Turkey-Tomato Vegetable Soup

This recipe was found in "Big Book of Heartwarming Soups" by Taste of Home. It's a 2 in 1 book; I got my moneys worth in this discounted buy!! It's a book filled with user submitted recipes and recipes from the Taste of Home Kitchen. Diane, my assistant, introduced me to Taste of Home and I think it's ab fab!

Recipe:
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 C chopped celery
1/2 C chopped onion
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) reduced sodium beef broth
2 1/2 C reduced sodium tomato juice
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 C sliced fresh mushrooms
3/4 C frozen French style green beans
1/2 C sliced carrots
1-1/2 t Worcestershire sauce
1 t dried parsley flakes
1 t dried thyme
1/2 t sugar
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t pepper
1 bay leaf

1) In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, saute the turkey, celery and onion until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain.
2) Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf. Soup may be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yield: 4 servings.

So, um, where do I start? I think this is one of those "looks good on paper" type of deals. Like, right now, I've gone on a few dates with 'guy' and on paper--he's a catch. In real life, I think I'm throwing him back. I've got my reasons, both real and superficial (which I am not going to write down but if you call me I'd be happy to talk). Let's just say that on the first few dates/talks on the phone you should be charming and putting your best foot forward.....

Okay, soup.

Remember that facebook status about thyme and bay leaves being old people seasonings? Well, it originated from this soup permeating my house. I probably should have cut back on the amount of thyme I threw in there and I could have lived with the soup. Live 'n learn.

So I was on a ground turkey kick for awhile and bought a bunch of it (go figure, it was a good deal and I was ALL over it!). I had 1 more frozen pack of turkey in the freezer and thought I'd use it on this soup.

So anyway, cooked it up and added everything it required except for the mushrooms (ick!).

I've got to be honest; I did not enjoy this at all. It was much more enjoyable when I added a handful of goldfish crackers.

However, I ladled some up for my parents and brought it over for them. I didn't disclose any ingredients to them and they enjoyed it! My mom thought it was made with Italian stewed tomatoes, and I told her it was the thyme.

If you make this, I would suggest you cut down on the thyme. Unless you're a fan of thyme. I am not.


Don't pass me the pepper on this one, I'm headed elsewhere!