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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Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Our walk was absolutely beautiful today. No steep hills, no fast cars to watch for a no bunny trails. Just my hubby and I on the path along the creek. We took the little dappled pup and had the best time!

We met two sweet older ladies. They made our day! They called us "kids' and wanted to talk. They said they saw us walking and thought we were "cute". Okay, that never happens anymore. Needless to say we ended up walking with them. We learned so much. They are friends and both of them have had surgeries over the past few months. They kinda take care of each other. It was obvious that one lady is still very much a momma at heart and loves taking care of her friend. The "southern belle" was all gussied up...makeup, hair all done up, a beautiful scarf, lots of jewelry and the other friend was very casual and just enjoying the fact that her friend had called and offered to meet her for a fresh, brisk walk. The momma {southern belle} has walked 5 miles a day, 5 days a week for 3o YEARS! She had just bought a doggie stroller for her little dappled doggie. LD {little dapple} is what she named fuzzy fur feet! The stroller was fully stocked with doggie treats, water, blankets, toys, wet wipes, the original price tag dangling from the handle along with her rain bonnet. She lost her hubby who was a Battalion Chief in Missoula, Montana two years ago. They had been married for 59 years! She was sure to let us know that she was spoiled by her hubby and that he was her sugar daddy. She had us laughing as she told us stories! They loved hiking together and walking. OH.How I love to meet new people on walks. As we were parting ways a HUGE blue heron flew right in front of us and landed on the police man's house. We were quickly informed that they sleep in trees. Hmmmm...I certainly hope that we can meet up with these two spunky older ladies again...soon!!

Do you come home from walks or from exercising at the gym with stories to tell?





Moroccan Vegetable Stew
adapted from Taste of Home

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small butternut squash, chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 can garbanzo beans...pinto beans are also really good

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper {or a few drops of Sriracha, aka “chicken sauce” to taste}

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth {I used Chicken Better Than Bouillon}

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper...add more to taste


*In a large saucepan, heat olive oil on medium heat and add onions, sautéing until soft.

*Add spices and cook for another minute.

*Stir in squash, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.

*Add garbanzo beans and bring to a boil.

*Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

*Add salt and pepper based on taste preferences.

Serve on a bed of couscous and top with sour cream.

VARIATION: Stir in about 2 tablespoons of coconut milk in your own separate bowl for more flavor.


Our Dinner Menu

Sparkling grape juice

Dinner salad

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Baby oranges




Thank YOU, Leslie for the recipe!






Shared with: women living well, foodie friday

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