1/4 lb. slab bacon
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, pressed or chopped
8 Italian plum tomatoes, drained
1 qt. chicken stock
1 qt. water
1/4 lb. smoked turkey breast
1/2 c. tiny pasta pieces (i.e. orzo)
6 leaves romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Pepper to taste

1. Cook bacon; drain and chop. Reserve 2 tablespoons of fat and add next 4 ingredients. Cook over low heat with lid on for 8 minutes.

2. Add garlic and tomatoes and bring to a boil.

3. Add stock, water, turkey and pasta and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

4. Add romaine and cook until it is completely wilted, approximately 10 minutes. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with Parmesan and pepper.

Variations:

Substitute chicken or ham for the smoked turkey.

Substitute spinach for the romaine.

Leave out the tomatoes.