Cabbage Apple Soup

1. Place bacon pieces in a large pot and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

2. Drain fat from the pot and add olive oil, onion, garlic, and caraway seeds. Cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in chopped apple, vegetable broth, apple cider, cabbage, cider vinegar, and sugar. Bring soup to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer, partially covered, until cabbage is tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Cut bread into large chunks and place them in the bottom of six soup bowls. Ladle the soup over the bread and serve.

Cook's Notes:

If you omit the bacon, add salt to taste.

I used a peppered bacon that the local co-op had for extra flavor and a small baguette for the bread. You can also use a Vidalia(R) or other sweet onion in place of the yellow onion.