Gourmet Gifts & Giveaway

In many ways there is nothing more comforting than a big pot of soup. This soup  mix will make 20 gifts - a good value and very pretty. Add a loaf of bread from the store (0r a cornbread or bread mix) and you have a beautiful and tasty gift!

This soup looks great in a jar! The colors are gorgeous and festive.



WORLD'S BEST BEAN SOUP MIX
(adapted slightly from The Perfect Mix)

1 pound navy beans
1 pound great Northern beans
1 pound pinto beans
1 pound red beans
1 pound dried garbanzo beans
1 pound yellow split peas
1 pound green split peas
1 pound black-eyed peas
1 pound dried lentils
1 pound black-eyed peas
1 pound dried lentils
1 pound dried lima beans
1 pound dried baby lima beans
1 pound pearl barley

Combine navy beans, Northern beans, red beans, garbanzo beans, split peas, black-eyed peas , lentils,  lima beans, and barley, in a large pan or bowl.

Measure out 2-cup gift packages and store in airtight containers. Include recipe instructions for usage below.

Makes 20 packages (about 2 cups each)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1 package (2 cups) bean soup mix (above)
2 quarts water
1 ham hock
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 pint tomatoes
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp lemon juice

Wash the soup mix and place in a Dutch oven. Cover with water and soak overnight.

Drain the beans and add the water, ham hock, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1-1/2 hours until the beans are tender.

Add onions, chili powder, tomatoes, garlic, and lemon juice. Simmer 30 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

Remove ham hock from the soup. Take the meat from the bone, chop the meat and return it to the soup.

Today we are giving away this beautiful apron! It's a black and white linen apron made by Heather. Isn't it adorable?!



To Enter:
- Leave a comment telling us your favorite comfort food.
- One entry per person and the giveaway will stay open through Tuesday and a winner will be randomly selected.
- That’s it! Unfortunately, this will not arrive in time for Christmas.