Cabbage Soup like Big Boy’s

1 (12-ounce) can V-8 juice

4 ribs celery cut in 2-inch pieces

2 cans (14 ounces each) sliced stewed tomatoes

2 cans (14 ounces each) clear beef broth

1 broth can water

1 smoked pork hock (3/4 pound) or ham steak in bite-size pieces

1 onion, about the size of a lemon, diced

1/4 of a 2 1/2-pound head cabbage, diced and cored and outer leaves discarded

1 (14-ounce) can sliced carrots, undrained and finely diced

1 envelope onion soup mix

1 teaspoon dry minced parsley

Generous dash pepper

Salt to taste if desired

Put V-8 juice and celery into blender and blend on high speed, about half a minute or until minced. Pour into 6-quart kettle and add each remaining ingredient as listed.

Bring to boil.

Cover and reduce to gentle simmer — simmering two hours or until cabbage is tender.

Serves 6.

Recipe may be cut in half. Freezes well. Thaw and reheat within six months.