Ruth's Vegetable Pasta Soup
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Our family loves this recipe and we make it 2-3 times a week. We enjoy the wildlife here in Minnesota. We have a short growing season, but I grow all I can anyway. I also homeschool my son.

Ruth's Vegetable Pasta Soup

What you need:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 cup vegetarian sausage bits (we use Morningstar), optional
• 2-4 cups tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper (optional)
• 1 cup (or a little more) interesting pasta, such as a blend, or medium shells
• one 16 oz can of kidney beans
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped (optional)
• soy, parmesan (optional)

What you do:

1. Braise the onion, garlic and veggie sausage in large pot in 1 cup water.
2. Add 2-4 cups tomatoes with 3-4 cups water
3. Add oregano, thyme and pepper.
4. Heat until it starts to boil
5. Add the pasta
6. Cook until soft
7. Rinse and add the can of kidney beans, cook
8. Add 1 medium zucchini, chopped (optional)
9. Sprinkle with soy, parmesan (optional)
   
   Enjoy!!

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All Fats Are Not Created Equal
Are some fats necessary for optimum health?
by Monique N. Gilbert, author of "Virtues of Soy"
Many people are confused about fats. They think all fats are bad and   unhealthy. However, some fats are necessary for optimum health. In this article from Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor Monique Gilbert, she tells us which fats are good and which fats are bad. Artery-clogging fats that increase blood cholesterol include saturated fat and trans fat. A more heart healthy fat is unsaturated fat, generally found in vegetables. Want a delicious and nutritious alternative to mayonnaise?   Then try this recipe which makes a wonderful heart-healthy cholesterol-free sandwich spread!

Veggie Meals by Rachael Ray - Read the FREE excerpt: Soups

Rachel Ray is at it again. Her latest 30-minute book offers hearty soups, main-course salads, comforting risottos, pastas and Italian vegetable entrees, make you own Asian take-out, and versatile snack suppers, among other delights.

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