Potato Soup

1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 T flour
1 t salt
1 t dried basil
1/2 t pepper
3 c chicken broth
2 large potatoes, peeled & cubed
1 c half & half
1/4 t hot sauce
shredded cheese
ham

Cook onions and garlic in 1 T oil until tender. Add flour, salt, basil, and pepper. Gradually add broth. Stir. Add potatoes, cook until tender. Add half & half, hot sauce. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Garnish with ham & cheese

Pasta E Fagioli

1 lb lean ground beef
1 c diced onions
1 c sliced carrots
1 c sliced celery
minced garlic
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can red kidney beans w/liquid
1 15 oz can great northern beans w/liquid
2 15 oz can tomato sauce
2 12 oz can V-8 juice
1 T white vinegar
1 t salt
1 t oregano
1 t basil
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t thyme
1 c salad-roni pasta

Brown hamburger. Add onion, garlic, carrots, & celery. Cook until tender. Add remaining ingredients except pasta. Simmer for 1/2 hour. Cook pasta in separate pot til al dente. Drain & add to soup. Serve w/parmesan cheese