Spinch Beef Barley Soup

Memories of my childhood ~ delicious smells from the Italian basement kitchen of my grandmother's house.  That large area was where pasta was made and hung to dry, pizzeles and bows were baked and fried, and soup was simmered.
I love when my husband walks into the kitchen and says, "Boy, something smells good in here!"
 
Today it was beef and barley soup with vegetables...

 

 

To me soup is a great day to deal with the cold.  A bowl with bread in front of the fireplace (with a glass of red wine) is perfect comfort food.

Many recipes suggest a cockpot, but I like to watch the ingredients blend together on top of the stove.

 

 

The result was perfectly satisfying!