The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also create financial strain and emotional stress for many people. Focusing on heartfelt, homemade gifts can ease some of that pressure while offering meaningful ways to give. Remember to seek support — or offer it to others — during this time, and take comfort in the joy of sharing, especially as today’s gifts go to our first responders.
Tags:
Holiday
Meal Prep
Soup
Tea
Active time: 20 minutes (tea), 30 minutes (soup)
Total time: 25 (tea), 75 (soup)
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
Spiced Holiday Tea
1 ¼ cups Tang
¾ cup sweetened lemon iced tea mix
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves
Pint-size mason jar
Gift Tag (download recipe card)
Holiday Soup
½ cup split peas
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
3 quarts water
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
¼ cup pearl parley
1.5 pint mason jar
½ cup lentils
1 lb. ground beef
¼ cup dried minced onion
3 quarts water
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
Gift Tag (download recipe card)
Instructions
Instructions for the Tea:
Combine Tang, lemon iced tea mix, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a mason jar and mix well.
Seal the jar and attach the tag with instructions. TIP: Attach a special message for the person you’re gifting this holiday jar too!
Serve 2-3 tsp tea with 1 cup hot water and enjoy!
Instructions for the Soup:
Layer peas, beef bouillon, pearl barley, lentils, minced onions, Italian seasoning, and white rice in the order listed.
Seal jar and attach tag with cooking instructions.
To cook – brown ground in a large pot. Add water, tomatoes, and contents in the jar to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Share your creations on social media and tag Wesley Family Services! Whether you are a novice or an experienced chef, share your meals and how you are practicing mental wellness!