Fall is here!!!!

My favorite season.......Fall! I'm not sure why this is my favorite season. Maybe it's the fresh crisp air we get to breath in or all the beautiful color changing of the leaves or the mums and pumpkins we get to put out for decorations. I don't know but I love it! I know a bitter cold winter is to follow but this is my favorite season. I love making big pots of yummy healthy soups. Which btw I just made a wonderful soup that my mother-in-law even said it was the best soup she had ever eaten. See below for the recipe:

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped carrots
5 cups diced red potatoes
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 1/2 quarts chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking barley
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spread slivered almonds evenly over a baking sheet. Toast in preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant.
Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Cook onions, celery, mushrooms, and garlic in oil until onions are tender.
Stir in carrots, potatoes, chicken, and broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in barley. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, and stir in butter, parsley, and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.