Minestrone Soup (just like Olive Garden's)

½ lb bacon, diced 1 tablespoons olive oil
2 small minced white onions 1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup frozen cut Italian green beans 1 stalk minced celery
1 cup chopped cabbage 4 cloves minced garlic
1 cup shredded carrot 2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 3 cups hot water
4 cups vegetable broth (beef broth can be used)
2 cans (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained
2 cans (15 oz) great northern or small white beans, drained
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned)
4 cups fresh baby spinach, ripped 1/2 cup small shell pasta

In a large pot, sauté bacon until brown. Add olive oil, stir in onion, celery, cabbage and garlic. Cook until onion is transparent. Add the vegetable broth, drained tomatoes, beans, carrots, green beans, zucchini, hot water and spices to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Add the spinach leaves and the pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Yummy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 t olive oil
1 t garlic
½ t cumin
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 c frozen corn kernels or 1 (15.25 ounce) can of corn
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 c chopped onion
1 t chili powder
1 T lemon or lime juice
2 c chunky salsa

Garnish:
1 c chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips
Monterey Jack cheese
Sour Cream
Avocado, cubed
Stove Top Directions: In a large pot, over medium heat, sauté the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove chicken breasts and shred. Roll in 1 c chopped cilantro just before eating. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado, and fresh tomatoes. Serves 8-10
Crock Pot Directions: Throw all ingredients in a crock pot on high for 7-8 hours. Remove chicken breasts and shred. Roll in 1 c chopped cilantro just before eating.