Zucchini Soup

Ingredients

• 3 slices lean bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 8 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices (8 c.)
• 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef consomme
• 2 1/2 c. water
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 Tbsp. fresh parsley
• 1 tsp. dried basil leaves (can use fresh)
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• bacon bits for garnish (if desired)
• 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. chorizo or kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 c. diced carrots
• 1 c. chopped onions
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 (13 3/4 oz. or 14 1/2 oz. each) cans beef broth
• 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped (undrained)
• 3 c. water
• 2 (16 oz. each) cans golden hominy or whole kernel corn, drained
• 1/3 c. chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) or 1/4 c. chopped parsley and 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 jalapeno peppers or green chilies, seeded and chopped