In my family we have a tradition of exchanging handmade gifts during the holiday season. We bake and preserve and joyfully share! The beautiful thing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time (or money) to create so much happiness.

• From the bulk bins at PCC, choose 8 or 9 different types of beans and grains. (A few suggestions: black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, adzuki beans, black-eyed peas, French lentils, red lentils, pearled barley, wheat berries, wild rice … you get the picture!)
• About 1-1/2 cups of each kind will make about 6 jars of bean soup mix. Combine them or layer them in pint jars with rims and lids.
• Make herb packets with 1 tablespoon of your favorite dried herb blend and tuck them into cloth tea bags (available near the bulk herbs and spices at PCC) or in squares of cheesecloth tied with twine.
• Tie them to the jar with a little gift card with the recipe printed on it. (Recipe for Rainbow Bean and Barley Soup.) So simple and so lovely!