Holiday Bean Soup Mix

1/2 C dry kidney beans
1/2 C split green peas
1/2 C dry black beans
1/2 C red lentils
1/2 C dry red beans
1/2 C split green peas

Seasoning Packet:
1 T dried green pepper flakes
2 tsp chicken bouillion granules
2 tsp dried minced onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp celery seed
4 T brown sugar

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar. Mix and place the seasonings in a small plastic bag. Place the packet on top of the peas. Attach a gift tag with the cooking directions.

HOLIDAY BEAN SOUP
1 jar Holiday Bean Soup Mix
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) stewed tomatoes
1 tsp liquid smoke (opt)

Remove seasoning bag from Holiday Bean Soup Mix and set aside. Rinse beans and place in a large soup pot. Pour 4 cups boiling water over beans, cover and let soak overnight. Drain water. Add 6 cups water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Add tomatoes, seasoning mix and liquid smoke. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Uncover beans and continue to simmer about 1 hour longer or until soup thickens.