This mix is a little more challenging than the Cranberry Apple Cider Mix. But its still easy and makes a really nice gift for a family or individual.

You will need a 1 quart wide mouth jar and lid. Using pinking shears I cut out a 8 inch diameter circle from festive fabric to cover the lid. I fastened the fabric with a rubber band and then added a piece of lace to tie it up.

Alphabet Soup Mix

You will need:

1/2 cup pearled barley
1/2 cup dried split peas ( I used yellow, you can use green if you like)
1/2 cup instant rice, uncooked, Or use precooked rice.
1/3 cup dried lentils
2 T dried minced onions
2 T dried parsley
2 – 1/2 tsp salt (optional, it depends on how salty your bouillon is. If you use the name brands its not too salty)
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
2 T beef bouillon granules
1/2 cup alphabet pasta, uncooked
1 cup rotini, uncooked.

layer all the ingredients in the order listed in the one quart jar. Cover with the lid and ring and add the fabric cover and tie.

Type or hand write these instructions and attach to the jar. If you punch a hole through the top edge of a small card with the instructions written on it, you can loop a rubber band through it and stretch the rubber band around the neck of the jar.

Combine jar contents with 3 quarts water in a large pot. Add 2 stalks chopped celery, 2 sliced carrots, one cup of shredded cabbage and 2 – 14 oz cans diced tomatoes. Cover and simmer over medium low heat for one hour or til vegetables are tender.