Crock pot vegetable soup

(I used fresh veg instead of frozen and added carrots, corn and mushrooms...veg I knew Hugh would eat)

1 9-oz. package frozen cut green beans
1/2 of a 16-oz. package frozen cauliflower
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1/2 cup sliced celery (1 stalk)
1/4 cup regular barley
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable juice
1/4 cup purchased pesto (optional)
Finely shredded Parmesean cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, place frozen green beans, cauliflower, undrained tomatoes, onion, celery, barley, garlic, and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth and vegetable juice. Pour over vegetable mixture in cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. If desired, top each serving with pesto and Parmesean cheese. Makes 6 to 8 side-dish servings.

Very Veggie Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, grated or sliced thin
1 1/2 cup corn
1 zucchini, diced
2 cans kidney beans
2 15 ounce cans diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
dash cayenne pepper
dash tabasco sauce (optional)
Preparation:Combine all ingredients in a crock pot or slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours