Friendship Soup, A Great Gift!

I've made this soup for gifts quite a few times, always with rave reviews.  The original recipe is from allrecipes.com.  I usually omit the pasta and simply add more goodies but today I'll post the original recipe.  

The entire contents can be layered in a jar, add a pretty fabric with a ribbon and given as an amazingly thoughtful gift.   
Hint: A great addition to a Mother's Day gift basket
 

   Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

 Ingredients

1/2 cup dry split peas

1/3 cup beef bouillon granules

1/4 cup pearl barley

1/2 cup dry lentils

1/4 cup dried onion flakes

2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup uncooked alphabet pasta

Directions

In a 1 1/2 pint jar, layer the split peas, bouillon, barley, lentils, onion flakes, Italian seasoning, rice, and bay leaves. Wrap the pasta in plastic wrap, and place in the jar. Seal tightly.

Attach a label to the jar with the following instructions: 

Friendship Soup

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS: 1 pound ground beef, black pepper to taste, garlic powder to taste, 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes - undrained, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, and 3 quarts water. 

TO PREPARE SOUP: Remove pasta from top of jar, and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta, peas, lentils and barley are tender.