Smoked Turkey and Barley Soup

Years ago, I received a small smoked turkey as a corporate holiday gift.  It was so delicious that we order one every holiday season--it comes from Greenberg's Smoked Turkeys in Tyler Texas.  Not only is the turkey delicious, but we use the carcuss to make this terrific soup.  We're not sure which we enjoy the most--the turkey or the soup!

Smoked Turkey & Barley Soup

4 T. butter, divided
1 c. pearl barley, divided
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 quarts smoked turkey stock or chicken broth
7 oz. smoked turkey or chicken pieces
3 c. mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 T. parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
2 T. soy sauce

In a large soup pot, add 1/2 c. barley and stock, just bring it to the boil point, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

In a saute' pan on medium heat, melt 2 T. butter.  Add 1/2 c. barley and toast 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add onions and garlic and saute' until the vegetables are soft.  Add to stock and cook 30 minutes or until the barley is tender.

Meanwhile, saute' mushrooms and parsley in remaining 2 T. butter for about 8 minutes.  Set aside.

When the soup has cooked a total of 60 minutes, add the mushrooms and parsley, meat pieces and the soy sauce.  Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.  Number of servings:  about 8

Nutritional Information:
182 calories
20 grams carbohydrate
10 grams protein
7 grams fat
4 grams fiber

Based on a recipe from The Complete Book of Soups & Chowders, Bernard Clayton, Jr., 1984.

While I've not tried liquid smoke flavoring, if using chicken broth you might want to experiment with adding it to the soup.  Also, my husband and I laugh over the fact that by the second day, the soup resembles a casserole more than soup.  The barley soaks up the liquid and expands, but it is still delicious!  Enjoy!

Christmas Past

I had a terrific holiday season.  Spent time, both real and virtual, with family and friends.  And most of those events centered around food!  Go figure!  The anticipation of sitting down with people you care about and sharing a special meal in a special place is only second to the actual time spent together.  For me, food is a central tendancy of my life and I cherish the time in preparation, the actual event and in the memories formed over food. 

One of my favorite food writers, M. F. K. Fisher, considered eating well as one of the "arts of life".  Eating well doesn't mean expensive ingredients prepared in an elaborate way served at a five-star restaurant.  Eating well means a thoughtfully prepared meal with the best ingredients available served with imagination to people you love.  A dinner party even if the main course is humble will be a great success because of the people invited, appealing food, comfortable surroundings and the conversation that develops.  Every day is an opportunity to make a meal special.  Get out the placemats and cloth napkins, set the table and enjoy your meal with your family--even if it is take-out pizza!  Have fun with your food!