"Souper" Teacher Appreciation Gifts

While browsing online for Teacher Appreciation gifts, I found this cute idea for Mason Jar Soups.  I've seen this done for cookies, but this was the first time I saw one for soup and decided to try a Minestrone Soup Mix that received excellent reviews.  I found the original recipe here.  I couldn't find red lentils so I added some red beans for color and used green lentils.

This is what the finished project looks like.  It was a fun project for the kids to measure and layer each ingredient.  And I thought it was unique and practical, so hopefully the teachers enjoyed the taste, as well as, the kid's efforts!

We layered these ingredients in the order listed into a 2 cup mason jar:
1/4 cup red beans 
1/4 cup lentils
1/4 cup split peas
1/4 cup barley
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
3 tablespoons onion flakes
1/3 teaspoon thyme
1/3 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon basil
1/4 cup pasta (in a bag so that it can be added to the soup at the end)

We attached a label mimicking the well recognized Campbell's soup label and added "Thanks for being a SOUPER teacher!"  We included a box of specialty bread sticks to eat with the soup.

On the back of the label, I added these cooking instructions and an ingredient list.

1.    In a large saucepan, combine 8-10 cups of water, a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes  and entire soup mix (except for pasta).

2.    Add 2 diced carrots and 2-4 diced potatoes.

3.    Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour until peas are tender.

4.    Add pasta and cook until al dente.