WORLD'S BEST BEAN SOUP MIX
Serving Size : 40

1 lb Navy beans
1 lb Great northern beans
1 lb Pinto beans
1 lb Red beans
1 lb Dried soybeans
1 lb Yellow split peas
1 lb Green split peas
1 lb Black eyed peas
1 lb Dried lentils
1 lb Dried limas -- Large
1 lb Dried baby limas
1 lb Barley, pearled

Layer the beans according to color in a pint jar--somewhat like a sand painting, so that the colorful beans show in layers through the side of
the jar.

NOTE: You don't actually have to have this many variety of beans--use what you can find readily.

For pretty gift giving, layer the beans according to color, like a sand painting, in jars so that the colors show through on the sides. Cut a round circle of colorful fabric large enough to come down on sides of lid, so that you can tie a ribbon or yarn tightly around the base of the lid. Make a recipe of Friendship Bean Soup, and attach to the jar in some way.

Friendship Bean Soup

2 c Mixed beans
1 to 2 tsps Salt
1 Hambone or hamhock
1 Large onion, chopped
1 Lg can chopped tomatoes; undrained
1 ts Chili powder
1/4 ts Garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
1 c Diced carrots
1 Juice of 1 lemon

Wash the beans and pick them over. Cover with water and let soak overnight. Drain the soaked beans. Put the beans in a large pot. Add 2 qts. of water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Add all the other ingredients and simmer another 45 mins.

If you want, you can also add 1 C of diced potatoes. This is a wonderful soup!

You may also use 1/4 pound of smoked turkey instead of ham hock.