A hearty, meaty soup that's almost thick enough to call "stew" but remains somehow, soup, still. It's a wintery, filling soup, packed with root vegetables and earthy mushrooms and the addictive nuttiness of barley. It's just what's needed to bring back one's kitchen mojo. A Bit of a Project, Nothing Hard But An Hour of Hands-On Time Over Two Days. Still, Worthy of Effort! Perfect When Feeding a Small Crowd. High Protein. Weight Watchers Friendly. Naturally Gluten Free. So Good!!

For Valentines this year, I'm writing a love letter to the nurses caring for my almost 90-year old father ... and sending simple chocolate shortbread cookies, tender and crisp and barely sweet. Barely Sweet & Generously Chocolate. Budget Friendly. Great for Food Gifts.