FIVE BEAN SOUP IN A JAR
(Layer the dried beans in a jar and tie the recipe to the top)
1/2 cup dried black beans
1/2 cup small red chili beans
1/3 cup dried Great Northern beans
1/3 cup dried cranberry beans
1/3 cup dried pinto beans
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 large onions, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil (1/4 cup dried)
1 tsp. salt
Soak beans overnight in large bowl, with water covering the beans by 3 inches. Drain, rinse, and set beans aside. In a large Dutch oven or casserole, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes or until softened. Stir in carrots and cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and basil, and cook 3 minutes. Add 8 cups water and beans. Bring to a boil over medium heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally - about 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir salt into soup and ladle into soup bowls. Serves 6.
FRIENDSHIP SOUP MIX IN A JAR
1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon - low sodium
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
1/2 cup alphabet macaroni
Additional ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
3 quarts water
1 can diced tomatoes - (28 oz.), undrained
In a 1 1/2 pint or 1 quart jar, layer the first seven ingredients in the order listed. Put the macaroni in a small baggie and put on top. If the ingredients do not come right up to the top of the jar, place a crumpled piece of plastic wrap on top of the last layer to keep layers from shifting. Seal tightly. Yield: 1 batch. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
To give as a gift, decorate jar as desired and attach the following directions:
To prepare soup, carefully remove macaroni from top of jar and set aside. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown beef and drain. Add water, tomatoes and soup mix, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover with lid. Simmer 45 minutes. Add the reserved macaroni and cover. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until macaroni, peas, lentils and barley are tender. 16 servings.
CAPPUCCINO MIX
3 1/2 cups dry milk
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups instant coffee
1/2 cup cocoa (such as Hershey's)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 large jar non-fat dairy creamer
Mix all ingredients and package in a jar.
Include directions:
Use 2 or more tablespoons of mix per 8 oz. cup of hot water.
Additional sweetener may be desired.
HOT CHOCOLATE MIX
6 oz. jar powdered cream
2 lb. box instant chocolate flavored drink
8 quart pkg. non-fat dry milk
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 (10-16 oz.) pkg. miniature marshmallows.
Combine all ingredients. Stir well until blended. Include directions when giving as a gift.
Directions:
Use 1/4 cup of mix per cup of hot water
For a "Triple Chocolate Drink," ~ Combine 1 ripe banana
with 1 cup milk in blender. Dissolve 3/4 cup chocolate mix
in 2 cups boiling water. Add banana/milk mixture.
Top with whipped cream and cinnamon stick.
