minestrone soup

Try this, it is easy and yummy!

HEARTY MINESTRONE SOUP
1 lb bulk Italian sausage
2 cups celery, chopped
2-3 cloves fresh minced garlic
1 cup onion, chopped
6 cups zucchini, chopped thick
1 29 oz. can tomatoes, cut up and undrained
1 16 oz can kidney beans
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp basil

optional extras: (add 1 cup extra water and remove 2-3 cups zucchini)
2-3 chopped carrotts
1 cup sliced cabbage
pasta

brown sausage and set aside
saute onions and celery in drippings until golden and tender
add garlic and saute for one minute

now you have two options:
STOVETOP:
put everything together in your pot, bring to boil then, turn down to simmer for 1 hour.

CROCKPOT:
mix everything except for zucchini (unless you like it mushy)and turn on low for 6 hours (add extra liquid)
add zucchini 1 hour before serving