Hearty Soup Mix
This recipe makes enough for 3 quart jar gifts. Or make 1 gift and save the rest for yourself! This soup might seem a bit labor-intensive so reserve this one for the *love to cook* cooks on your gift list.
1 pkg (14 oz) Dry Green Split Peas
1 pkg (14 oz) Alphabet Macaroni
1 ½ cup Brown Rice
1 pkg (12 oz) Pearl Barley
1 pkg (12 oz) Lentils
4 cups Dry Minced Onion
Combine all ingredients in a large airtight container. Stir to evenly distribute ingredients. Label as Hearty Soup Mix. Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months. Shake well before using. For gift giving, fill a quart jar and decorate as desired. Gift basket option: Present the 2 cans of tomato sauce and 1 can of vegetable cocktail with the jar in a basket, along with a dessert jar mix or ready-made goodies of your choice.

Attach to Jar:
Hearty Soup
1 1/3 cups Hearty Soup Mix
6 cups of water
1 ½ tbsp salt
Put water and soup mix in a large kettle or Dutch oven. Add salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Add 2 carrots, sliced, 1 or 2 stalks celery, chopped, 1 ½ cups cabbage, shredded, 2 (15 oz) cans of tomato sauce, 1 (24 oz) can vegetable juice cocktail, and if desired 1 lb lean cooked ground beef or leftover cooked beef/turkey. Simmer 20 more minutes, until vegetables are cooked. Makes 6 to 8 servings.