Crafting Monday

(Adapted recipe for Turkey Noodle and Lentil Soup)

This is another useful gift that can incorporate all that left over turkey people have after the holidays: Turkey Noodle Soup Mix.

Turkey Noodle Soup Mix

In a quart jar, layer the following:

• 1/4 cup powdered chicken broth (or 4 boullion cubes)
• 2 envelopes onion soup mix
• 1/3 c. split peas
• 3 cups old-fashioned egg noodles

Place lid on jar. Add the following recipe card:

“Turkey Noodle Soup - Add 8-10 cups water, 1/4 cup butter, 2 stalks chopped celery, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped onion, and 4 cups cooked leftover turkey. In a large soup pot, sauté veggies in butter until tender. Add water, turkey and Turkey Noodle Soup Mix. Simmer over medium heat until the peas are tender, about 45 minutes and enjoy.”

This recipe can be adapted for any kind of soup you may enjoy:

• Chicken noodle soup
• Lentil soup
• Onion soup

Crafting Monday

I thought with the holiday's fast approaching, I might offer my readers some simple homemade crafts / gifts to surprise your family and friends with this Christmas. With the economy trying to climb out of a recession and limited time due to family obligations, these ideas are fast, easy and fairy inexpensive.

This week I'm introducing you to Fireside Coffee - this one is always a hit and I even have people asking for it throughout the year.

FIRESIDE COFFEE

--Pint mason jar, or any recycled glass jar
--Instant coffee mix
--Coffee creamer
--Hot chocolate mix
--Evaporated milk

In a large bowl, mix one cup each of the dry ingredients. Spoon into glass jars and replace lids. Apply a label to each jar with the following instructions:

Fireside Coffee
Add 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons to one mug boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

You can also attach candy canes or chocolate covered spoons to each jar as "stirring" sticks for added flavor.