BOUNTIFUL BEAN SOUP MIX
Makes 11 jars, 1-pint each

1 pound dried red kidney beans
1 pound dried black bean
1 pound dried cow peas
1 pound dried chick peas
1 pound dried baby lima beans
1 pound red lentils
1 pound brown lentils
1 pound dried yellow split peas
1 pound dried green split peas
1 pound dried pinto beans

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Place in pint jars, seal and tag.

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Cooking instructions:

BOUNTIFUL BEAN SOUP

10 cups water, divided use
2 cups bean soup mix
1/4 pound sliced bacon, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper (to taste)

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat 4 cups water and 2 cups of the bean soup mix to boiling over high heat. Boil 2 minutes. Cover pan, remove from heat, let beans soak for 1 hour.

Drain beans through a large strainer and discard liquid; set beans aside.

Wash saucepan and fry the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Discard all but about 2 tablespoons of fat.

Add the chopped carrot, celery and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat until vegetables are soft.

Add 6 cups of water and bay leaf. Add drained bean mixture. Cover pan and heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.