Bean Soup Mix-in-a-Jar

     I love making mix-in-a-jar recipes for gifts and for my own kitchen.  I usually make up a dozen at a time.  They store well, and are attractive, practical gifts or time-savers for your own kitchen.  This is one of my favorite recipes.  I have mixed them up and cooked them several times.  The following combination of beans is just a suggestion, you can use more varieties or completely different beans than those described.  I often mix 6 or more varieties in layers, just be sure to maintain the proportion of beans so they all fit in your jar.  Lima beans taste wonderful with the ham option, while kidney and red beans go better with the italian sausage option.  It's up to you. Be as creative as you like or use just what you like and have on hand.  Have fun!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup dried navy beans
1/4 cup dried black beans
1/4 cup dried pinto or pink beans
1/4 cup split peas
2 Tbsp. whole wheat berries
3 Tbsp. minced dried onions
2 Tbsp. pearl barley
2 Tbsp. dried celery flakes
2 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules or 2 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
1 bay leaf

Layer ingredients into a clean pint canning jar.  You could also mix everything up and pour it in. Your choice.  I like the way it looks layered.  Then, prepare cute gift tags with the following instructions and attach them to your covered jar.

Combine bean soup mix and 7 cups water in a 4 quart saucepan.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover and let stand for an hour.  return to heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until beans are tender.  Add 1 cup diced ham or 1 pound cooked and crumbled Italian sausage.  Remove bay leaf.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve and enjoy!