Cream of Barley Soup

Directions:

Wash barley; soak overnight if possible. Otherwise, cover with boiling water; soak 2 hours.

Put vegetables into pan with drained barley, herbs, stock, and chicken carcass or ham bone. Cover; cook gently until barley is tender, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Discard bones and herbs. Set aside barley.

Strain soup through sieve, or blend soup and barley in electric blender or food processor. Reheat soup; adjust seasoning. Add cream just before serving. Sprinkle with parsley; serve with croutons.

Basic Chicken Stock: Place chicken, salt, peppercorns, and water in stock pot; bring to boil over medium heat, removing scum from surface. Cover pot; reduce heat. Simmer 1 hour; skim frequently.

Add remaining ingredients; cover. Cook about 2-1/2 hours; skim off fat. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Remove chicken and vegetables from stock. Strain stock through wet muslin; chill. Remove fat before using.