MONKEY MINESTRONE

I have no idea why this recipe minestrone is described as 'monkey,' but it is tasty.  Even though I sprung for the over-priced multi-colored transportation themed shape pasta and used fresh green beans, the soup seemed to have too many flavors and textures for the girls.  I also sprung for fresh sage and thyme but I do not believe I chopped them up enough.  I will need to learn and invest in a few indoor herb/spice plants; it is too expensive to keep buying the prepared version at Whole Foods.  The package instructs me to rinse before using, but I think I probably also want to chop before rinsing.  As much as I tried to dry off the thyme, it kept sticking to my fingers as I tried to pluck the needles off the sprigs.  Is the sprig itself edible?  Should I have chopped it all up?  Regardless, Monkey Minestrone is plenty fine.