8 servings

Layer following ingredients in a 1-pint jar:

1/2 cup dried red kidney beans
1/2 cup dried navy beans
1/2 cup dried black beans
1/3 cup dried minced onions
2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried cilantro or parsley flakes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic

Close jar securely; decorate top with cloth and ribbon.

Attach a gift tag with these instructions:

In a Dutch oven, brown 2 pounds ground beef; drain. Add ingredients from the jar, plus 6 cups water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until beans are tender.

Add 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans tomato juice. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. You may substitute 2 pounds of boneless beef chuck. Brown half of the meat in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; remove meat and brown other half of meat. Drain off the oil and proceed with above directions.