Instructions: In large bowl, mix beans; spoon into four 4-cup, containers, placing about 3 rounded cups in each. Prepare Seasoning bags: Place 1 seasoning bag in each container. If giving mix as gifts, include the CONFETTI BEAN SOUP RECIPE (below) with each gift.

Makes 4. SEASONING BAGS: Cut four 6" squares plastic wrap. Onto each square place the seasoning bag ingredients for one bag. Gather plastic wrap up to form a pouch; tie with string or, for gifts, tie with a ribbon. CONFETTI BEAN SOUP: Rinse beans from one container confetti bean soup mix with running cold water and discard any stones or shriveled beans. In 5-quart Dutch oven over high heat, heat beans and 9 cups water to boiling; cook 3 min. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hr. Drain and rinse beans. Return beans to Dutch oven; add contents of seasoning bag from mix and 5 cups water; over high heat, heat to boiling.

Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1-1/2 hrs. or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Add one 16-oz. can stewed tomatoes with its liquid; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cook, uncovered, 15 min. longer, stirring to break up tomatoes. Discard bay leaf.

Makes 6 main
dish servings or 12 first-course servings.

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