Allison's Tortellini Soup

 Browsing through my sister Patty's cookbook, I saw this recipe for Tortellini soup.  It is Patty's daughter, Allison's recipe.  Allison says it is her family's favorite soup.  So I had to try it!  It is delicious !

Allison's Tortellini Soup

1 lb. mild sausage

1 cup water

1/2 cup apple juice

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

4 cups beef broth

4 carrots, chopped

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes (I used diced)

1 cup diced zucchini

1 green pepper, chopped

4 T. parsley, chopped

8 oz. (about 2 1/2 cups) tortellini

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

In a large soup pot, brown sausage.  Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until tender.  Add water, broth, apple juice, carrots, tomatoes, basil, oregano, zucchini, parsley and green pepper.  Simmer until vegetables are tender.  Add the tortellini and cook about 10 more minutes.  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.