Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew

Sort and rinse beans, then soak overnight in water.

Drain beans and place in crockpot. Add vegetable juice, wine, soysauce, and apple or pineapple juice. Cover with vegetable stock orwater; the amount added depends on whether you prefer a soup (moreliquid) or a stew (less). The juice adds just a tad of sweetness andthe soy sauce adds depth and the tang of salt.

Cook at high for 2 hours. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices, and cookfor 5-6 hours at low until carrots and parsnips are tender. Whentender, add rice or pasta and cook for one additional hour.

NOTES: For beans use 3 or 4 kinds, such as: black, red kidney, pinto,baby lima, lentil, and green and/or yellow split peas.