This is really a Gift in a Jar idea.
The thing is that it can be a gift
for someone else or for yourself.
I like to make up three or four at a time
for our own use.
These are wonderful both to give and to receive.
It's something that saves time
and can be used up.
Six-Bean Soup Mix
1/2 cup each (dried):
red beans
navy beans
pinto beans
lima beans
kidney beans
Great Northern beans
Then in a small zip-lock bag:
2 bay leaves
2 Tbl. dried minced onion
1 Tbl. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried minced garlic
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
And on top:
1 beef bouillon cube
1 vegetable bouillon cube
Then for cooking:
1 can diced tomatoes
1-2 lbs. cubed ham, bacon, or sausage
To cook, remove seasoning packet & bouillon cubes.
Place beans in large pot with seven or eight cups water.
Let soak overnight.
Bring beans to a boil - let boil 2-3 min.
Remove from heat and let sit 15-20 min.
Pour off water.
Add 5-6 cups water, spices, bouillon, diced tomatos, and meat.
Now you can either bring it to a boil then reduce heat
and simmer for an hour and a half to two hours,
or my favorite...
Put it all in a crock pot or Dutch oven with low heat and leave it alone
until dinner time.
This is one of the ways I use up left-over ham.
Mr. LB loves it and even likes to have them reheated for a second meal.
Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches
