Teacher's Sugar Free Gift

My son's teacher has just recently been diagnosed with diabetes and she is asking all her students for sugar free candy this Valentine's Day. My family is no stranger to diabetes and I thought instead of sugar free candy I would give her a gift she might enjoy just a much.

Winter Soup - this is a great recipe because you make it, enjoy it and give it away. Here is how it works.

In a large mixing bowl combine your Main Ingredients:
14 ounces of split peas
14 ounces of small pasta shells
1 3/4 cups or 12 ounces of barley
12 ounces of lentils
1 1/2 cups of long grain rice
2 cups dried onions
1/2 cup dried parsley flakes

I thought since it was a Valentine's gift I would put the soup's dry ingredients in this cute polka dotted container. Found and purchased at the dollar store!

You have now created your Main Ingredient Packet: Place 1 1/3 cups in 6-7 separate zip lock sandwich bags. Each Main Ingredient Packet also needs a Seasoning Packet, now combine:

2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/4 teaspoon Shillings Fajita Seasoning

Place in small zip lock bag. Remember each Main ingredient packet needs its very own seasoning packet. (matchy, matchy - 6-7 separate seasoning packets to go with your 6-7 main ingredient packets)

seasoning packet, I included the bullion cubes - just to be nice!

Now Combine Altogether:
2 quarts of water
Main Ingredient Packet
Seasoning Packet
4 chicken bullion cubes
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
This last portion of directions is what you will include when you give your friends the soup!

Keep one packet for yourself and give the other 6 away as gifts to your teachers, friends, neighbors and loved ones this Valentine's Day.