Hamburger Soup

              This time of year....I start to crave soups and stews even if there is a heatwave 

        in Southern California. I long for those crisp, cool New England Fall days that I grew

        up with. Autumn is my favorite time of the year....I love sweaters, scarves and boots.

             Get all cozy and make yourself a bowl of pure comfort food. You won't regret it.

                                                                      Hamburger Soup

                     1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
                     1 onion, diced
                     3 carrots, diced
                     3 celery, diced
                     1 box 48 ounce beef broth
                     2 1/2 cups water
                     1 can diced tomatoes
                     2 cups pasta shells
                     1/2 cup frozen peas
                     1 package lipton onion soup mix
                     2 garlic cloves
                     2 bay leaves
                     1 teaspoon thyme
                     salt and lots of pepper
                     1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
                     1 teaspoon italian seasoning

            1) Place ground beef in pan and start to cook. Add onions, celery and carrots.
            Cook for 10 minutes or until beef is browned. Add Lipton soup mix, garlic,
            bay leaves and the rest of spices. Mix well. Add broth, tomatoes and water.
            2) Simmer until veggies are almost done.
            3) Add pasta and cook until al dente and add your peas.
            Serve with crusty bread.