Fresh Zucchini Soup

Ingredients:
3 Cups sliced zucchini
1 T dried parsley
3 Cups chicken or beef broth or combination
1 t dried basil
2 Cups water
1 ½ t salt
1 onion chopped
½ t cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic sliced
Grated Parmesan
1 C frozen peas
2 or 3 slices bacon

Directions:
Cut bacon in small strips; put in large pot with onion and garlic; saute' until bacon is almost crisp. You might start the bacon first. Add zucchini and broth. Cook until zucchini is soft. Add peas and simmer for 2 minutes. Add other seasonings. Allow soup to cool slightly. Working in several batches, transfer soup to a blender ( do not fill container more than halfway and, holding onto lid tightly with a dishtowel, puree until very smooth; begin at low speed and gradually increase to high. Transfer back to soup pot and keep warm until serving. Top each bowl with Parmesan and you can add fresh basil leavers torn into small pieces and a few grains of cardamom. Yum, yum.

Makes 4-5 servings.