be warm & happy

It is very cold here in the Northeast. As I write this it is
2 degrees outside. It is predicated that north of here there
could be 24 to 48 inches of snow tomorrow. My husband
requested beef barley soup for dinner. This hearty barley
soup is a favorite at my house.

Beef Barley Soup

1 pound round steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cooking oil
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) beef broth
2 cups of water
1/3 cup medium pearl barley
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onions
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup frozen peas
In a soup kettle, brown beef in oil; drain. Add broth,
water, barley, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce
heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add carrots, celery,
onion and parsley: simmer for 45 minutes or until
vegetables are tender. Add peas; and simmer for 15
minutes. Makes about 2 1/4 quarts.

If I have any left over tomatoes in the fridge I chop
them up and throw them in along with the vegetables.

Add some crusty bread or homemade biscuits and you
have a warm and satifying meal. Good to have on these
cold winter days.