Lazy Day Soup

When Martin and I went to the store today we could barely find a parking space in the big Price Chopper Lot. Lack of parking is a problem seldom encountered here in the Kansas City area but today everyone is spooked by predictions of some rather dire weather conditions over the next few areas, so they're all stocking up on groceries. And we are no different in the desire to make sure there's enough food to get us through a few possibly housebound days. This was actually the second run on stores for our household, though Martin went by himself the first time. Coming home, he proudly announced the purchase of American hot dogs (as Lexi calls them), buns, Fritos, and ice-cream. Otherwise known as his four basic survival food groups.

It rained all day today and then turned to a light, icy snow as the sun set. A perfect day to cook up a hearty soup, such as this one. Paired with grill cheese, it was a pretty perfect fare for a winter dinner. Much better than hot dogs and Fritos!

LAZY DAY SOUP

Ingredients:

I pound ground beef
I package onion soup mix
1  3/4 cup mixed frozen vegetables
5 cups water (for me, the five cups didn't seem like enough liquid so I added more)
1    28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup macaroni, uncooked

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot, brown ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat
2. Pour in water, onion soup mix, and tomatoes with the juice. Simmer for one hour on medium heat
3. Add macaroni and frozen vegetables. Cook 15 minutes on medium heat. Serve hot.