Hamburger Soup

This is a recipe that both Steve and I grew up with and is now a traditional with our little family.  Finding an allspice ball or bay leaf in your bowl is considered good luck.  Sometimes when Steve and I find one, but the girls don't we've been known to cause a distraction and make a transfer.  Maybe not the most sanitary practice, but it prevents meltdowns at the dinner table.

Hamburger Soup

1 lb hamburger 
2 medium onions, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 medium potatoes, diced

2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp minced garlic

6 whole allspice (don’t eat these if they land in your bowl)

2 T chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp sugar
1 ½ qts water

1 t. Worcestershire sauce 
½ c. barley

1 T salt
1 can corn (add last ½ hour)

Brown the hamburger, onions, carrots and celery.  Add all the remaining ingredients except the corn.  Bring to boil, then set to low and cook for 2 ½ hours.  Add the corn and cook for an additional ½ hour.