extreme flavors

Dried Bean Mix
1/2 cup kidney beans
1/2 cup split yellow peas
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 cup small red beans
1/2 cup split green peas

Layer each type of bean in a 24 ounce clear gift jar.

Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon dried sweet pepper flakes
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
4 tablespoons brown sugar

Combine ingredients. Store in a resealable plastic bag. Attach to jar and give with recipe for Seasoned Bean Soup. Yields about 3 cups dried bean mix and 1/4 cup seasoning mix.

Attach these instructions to the jar:

Seasoned Bean Soup

Dried Bean Mix
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tomatoes
Seasoning Mix
1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke ( optional )

Rinse beans and place in large Dutch oven or stock pot. Pour 4 cups boiling water over beans; cover and let soak overnight.

Drain beans and return to stock pot. Add 6 cups water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 to 1/2 hours or until beans are almost tender.

Add tomatoes and seasoning mix. Stirring occasionally, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover beans and continue to simmer about 1 hour longer or until beans are tender and soup thickens. Serve warm.

Yields about 10 cups soup.