ABC Veggie Soup*

Kids enjoy the alphabet noodles in this soup so much, they forget they are eating vegetables too. it's a great option for a cold, snowy day.

1 tablespoon oil
3 green onions, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
15-ounce can stewed tomatoes
4 cups water
4 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup alphabet noodles, uncooked

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 mintues. Add tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper and noodles. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 mintues, stirring occasionally. If making in advance, heat 1 cup of the soup in the microwave before packing in thermos for lunch.

Servings: 6. Calories: 78; protein: 2 grams; carbohydrates: 13 grams; fat: 3 grams; exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

*This recipe is reprinted with permission from "Brown Bag Success'', a cookbook full of simple, delicious recipes and suggestions on how to liven up kids' lunches. The authors, Sandra K. Nissenberg and Barbara N. Pearl, are both registered dieticians from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The book was published by Chronimed Publishing, Minneapolis, Minn., and can be ordered by calling (800) 848-2793.