In a medium saucepan combine vegetable juice, water, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Add vegetables. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, adding sausage links during the last 5 minutes of cooking. (Allow about 10 minutes for frozen vegetables and about 25 minutes for fresh vegetables.) Serve with toast sticks or garlic bread, if desired. Makes 1 serving.