Pat's Winter Vegetable Soup

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   ["In a large cooking pot, saute the beef and Italian sausage (if using) in the olive oil until browned.", "Add the table salt at this time.", "Pour off any excess fluid.", "Add the chopped onions and continue to saute over medium heat until onions are tender.", "Deglaze the pot with a couple ounces of the chicken broth, add the remaining chicken stock and water, then add all the fresh vegetables and bring to a boil over medium heat.", "Add all seasonings and stir.", "Add all remaining canned ingredients except potatoes, stir, and adjust for any additional needed seasonings.", "Cook, covered, at a very slow boil for one hour.", "After the hour, add the potatoes, and then the STALE BREAD (5-6 slices if using) ONLY if you want your soup REALLY thick.", "Continue to cook at a slow boil for 30 minutes and serve.", "NOTE 1: If you have no tomato-based bouillon, just use a couple of chicken bouillon cubes and 2 ounces of tomato paste.", "NOTE 2: I use DEE 415's ""Italian Spice Blend"" in MANY of my dishes -- here's how to make a batch: 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 tablespoons dried marjoram, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes."]

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