My Favorite Minestrone

Steps

1. 1Take a large soup pot, heat to medium and add olive oil and bacon drippings
2. 2Add all above veggies and herbs, except tomatoes and white beans
3. 3Cook and stir until chard and cabbage begins to wilt, about 5-10 minutes
4. 4Cover and cook until veggies ar tender, about 10 minutes
5. 5Add drained tomatoes
6. 6Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring
7. 7Stir in chicken stock, white beans, salt and parmesean rind
8. 8Bring to a boil, then simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes
9. 9Remove parmesean rind
10. 10Stir in Orzo
11. 11Continue to simmer for 15 minutes
12. 12Taste!
13. 13Drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil
14. 14Add cracked black pepper if desired