Holiday Split Pea Soup Mix in a Jar

Ingredients

• 1 (2.75 ounce) package country gravy mix (regular or no-fat)
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
• 2 teaspoons imitation bacon bits
• 2 teaspoons celery flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/4 cups dried split green peas
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth pint jar.
2. In small bowl stir together bouillon granules, bacon bits, celery flakes, onion and parsley flakes. Pour into jar to make second layer.
3. Add peas; place bay leaf on top. Seal with lid.
4. Attach a gift tag with the following recipe, and decorate jar as desired.

Holiday Split Pea Soup

Empty contents of jar into large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 6 cups water; heat to boiling, stirring often. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until peas are tender, stirring frequently to prevent peas from sticking. Remove bay leaf. Serve soup with dollop of sour cream and bacon bits, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings