'WHERES THE BEEF'... BARLEY VEGGIE SOUP

 1-2 LBS. CHUCK (BONELESS) CUBED
8 CARROTS (2 CUPS) CHOPPED LG.
8 CELERY STALKS (2 CUPS) CHOPPED LG.
2 14 1/2 oz DICED TOMATOES 
2 CANS CHICKEN BROTH
1 BOX OF LIPTON ONION SOUP ( 2 pkg.)
1 CUP MED. PEARL BARLEY
2 CUPS OF WATER
2 TBSP OIL

( SPICES )
1 TSP EACH..
 THYME
MARJORAM
NUTMEG
SAGE
SWEET BASIL
CUMIN
GARLIC POWDER
GROUND RED PEPPER                                                                                                                                    

I N A 5-6 QT SLOW COOKER, BROWN CUBED BEEF W/ THE OIL, SOUP MIX, AND ALL THE SPICES, AND THEN SIMMER ON HIGH FOR 20-30 MIN. THE MEAT SHOULD HAVE A NICE COATING . NOW PUT COOKER ON MED HEAT AND ADD THE TOMATOES,CELERY, CARROTS, WATER, AND BROTH. DO NOT STIR FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. NOW W/ A WOODEN SPOON DRAG ON BOTTOM OF CROCK ONCE TO STIR MEAT MIXTURE IN. NOW POUR THE BARLEY IN THE CENTER OF THE MIXTURE / AND TURN THE COOKER DOWN TO LOW, LET SIMMER  FOR 4-6 HRS.