Christmas Gift Idea - 10 Bean Soup

When I was growing up, my mom used to package up most of the ingredients for 10 bean soup with a recipe and give to family and friends.  Hal and I have done it a few years too, but not in ages.   So yesterday we went to the store to get the ingredients.   This is a quick and easy gift no matter what the occasion.

I purchased 1 lb bags of beans and 1 box of barley. (barley is typically found over with canned soup not with the beans.)  It made 9 gift jars.   I used 1 quart Ball canning jars.  They are a bit larger than needed, but the 1 pint ones would of been too small.  I filled the empty space with green or red saran wrap.

 Stampin' Up! Fabric and Ribbon finish off the jar.

More fabric and ribbon.  I made a 7" cardboard circle template (traced a bowl) and cut out the Stampin' Up! Designer fabric.

This is a close up of the layering.   There are 10 types of beans in each container.  I love the look of the texture and the colors.   Each container will have a gift tag and a recipe.

Stampin' Up! Products:
Designer Fabric ... Candy Cane Christmas, item #121715 ....(in our Holiday Mini Catalog)
5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon, item #117286  (16" length)
5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, item #109054 (16" length)

Here's the recipe for you too ... ENJOY ... it is a "meal" soup and great with crusty bread.  Makes a large pot of soup, perfect for a family.   Freezes well too.

10 Bean Soup Recipe

(all are beans & barley are 1/4 cup)
Black Eyed Peas
Butter Beans or Large Limas
Pinto Beans
Navy Beans
Pearl Barley
Split Green Peas
Small Lima Beans
Red Beans (Kidney)
Great Northern Beans
Lentils

Wash the above ingredients thoroughly, place in a large container then cover with water, and add 2 tbsp of salt.   Soak Overnight.  In the morning:   Drain, then add 2 quarts of water and 1/2 lbs ham or ham hocks or chicken or beef (meat is optional).   Bring to boil   Stir occasionally.  Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, then add:

1 large onion
1 large can of peeled or diced tomatoes (29 ounces)
1 pod red pepper or 1 tsp chili powder
juice of one lemon
salt & pepper to taste

Simmer another 30 minutes.   Makes a very large pot of soup.   The soup is even better made a couple of days ahead and aged in the refrigerator.  

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)