Italian Soup Gift Basket Recipes

ITALIAN SOUP MIX IN A JAR

Steps:

• Layer beans in order listed in a 1-quart wide-mouth jar; set aside.
• Place pasta in a plastic zip-lock bag; gently pack on top of beans; secure lid.
• Place the remaining ingredients in a small plastic zip-lock bag or small jar; pack both jars or jar and zip-lock bag together in a basket; include cooking instructions.
• Cooking instructions: set the spice mixture and pasta aside; pour the beans in a mixing bowl; rinse with water and drain.
• Cover the beans with water; let soak overnight; rinse, drain, and pour into a 5-quart Dutch oven; add in 8 cups water, a 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, seasonings in jar or bag, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, 1 cup chopped onions.
• Bring to a boil; lower heat, and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.
• Uncover and gently boil until thickened (about 35 minutes).
• Stir in pasta; heat about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

ITALIAN SOUP GIFT BASKET

Steps:

• Pour contents of sauce mix (from lasagne mix) into 3 1/2-cup jar or quart-size plastic bag. Layer instant minced onion over dry sauce mix. Top with pasta (from lasagne mix). Place lid on jar, or seal plastic bag with colorful ribbon or raffia.
• Place soup mix, can of tomatoes and can of corn in gift basket. Include the following directions for making soup. Italian Soup Cook 1 pound ground beef in 4-quart Dutch oven, stirring frequently, until brown; drain. Stir in soup mix, 5 cups hot water, undrained tomatoes and undrained corn. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Ladle into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese if desired. Makes 6 servings.