ALPHABET VEGETABLE SOUP

A great lunch for kids of all ages! Take some to school or work in a Thermos. Particularly good with a grilled cheese sandwich.

SERVES 4

3 cups water

¼ cup barley

2 large potatoes, finely diced

2 large carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 stalks celery, finely diced

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 cup pasta (alphabet-shapes or small bowties or macaroni)

1 T. marjoram

2 T. tamari

1 bay leaf

Put water, vegetables, barley, and seasonings in a large soup pot with a lid. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add pasta; simmer another 15 minutes, until vegetables and pasta are tender.

3 cups tomato juice

1 zucchini, finely diced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

½ cup frozen peas

½ cup frozen corn kernels

½ cup fresh parsley, minced

salt, pepper to taste

Add tomato juice and remaining vegetables to the soup. Simmer, uncovered, over medium heat, for 15 minutes. Serve hot, with or without a dictionary.