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To make the soup mix, combine the beans and place in plastic bag.
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Bags which are decorated for holidays can be found in craft shops.
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Place the spices in a small plastic bag.
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Very small ziplock bags can also be found in craft shops.
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Include the following recipe:
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Calico Bean Soup
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Package of beansPacket of spicesHambone, hamhock or possibly 1/2 lb.
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of ham*
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2 qts of water1 large onion, chopped1 28 ouncecan of tomatoes or possibly 2 14-1/2 oz cans Juice of 1 lemonSalt to taste
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*If you like, omit ham and substitute beef, chicken, or possibly vegetable stock for the cooking water.
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Wash beans thoroughly.
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Place in a large kettle, cover with water and soak overnight.
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(An alternate method is to bring beans and water to a boil, remove from heat, and cover and let stand for 1 hour .)
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Next drain beans and add in 2 qts of new water and ham or possibly ham hock (or possibly use broth if omitting ham).
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Simmer slowly for 2-1/2 to 3 hrs.
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Then add in spice packet, onion, tomatoes (undrained), lemon juice and salt to taste (spice packet contains no salt).
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Simmer another 30 min or possibly till beans are tender.
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Take ham from soup.
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Remove any bits of ham from bone and return to soup.
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If using boneless ham, cut into bite-size pcs and return to soup.
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Serve.
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NOTES : Substitute beans freely; use anasazi beans, pink beans, red beans, etc.
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There should be approximately 1 lb.
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of beans in all.
