Friendship Soup

1/2 lb. ground beef
7 C. water
1 tsp. dried (or 1clove fresh) minced garlic
2 T. Beef flavoring
1/4 C. minced onion
1/4 C. green split peas
1/4 C. alphabet macaroni
1/8 C. lentils
1/4 C. barley
1/4 C. elbow/shell macaroni
1/8 C. yellow split peas
1/8 C. curly noodles

Brown ground beef and drain grease. Add water and rest of ingredients and simmer till all ing. are softened @30 min.
* I don't worry too closely about the green/ yellow split peas if you have only one or the other just and both quantities of the same. Also, I just add a few handfuls of whatever leftover noodles are taking up space in the pantry. Be creative!
**This can be given as a prepared "Jar Gift" Just layer the beef flavoring, dried garlic, dried minced onion, green split peas, alphabet macaroni, lentils, barley, shell macaroni, yellow split peas and curly noodles in a clean dry jar and seal tightly with a lid. Cover Lid with a cute piece of fabric and a piece of ribbon to tie this note..." When you feel you are too busy and a meal you need to fix, just get out a kettle, 7 C. of water, 1/2 lb. of hamburger and this mix. Let it cook and simmer slowly while you have your things to do. But when you sit and eat it, remember I LOVE YOU!