Lentil and Pasta Soup

I made this tonight and it was soooooo good. And nope, that's not my picture. Because it actually looks nice. :) It looks similar to how mine turned out. I got this recipe from my Relief Society president a couple of years ago.

Lentil and Pasta Soup

1 pkg. bacon, cooked, bacon grease reserved
6 clobes garlic, crushed
1 large onion, chopped
6 tomatoes, chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
2 cups brown lentils
16 cups water
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup small shell pasta
finely chopped parsley for garnish

Cook the bacon either in a skillet or in the microwave until done; reserve the grease and set the bacon aside for awhile.

Cook the garlic, onion, tomatoes, and celery in the bacon fat until soft. Stir in the lentils, the water, and the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then back the temperature to medium heat. Cook for 30 minutes.

Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes more. Break the bacon into small pieces and put in the soup. Garnish with chopped parsley.