02-22-2010 /node/540 12Servings 10minutes Savory Italian herbs spark this hearty, easy bean soup. Paired with <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/recipes/gifts-in-a-jar/texas-cornbread">Texas Cornbread Mix</a>, this duo is just the thing for cold winter weekends! Better, it's a good keeper, so make this gift-in-a-jar ahead for holiday giving. Unlike cookie jar gifts, Confetti Bean Soup won't go stale in storage. Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $2 per jar. Includes <a href="hthttp://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/gifts-in-a-jar/confetti-bean-soup-gift-tag">free printable gift tag</a>. 12wide-mouth pint (2-cup) canning jars with lid and rings 14lbassorted dried peas, beans and lentils(at least 8 different varieties): 0pink beans 0black beans 0baby lima beans 0lentils 0red lentils 0black-eyed peas 0red kidney beans 0pinto beans 0split peas 0great northern beans 0small red beans 0white beans 12italian-flavor bouillon cubes (note: substitute beef-flavor if you cannot find italian-flavor cubes!) 12bay leaves <strong><img src="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/images/g_bean1.jpg" alt="make confetti bean soup (gifts in a jar)" align="right" hspace="10" width="150" height="132"></strong>1. Wash, rinse and dry canning jars. 2. Layer beans in jars. Add 1/4-cup of each type of bean to the jars, layering the beans. Choose the most colorful bean for the bottom layers of the jar. Add eight 1/4-cup layers to each jar. 3. Place 1 bay leaf and one bouillon cube on top of the beans in each jar. 4. Seal each jar using lids and rings. [Hint for FoodSaver brand vacuum sealer owners: use the jar sealing attachment to seal bean soup jars for longer storage.] 5. Cut appropriate amount of 7-inch circles from cotton fabric. Top each jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon. 6. Print appropriate amount of copies of <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/gifts-in-a-jar/confetti-bean-soup-gift-tag">printable gift tag</a>. Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars with ribbon. <strong>Recipe Instructions (include on gift tag):</strong> Set aside bouillon cube and bay leaf and choose method to soak beans. <strong>Quick soak:</strong> Rinse and sort beans in a large pot. Add 6-8 cups of hot water. Bring to a rapid boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain soak water and rinse beans. <strong>Overnight soak: </strong>Rinse and sort beans in a large pot. Add 6-8 cups cold water. Let stand overnight, or at least 6 to 8 hours. Drain soak water and rinse beans. <strong>To cook: </strong>Place beans in a large pot. Add: 6 cups water 1 can (14 oz.) chopped tomatoes in juice bay leaf bouillon cube Simmer gently until beans are tender, about 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.