Instructions: To make the soup mix, combine the beans and place in plastic bag. Bags that are decorated for holidays can be found in craft shops. Place the spices in a small plastic bag. Very small ziplock bags can also be found in craft shops. Include the following recipe:

Calico Bean Soup

Package of beans
Packet of spices
Hambone, hamhock or 1/2 pound of ham*

2 quarts of water
1 large onion, chopped
1 28 ounce
can of tomatoes or 2 14-1/2 ounce cans Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste

*If desired, omit ham and substitute beef, chicken, or vegetable stock for the cooking water.

Wash beans thoroughly. Place in a large kettle, cover with water and soak overnight. (An alternate method is to bring beans and water to a boil, remove from heat, and cover and let stand for 1 hour .) Next drain beans and add 2 quarts of new water and ham or ham hock (or use broth if omitting ham). Simmer slowly for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Then add spice packet, onion, tomatoes (undrained), lemon juice and salt to taste (spice packet contains no salt). Simmer another 30 minutes or until beans are tender.

Take ham from soup. Remove any bits of ham from bone and return to soup.

If using boneless ham, cut into bite-size pieces and return to soup.

Serve.

NOTES : Substitute beans freely; use anasazi beans, pink beans, red beans, etc. There should be approximately 1 pound of beans in all.

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