Yesterday I got to teach a cooking class for the open house at Green Door Gourmet. The subject was an easy holiday dinner – right up my ally! I got to meet some wonderful new friends and talk about food – does it get any better? Well, actually it did when some marvelous wines got passed around. I really enjoyed creating candle centerpieces as part of my class. You’re going to want to make these not only because they are a thoughtful party favor, food is involved, and you’re recycling bottles, but also because they’re so darn cute! I created these centerpieces for the open house, but I’ll definitely be recreating them for my own table. I’m not sure what to call this project, but I’m leaning toward “Candlelight Bean Soup”.
That’s right – soup as a centerpiece – a delicious idea.
It’s easy. You start with clean clear wine bottles. I tried the green ones, but they just weren’t as pretty. Next you layer beans, any kind will do. This would be a great project for young people in search of a fun craft project. You’ll be sweeping up dried beans for a few days, but it would totally be worth it. I tried using a funnel to get the beans in the bottles, but it was too big so I opened my desk, grabbed a heavy piece of paper, rolled it up and accomplished the task in no time at all. I unrolled the piece of paper and discovered it was a copy of my son’s resume so I was able to tell him it had already proved invaluable. He was not amused. Oh well, you can’t please everybody.
Next you make a spice bag for the soup, the recipe is included, and finally you print directions for making the soup. Tie a bow; add a candle and you are party perfect.
When your guests are ready to leave, remove the candle, replace the cork and tie the directions and spice package to the bottle. Adorable – you are a perfect hostess, or host. Your guests can have a candle light dinner one night and soup the next, all while praising you for your delicious dinner, clever decorating, and thoughtful gift. Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your list of things to be thankful for is very long!
Candlelight Bean Soup
Ingredients and directions for one bottle:
2/3 cups each of five kinds of beans (I used baby butterbeans, kidney beans, black beans, split peas, and pinto beans)
Layer in clean wine bottle
Make spice packet
In a small resealable bag combine the following:
2 Tbsp bouillon granules (can be beef, chicken or vegetable)
2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp basil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
Directions for making the soup:
Candlelight Bean Soup
Rinse beans and place beans in large pot or Dutch oven. Add 6 to 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans, return to pot. Add 8 cups water, one 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes and seasonings from packet. Cover, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover pan and simmer 2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
Taste for salt and pepper.
*If desired, add cooked ham as the soup cooks for a smoky flavor.
