A jarful of colorful dry beans with a homemade mix of seasonings becomes a delicious soup.

1 (16 oz.) pkg. dry black beans
1 (16 oz.) pkg. Great Northern beans
1 (16 oz.) pkg. dry pinto beans
1 (16 oz.) pkg. dry green split peas
4 homemade seasoning bags

1. In large bowl, mix beans; spoon equally into 4 gift containers.

2. Prepare Seasoning Bags. Place one seasoning bag in each container. Include the Confetti Bean Soup Mix Recipe with each gift. Makes 4 gifts.

SEASONING BAGS:

Cut four 6 inch square of plastic wrap. Onto each square, place 3 beef flavor bouillon cubes, 3 tablespoons dried chopped chives, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried savory, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Gather up plastic wrap to form a pouch; tie with ribbon.

CONFETTI BEAN SOUP RECIPE:

Rinse beans from one container Confetti Bean Soup Mix with running cold water and discard any stones or shriveled beans. In 5 quart Dutch oven over high heat, heat beans and 9 cups water to boiling; cook 3 minutes, remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans. Return beans to Dutch oven; add contents of one Seasoning Bag and 5 cups water. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Add one number two can of tomatoes with its liquid. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered 15 minutes longer, stirring to break up tomatoes. Discard bay leaf. Makes 12 first-course servings. About 160 calories per serving. (I sometimes add a little diced ham and two hot peppers when I put in the seasoning mix.)