberry bread for my cubicle buddies? This looks lovely!
Biz says
PERFECT! I am totally doing this. I was tired of giving the customary hand soap!
THANKS!
Candy says
That’s awesome, I’m going to try it tomorrow. Have to see if I like it first!! But I have a friend who will love it, and refuses to let me buy her anything at all. This is perfect.
Suzette says
I love potato soup. And, this presentation is a wonderful idea! I have done all my “little something” gifts for this year, but I will file this away for other opportunities.
Pam says
You are so clever! I love this Christmas gift idea and so many of my friends and family would LOVE it too.
vanessa says
This is great! Luckily, the cube mates and I are not exchanging this year. The cookie swap was IT. Phew.
Debbie Green says
Great idea and a wonderful gift!
Dr. John says
Being retired I can admire the mix but I don’t have to make it. I might suggest it to my daughter though.
Laura says
So cool!
Donalyn says
What a cool idea – you rock as usual my dear!
Bunny says
cathy this is a wonderful idea, you rock girl!
amy says
This is definitely a gift mix I have never seen before, it sounds great!! Thank You for the idea!
Jennifer says
That is an excellent idea! I wish someone would give me some!
gaga says
What a great gift. I’d love to receive this!
Christie @ fig&cherry says
You are do damn clever! đŸ˜‰
Katrina says
What a great idea. Thanks for finding and sharing it. Great idea for teacher gifts, too.
grace says
i’ve often craved potato soup at the drop of a hat. i think i’ll do this, but keep a quart or two for myself. đŸ™‚
Paula says
What a great idea! I love the ribbon with bells on it. I’ll take the pimped out version, please! đŸ™‚
Wine Tasting Guy says
Very creative. And pretty too!!
Liz C. says
Excellent idea! Especially since it’s quick & easy to make, for the giver & the receiver.
Everyone likes a night off…
kimberleyblue says
Interesting! Better than the usual cocoa in a jar gift that’s so popular.
And I have always loved instant mashed potatoes – a bit of a shameful indulgence of mine.
Mrs. L says
What an awesome idea! I wish I had seen this before now as it would have been a great gift for my receptionist who is always forgetting to bring her lunch.
Promotional Gifts says
Wow this is wonderful. Thanks for the recipe đŸ™‚
Toys says
That’s quite a good idea! And your mates will be thankful when they forget their lunch and they have the pot of potato soup handy! Just add a little boiling water, and here you have a nutritious, warm lunch! Food as gift is always very much appreciated.
Toys says
That’s quite a good idea! And your mates will be thankful when they forget their lunch and they have the pot of potato soup handy! Just add a little boiling water, and here you have a nutritious, warm lunch! Food as gift is always very much appreciated.
Beads says
A great classic recipe! My Grandma would always cook me this soup when I was sick as a child! Thanks for posting.
Barbie says
I have to say, was searching for soup ideas and tried this one. It was so easy, yummy and healthy.
Great to keep them on hand for times when i cant be bothered to cook.
Kelly says
Clearly you don’t work in California with 20-something, no carb, organic, gluten free Millenials! lol But I’ll take some!
Cathy says
Ha, that’s funny.
Mary says
Awesome gift idea! I love food in jars and this is great! Thank You!
Marluny says
The only issue I have with this recipe is the use of chicken bouillon which has a very high amount of sodium, and if you do not know your friends’ health issues, it would not be a good idea to use. Wyler’s and Herb Ox have low/no sodium bouillon. Also, since I am unaware of what the person receiving may or may not be allergic to, a list of ingredients should be included.
Tawnya says
Just wondering if this works well if I make a humongous amount all at once to fill lots of jars or if it works better to make one quart at a time?
Cathy says
As long as you mix it well it should be fine.
Tawnya says
Thank you!
Juli says
I’d love to see more ideas like this. That I could set up and share. Does anyone have more Ideas that would be good to give as gifts like this?
Annette says
i was given a commercially marketed potato soup mix as a gift. It is the ultimate comfort food. So I love your ideas and plan to use as “teacher gifts.” My mix has paprika listed as an ingredient and yours calls for turmeric. If I use turmeric, will there be a noticeable taste difference?
Cathy says
You will have to try it both ways.
Tammie Cullett says
Is this gluten free ? Thinking about doing this with a GF bread for my boss this year.
Thanks
Jeanine says
I made this tonight. I made a double batch and put in pint jars. I also made a single batch for myself. I tried it. It was good it needs a little bit more spice maybe poultry seasoning. I will give you two thumbs up.
Terry says
Has anyone tried this? I’d love some reviews on it u folks who have made it
Brenda Boyd says
I just want to tell everyone that this is fantastic! I made it several years ago for co-workers for Christmas and since then I am asked every year if I am bringing it again. I always oblige and it never fails to impress and get rave reviews. The hardest part for me was converting the measurements for bulk production! LOL. If you like potato soup you will absolutely love it!