LAYERED SOUP MIX IN A JAR FRIENDSHIP SOUP MIX

1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onion
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup alphabet macaroni or other small macaroni ( can be put in a plastic
sandwich bag to make it easier for the recipient to get out of jar )
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
I pound ground beef
3 quarts water
1 can ( 28 ounces ) diced tomatoes, undrained
In a 1-1/2-pint jar, layer the first eight ingredients in the order listed. Seal
tightly. Yield: 1 batch.
Instructions to attach to jar:
Friendship Soup Mix:
To prepare soup:Carefully remove macaroni from top of jar and set aside. In a large
saucepan or Dutch oven, brown beef; drain. Add the water, tomatoes and soup mix;
bring to a boil Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add reserved
macaroni; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until macaroni, peas, lentils
and barley are tender. Yield: 16 servings ( 4 quarts)

LEMON CURD

3 eggs
2 large lemons -- or 3 small (Grated rind and juice)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
Beat the eggs lightly and mix in lemon rind and juice, butter, and sugar. Place in
the top of a double boiler (a bowl over hot water also works well) and heat gently,
stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the curd thickens. Pour
into small sterilized jars and cover with sterilized lids. Stores well in
refrigerator for up to 3 months. This is a rich, lemony spread for holiday tea time
scones, breakfast toast, biscuits, English muffins, etc. Makes approximately 1
pint. In an attractive bottle or glass, it is a nice gift idea. Can be served as a
topping or sauce, as a filling for tarts or pies covered with meringue or whipped
cream. Spoon over warm pound cake for a fast, delicious dessert.