Recipe: Hearty Soup Mix in a Jar

HEARTY SOUP MIX IN A JAR

1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
14 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup small macaroni

In a 2-quart jar, layer the 8 ingredients in the order listed. Seal tightly.

INSTRUCTIONS TO SEND WITH MIX:

To prepare soup from hearty soup mix:

Carefully remove macaroni from top of jar and set aside.

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound ground beef and drain.

Add 3 quarts water, a (28-ounce) can undrained tomatoes and the soup mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Add the reserved macaroni; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until macaroni, peas, lentils and barley are tender.

Makes 16 servings (4 quarts of soup)