Want to give a Christmas gift that is practical, fun and inexpensive? A gift basket full of beans may be the answer. Even before the economic downturn I have been giving "bean baskets" for fund raisers and gifts for friends. As a "bean missionary" I want everyone to know what an important food source legumes (bean, peas and lentils) are and what better way than giving a gift of beans?
Look around and see if you have a basket you no longer use or if you don't , get one at the dollar store.
Think of your favorite bean recipes - preferably one for soup, one for salad and perhaps a main course. You might pick a split pea or minestrone soup, a black bean and rice or mixed bean salad, and as a main course a vegetarian chili, baked black beans or red lentil dahl.
Go to the bulk food store and buy a variety of beans - different colors and sizes, e.g. you might pick black beans, kidney beans, cannelli or navy peas and perhaps some black eyed peas depending on what recipes you have chosen. Put them in small plastic bags or in saran tied with Christmas ribbon. You could also use canned beans - more expensive but an alternative.
Choose the spices or herbs that are included in the recipes you have picked- they can be in small bottles or packets (it is definitely cheaper to buy spices in bulk). You might choose chili, cumin and oregano.
Print out recipes for the beans you have included in the basket on recipe cards - perhaps add a Christmas sticker or draw a holly leaf. Tie the filled basket up with cellophane or you could use a tea towel and voila you have a gift that will be appreciated and keep on giving.
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