Vegetable Minestrone

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 Cups Tomato juice
• 1 Tablespoon Dried basil leaves
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Med. carrots, chopped
• 2 Med. celery stalks, chopped
• 1 Med. onion, chopped
• 1 Cup Sliced fresh mushrooms (We leave these out--None of us are mushroom fans!)
• 2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 (28oz) Can Diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 Cup Uncooked rotini pasta
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese, if desired

Directions

1. Step One

   Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in 4-5 quart slow cooker.

2. Step Two

   Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in pasta.

3. Step Three

   Cover and cook on high for 15-20 min. or until pasta is tender.

4. Step Four

   Sprinkle each serving with cheese.