Gather up the nearest 8-year-old, who happens to be named Mountain. Ask him what sorts of things should go into a vegetable soup.
3/4 pound baby carrots
1/2 pound frozen chopped broccoli
2 potatoes
1 cup TVP (optional)
6-8 cups vegetable broth
(or 6-8 cups water, and 6-8 cubes vegetable bouillon)
1 tablespoon dehydrated chopped onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon MSG
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon dill weed
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 bay leaves
Olive oil
Chop the baby carrots into 3rds. Allow Mountain to chop a few; cringe while supervising. Peel the potatoes; chop the potatoes in half the long way, then slice thin. Put the vegetables into a crock pot; add enough water to cover. Crush up bouillon cubes and stir into the soup. Ask Mountain to sniff various herbs and spices, to see which should go into the soup. Cook on "high" for 3 hours. Serve, adding olive oil to taste.
Notes: the TVP was ultimately rejected by Mountain, who ate around it.
