Recipe

My "second family", the MacDonald's, lived down the street from me when I was growing up. Mrs. MacDonald was such a great cook, I would practically invite myself over for dinner.... a lot.... she used to make this hamburger soup. I could smell it cooking from down the street.

Hamburger Soup

1 lb. hamburger
2 cups potatoes

2 cups carrots
2 cups celery

2 cups tomatoes
2 onions, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped
1 bay leaf

1 clove garlic, minced
1 ½ qt. water

1 ¼ cup barley
1 ½ tsp. salt

dash all spice
dash pepper

2 tsp beef bullion

In a large pan, cook the hamburger until there is no pink left. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onions and garlic and cook until just slightly translucent. Add the water, potatoes, carrots and spices (bay leaf, salt, pepper, all spice and beef bullion) Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add the celery, tomatoes and barley. Simmer at least another 15 minutes until the carrots and onions are tender.

Don’t eat the bay leaves (pull them out before serving)