Instructions: If you need a little something extra to give a special friend, attach an attractive soup ladle with ribbon to the gift package.

Combine first 8 ingredients; divide into 4 gift packages. Add 2 tablespoons bouillon granules to each package. Seal and label as flavoring mix.

Combine navy beans and kidney beans; divide into 4 gift packages. Seal and label as bean mix.

Place 1/2 cup macaroni into 4 gift packages. Seal and label as macaroni.

Present 1 package flavoring mix, 1 package bean mix, and 1 package macaroni with recipe for Minestrone Soup. (Makes 4 gift packages)

MINESTRONE SOUP: Cover beans with water 2 inches above beans in a Dutch oven; soak 8 hours. Drain. Add 2 1/2 quarts water, flavoring mix, carrot, and ham. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 hours.

Add tomatoes and macaroni, and return to a boil; reduce heat to medium, and cook 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

This recipe yields 8 cups of soup for each of the 4 gift packages.

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