Before I leave for sunny Florida, I want to leave you with warm thoughts and a recipe for a delicious vegetable soup. It makes a complete and satisfying meal for a cold winter night.
Millie's Hearty Vegetable Soup
1 1/2 pounds chuck with bone
3 carrots - diced
3 stalks celery - diced
1 whole onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1 6 oz. pkg. vegetable soup mix with mushrooms
salt and pepper to taste.
Place meat and bones in a large pot, add about seven cups of water. When water comes to a boil, spoon off film that comes to the top and discard. Lower heat and add remaining ingredients with the exception of the small flavor packet which is added the last ten minutes of the cooking time. Stir occasionally.
Cook at medium-low temperature for 1 1/2 hours.
Yes, you read correctly - 1/4 cup ketchup - that really adds a lot to the flavor of the soup.
If you like a really thick soup, you can use two packages of soup mix. This soup tastes even better served the next day.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a great New Year! Stay well and stay warm!!