1 lb. barley pearls
1 lb. dried black beans
1 lb. dried red beans
1 lb. dried pinto beans
1 lb. dried navy beans
1 lb. dried green northern beans
1 lb. dried lentils
1 lb. dried split peas
1 lb. dried black-eyed peas

Combine all beans. Divide into 10 (2 cup) packages for gift giving, and present with following recipe for nine bean soup. Prepare mix according to nine bean soup recipe. Yield: 10 (2 cup) packages.

NINE BEAN SOUP:

2 c. nine bean soup mix
2 qt. water
1 lb. ham, diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 to 3/4 tsp. salt
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, not drained but chopped
1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes and green chiles, not drained

Sort and wash 2 cups bean mix; place in a Dutch oven. Cover with water 2 inches above beans, and soak overnight. Drain beans; add 2 quarts water, ham, onion, garlic, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Add remaining ingredients, simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Yield: 8 cups.