When I think of presents that I would like to make or receive for the holidays I think of cookies and fudge. Being a Harry Potter fan I thought it would be great to give my friends mugs of hot sweet foamy Butterbeer. Then I thought ... hmmm...that could get messy! Or it could get expensive if you make the trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to get some. Then I thought of the jars of dry soup mix or pancakes that people make up for gift giving. Could I do that for Butterbeer? Well I would do almost anything for Butterbeer so I retreated to my lab (kitchen) and experimented. The results were satisfying and would bring cheer to the most ardent fan of Harry Potter.

Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need:

1 3.2 ounce pouch instant dry milk
2 3.5 ounce boxes butterscotch cook and serve pudding
6 tsp. dark brown sugar
2 tsp. Butter Buds Sprinkles natural butter flavoring
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

You will need a few kitchen basics to mix your ingredients:

1 mixing bowl
1 spoon
1 canning funnel (optional)
1 set measuring spoons
1 pint jar for storage

Optional - create or purchase a little decorative jar for gift-giving!

This quantity of mix fills a 1 pint jar. If you want to use a larger jar you will need to double the recipe. If you are making enough for all your friends then multiply by the number of jars you plan to fill.

Step 2: Mix

Mix all your ingredients together well in the mixing bowl. Make sure they are all dispersed evenly - sometimes brown sugar can clump.

Step 3: Store

We used a funnel to get our mix into a decorative jar. But careful spooning will work just fine!

Step 4: Decorative Packaging

To assemble as we have in our photo, you will need:

1 1 pint canning jar with lid
1 decorative spoon
1 tag large enough for the directions
1 small bow and assorted ribbons

This quantity of mix fills a 1 pint jar. If you want to use a larger jar you will need to double the recipe. If you are making enough for all your friends then multiply by the number of jars you plan to fill.

Label your jars "World Famous Magical Instant Butterbeer" or something similar!

Include these directions:
Spoon 3 to 4 heaping spoonfuls of mix into a mug and add hot water. Top with whipped cream and Butterscotch Syrup if desired (and who wouldn't). Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Add a bow to the lid in the color of your recipient's Hogwarts House.

Tie the on the spoon with some colorful magical stars.

Now you can enjoy a hot foamy Butterbeer and the faces of your friends when you hand them their present.