Minestroni Soup...mmmm mmmm Good

I love this time of year to cook yummy soups and stews. Living in TX has made it more difficult to get out the hot recipes. When there is an evening that is forecast to be in the 60's...I cook hot dishes! At any rate, the afternoon on Sunday was a bit warmer than I thought, but I was in the mood for Minestroni soup. Here is he easy recipe~

• 2 pieces of bacon chopped
• 2 medium carrot~peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 medium potato~peeled and diced
• 1 can chicken broth
• 1 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp thyme I also add 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup of small pasta
• 1 can white kidney beans
• 1 can french style green beans 
• 1 can corn
• grated parmesan cheese
• In 6 qt pan cook bacon on medium heat until crispy~ remove and drain
• To grease add carrot and cook 15 minutes stirring frequently, add garlic and cook 15 seconds longer.
• Add potato, broth, spices and 6 cups water heat to boiling, add pasta.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes. 
• Add beans, green beans, corn and bacon and heat through.
• Top with a lot of the grated parmesan cheese
• Enjoy!