Hearty Minestrone Soup
    1 pound bulk Italian sausage
    2 cups sliced celery
    1 cup chopped onion
    6 cups chopped zucchini
    1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, undrained, cut up
1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon sugar, optional
  1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
In a large saucepan, brown the sausage.  Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel to
drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings.  Sauté celery and onion in the
drippings for 5 minutes.  Add sausage and remaining ingredients;  bring to boil.
Reduce heat;  cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Yield: 9 servings