Minestrone

1/4 cup dry great northern beans                            
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped carrot                                           
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp. beef bullion - "Better than Beef"            
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed                                    
1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1/8 tsp. pepper                                                        
1 8 oz. can tomatoes, cut up
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cabbage                        
1/2 cup green bean pieces
2 Tbsp. macaroni                                                    
2 or more slices of bacon, cooked
1 cup red kidney beans, drained

This recipe serves 5, so I will 1 1/2 times it for your family.  The night before making, rinse and soak the great northern beans.  Cook the bacon.  Drain, cool & crumble then set it aside.  In the same pan combine the drained white beans, 2 1/2 c. fresh water, carrot, celery, onion, bouillon, garlic, basil, oregano, and pepper.  Bring to boiling.  Reduce heat.  Cover and simmer 2 hours or till beans are tender.  (I recommend cooking the white northern beans on their own until tender, then adding the veggies, etc...so the veggies don't get over cooked.)  Next add undrained tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, the kidney beans from the can and noodles.  Bring to boiling then reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes more or until tender.  Stir in bacon.  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.  A loaf of french bread for garlic bread and a wedge of Parmesan cheese are included.