The following post is from Aunt Mary…

For the Country Six Bean Soup Mix, I spent about $10 on the beans and a few pennies on all the spices since I already had all of them on hand. I was able to make five jars of the soup. That is about $2 for each gift that will feed a family of six. Not bad!!

Again, for all of the Gifts in a Jar, you will need a Jar of any type. Mason Jars work well, or an old food jar. The ideal size is at least a quart to make sure all the layers show.

Country Six Bean Soup Mix Gift in a Jar Ingredients

• Jar
• 1/2 cup, Red Beans (dried)
• 1/2 cup, Navy Beans (dried)
• 1/2 cup, Pinto Beans (dried)
• 1/2 cup, Baby Lima Beans (dried)
• 1/2 cup, Kidney Beans (dried)
• 1/2 cup, Great Northern Beans
• 2, Bay Leaves
• 2 tbsp, Dried Minced Onion
• 1 tbsp, Dried Parsley
• 2 tsp, Beef Bouillon Granules (or 2 Cubes)
• 1 tsp, Minced Garlic (dried)
• 1 tsp, Thyme Leaves (dried)
• 1/2 tsp, Oregano Leaves (dried)
• 1/2 tsp, Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp, Red Pepper Flakes

Layer the beans in your jar in the same order they are listed above.  Slide a bay leaf along the side of the jar (between the beans and the jar). Place the rest of the ingredients (spices) in a small Ziploc bag. Close with a twisty tie, cut off the excess bag above twisty tie. Place the spice bag on top of the beans in the jar.

Once complete, cover the jar tightly with a lid. Add any fabric or ribbon and raffia along with the directions.

Directions for Cooking

Make a copy of the cooking directions below and place them on a card or paper and attach to the jar.

:: 1 Jar, Country Six Bean Soup Mix
:: 4-5 cups, Water
:: 1 Can (28 oz), Diced Tomatoes with Italian Seasonings
:: 8 oz, Smoked Sausage Links (sliced)

Note: in place of the Diced Tomatoes and Sausage , substitute a cup of Chopped Ham seasoned to your liking.

1. Remove seasoning packet and Bay Leaves and set aside.
2. Wash the beans and place them in a large pan or Dutch oven.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Cover and reduce heat to medium low.
5. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Add tomatoes, sausage, contents of seasoning packet and bay leaves.
7. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are tender.
   If you’re not using tomatoes and sausage, add ham at this stage.

Enjoy your Country Six Bean Soup!

Find several other ideas to make your own gifts in a jar!