This is an easy Christmas gift to make, if you're looking for something cheap and homemade. You layer the dry ingredients in a one-quart Mason jar, and then make a label for the front with cooking instructions.

3 quarts water
1/2 cup dry split peas
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/3 cup veggie or beef boullion
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup macaroni
1 lb tvp or ground beef (optional)

Cook the dry ingredients (minus the pasta) in a large covered saucepan for about 40 minutes, including the seasoning and tomatoes. You'll want to stir occasionally so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Add the macaroni and browned tvp or ground beef, cook til the noodles are done, and that's it! It makes a pretty gift with the dried ingredients layered in a jar.

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