Bean Bag Soup

With food prices on the rise {even at Winco, the low price leader!!!} it is really difficult to feed a family on a budget, let alone helping out others. And as easy it is to slide into only taking care of ourselves there are so many ways to continue to bless those around us. It does not need to be spendy.

One of my favorite scenes from a Christmas movie was one where German and American soldiers took over a woman's home to retreat from the snow storm and to rest. It was Christmas eve and with as little she had for her and for her young son, they made a most memorable meal from virtually nothing. There were no trips to Target for new dishes and table decorations and certainly not a Costco to stock up on paper towels, Vanity napkins and pumpkin pie. It was her willingness to share from her heart and to make the soldiers feel as welcome and nurtured under the circumstances.

Buying a variety of dry beans in bulk is still relatively inexpensive and it is a gift your children will love to help with. Remember, it is never too early to teach your children the gift of sharing.

We find such joy when we see our children offer up a meal to a hurting friend or when they take it upon themselves to help someone in need! It does take time and patience to teach, but it is oh.so.worth it!



Dry Bean Bag Soup Mix

2 cups of each:

black beans

large lima beans

small lima beans

pinto beans

lentils

Great Northern beans

red beans

split green peas

pearl barley

navy beans

*Combine all beans into a large container and mix well. Your children will LOVE this!



*Divide mixture into 8 plastic bags...about 2 1/2 cups in each bag

*Tie the bags with twine and attach the Bean Bag Soup recipe


Bean Bag Soup Recipe

1 bag of "Bean Bag Soup Mix"

1 large onion

1 28 oz. can tomatoes

2 tsp. chili powder

2 cloves crushed garlic

juice of 1 lemon

salt and pepper to taste

*Wash beans thoroughly and place in large pot

*Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches

*Boil for 2 minutes and let stand for 1 hour

*Drain and add 2 qts. water...and 1/2 lb. ham if you must

*Simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, covered

*Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.

This serves about 6...but it will vary according to the appetites!

Serve with a salad and crusty bread!


Since we had some fence boards to recycle, mu hubby cut them down and I made a mini food crate to put the soup fixings into. Super easy and rustic looking! I wrapped the can of tomatoes with leftover craft paper to dress the off-brand up a bit! You could use a paper bag if you want. The seasoning went into a pouch and the lemon and onion and almost forgot about the garlic...just sat in the bottom of the crate. I then attached a tag that said, "We are thankful for you". It will be just right for a friend who is sick and has no energy to cook! Don't forget to tuck the soup directions in with the bag o' beans!

I also made up a few bags to keep on hand without the fixings. They will be great to grab on a busy day when I would like to do something for somebody and am short on time...!


ENJOY!























Can you think of anyone who needs mercy and compassion?

THIS IS WHAT THE LORD ALMIGHTY SAYS..."ADMINISTER TRUE JUSTICE, SHOW MERCY AND COMPASSION TO ONE ANOTHER" Zechariah 7:9














Shared with: raising homemakers, crafty scrappy happy, simple country life, comfy in the kitchen

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