HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFT
If you are looking for an idea for some homemade Christmas gifts, but don’t want to bake or make marmalade or jelly, think of putting together all the makings for soup or pasta, layering ingredients in a mason jar or wide mouthed bottle. Include the recipe for completing the dish and tie with a ribbon around the jar. They’ll think of you every time they’re enjoying that hot and delicious dinner loaded with beans, herbs, spices and pasta. Adding fresh vegetables at cooking time means yet one more gift that is excellent for eye care as well as heart health.
For an added touch, add the can of tomatoes and a bottle of wine in a gift basket with the beans and pasta mix and when the recipients add the finishing touches, they’ll think they made the best dinner ever.
INGREDIENTS
TO FILL 1 QUART MASON JAR
1 cup small pasta shells
¾ cup pinto beans
¾ cup kidney beans
¾ great northern or white navy beans
¼ cup parsley flakes
1/3 cup dried diced onion
1 tsp. each basil, oregano, rosemary
½ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. black pepper
A Zip top sandwich bag
Mix the spices together in the sandwich bag, press out all the air and seal; you might want to label it. Layer the pasta shells first, then add layers of the beans for a colorful arrangement. Tuck the bag in at the top. Include the directions tied around the jar. Since the pasta takes a shorter time to cook, make sure that is the bottom layer of your gift.
PREPARATION:
Empty beans from Jar, leaving pasta, and add to large stock pot. Add 6-8 cups of water and boil covered for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let beans soak for two hours.
Drain beans, return to stock pot, and add 6 cups of water and the seasoning packet. Cook for about an hour, or until beans are fork tender.
ADD
1 28 oz. can tomatoes
3 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
And simmer 30 minutes. Add pasta.
Simmer to allow pasta to cook to al dente, about 8 minutes.
Enjoy with hot crusty Italian Bread and a glass of red wine.
I love it, our Grandfather came from Italy at 16 and settled in Highlands-Emil’s Tavern on Bay Avenue-he would love this! He is metnioned in the novel Whiskey Sea-Emil Aufieri. He also donated a stained glass window at St Andrews Epistcopal Church and my cousin is Rev. William Rauscher-author of many novels.
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