I had to adapt this a bit since I didn't have any bacon on hand. I used no salt added chicken broth instead of beef (beef broth seems to have no flavor). I used smoked ham hock in place of the bacon, and chopped up two links of Hatch chile smoked sausage. I used cabbage instead of brussel sprouts and sauteed the cabbage in butter, then added to the soup during the last hour (slow cooker instructions). Even with all the substitutions it came out quite good.

I can barely boil water and your soup kits make me seem like a five star chef. My husband actually dives right in without his normal hesitation haha. I have been telling everyone that they must try them. Another bonus is that you are in my hometown. Keep up the great work, Kris B.