TRAIL BEAN SOUP MIX IN A JAR

Giving food gift jars can be fun but sometimes people wonder what they can give to a diabetic. If you want to give a diabetic a food gift jar, I suggest this bean soup mix. All you need to do is layer the ingredients in the order listed below into a quart jar.

1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup red beans
1/2 cup baby lima beans
1/2 cup split peas
1/2 cup pinto beans
1/2 cup black-eyed peas
1/2 cup yellow split peas
1/2 cup navy beans
1/2 cup lentils

Instructions to attach to jar:

1 jar Trail Bean Soup Mix
2 quarts water
1 ham hock
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 can (28-oz) diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced

Place bean mix in a large bowl and add 2 quarts of water; soak overnight. Drain.

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a soup pot. Add the ham hock and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the ham hock.

Add the drained bean mixture, salt, pepper, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.

file photo

CAFE MOCHA MIX

Make your own cafe mocha drink at home where you will know exactly what you are getting. This drink is not overly sweet, has a rich coffee flavor, a touch of chocolate and a hint of cinnamon.

2/3 cup Splenda Granular
1/2 cup instant coffee
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup nondairy powdered creamer
1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and place in an airtight container.

To serve: Stir 3 tablespoons of the mix into 6-ounces very hot water. Stir to dissolve.

Yield: 14 servings
Per serving: 40 calories, 7g carbs, 2g protein, 1g fat (0 saturated fat)
Diabetic Exchange: 1/2 carb
WW Point: 1

This also makes a great gift for your diabetic family members or friends. Package prettily, as in the file photo below, and give as a gift for any occasion.

GIFT JAR OF TUSCAN MARKET SOUP MIX

If you enjoy giving food gift jars as gifts or make them to sell at craft shows, etc, this is a good one for diabetics as well as the general public.

Layer the ingredients in a quart jar:

1/2 cup barley

1/2 cup split peas

1/2 cup brown rice

1/2 cup lentils

2 tbsp dried minced onion

2 tbsp dried parsley

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp beef bouillon granules

1 tsp dried cumin

1 pkg dehydrated onion soup mix

Attach recipe for TUSCAN MARKET SOUP

1 jar Tuscan Market Soup Mix

3 quarts water

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 can (28-oz) crushed tomatoes

Combine ingredients and place in a soup pot; cover. Cook over medium heat and simmer 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.