Crock Pot Mushroom Barley Soup

If you are enjoying your summer fun, taking the kids out for the day, why not toss some Mushroom Barley Soup into your crock pot before you leave in the morning?  When you get back, you'll have a nutritious dinner, and all you'll need is a salad and some bread.  What a delicious, hearty meal this recipe is.  It's rich in flavor, and since it's meatless, it saves on your food budget. 

So, take that day off, make some plans and enjoy your kids today!  If you don't have kids, grab your partner or friend and plan a day out.  Life is too short; make memories out of each day!

1 oz dried mushrooms (optional)
1 cup boiling water (if using dried mushrooms)
6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3 onions
2 pounds of mushrooms sliced
1 tab. soy a sauce
1/2 cup cooking sherry
5 cups chicken broth
4 cups of water
1 cup of barley
8 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/3 cup fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Fry garlic, onion, mushrooms, and carrots in olive oil until just tender.  If using dried mushrooms, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes.  This adds an added richness to the broth.  Put rest of ingredients in crock pot.  Add the cooked vegetables and dried mushrooms.  Set crock pot on low for 6 - 8 hours.  Yum!