Vitameatavegamin-or Beef and Barley Soup in the Slow Cooker

We've been on an I Love Lucy kick this month. It's not just a title, I really do love that crazy redhead. We all do, young charges included. The only drawback to too much Lucy is trying to get them to settle down at bedtime after they watch her brilliant oddball comedy. It's more of a hyperactivity catalyst then pure liquid sugar. It's making me laugh so hard that I actually get an ab workout. Hey, I wasn't even trying.

One of the best episodes, hands down, is "Vitameatavegamin."

Remember when Lucy gets sloshed practicing a commercial for the miracle supplement? She tells viewers that the alcohol-laden syrup contains "vitamins, meats, vegatables, and minerals." And that got me thinking about this Beef and Barley Soup in the Slow Cooker. It's got vitamins, meats, vegetables, and minerals. The only thing it doesn't have is alcohol, so you are guaranteed to stay warm, satisfied, and 100 percent sober. It's a cinch to make in your slow cooker, so fill 'er up today. "It's so tasty too; just like candy." Well, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but it's spot-on if you leave out the candy part.

Watch here for sore tummy muscles.

Money Saving Tips:

Use any cut of on sale beef, even a pot roast, cut into 1 inch pieces. Beef bouillion cubes will work well here, just add less than you think you need and taste at the end and adjust. Got any leftover cooked vegetables-just throw them in at the end.

Beef with Barley Soup

Estimated Cost: $6.00 for four large servings

1 lb. stew meat

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 ribs celery, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1 clove garlic, mined

5 cups beef broth

pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon dried parsley, or 2 tablespoons fresh

Add later:

1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley (quick cooking is fine)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon brown sugar

fresh parsley, for serving

Add meat through parsey to crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add barley for last hour of cooking. Stir in vinegar and sugar. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Next Up:

Crock Pot Mulligatawny

PS Click here to vote for West's More Rockin' Morrocan Peanutty Pitas everyday through 2/12. Scroll down and register-it takes 10 seconds, promise! See yesterday's post if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

PSS West just got an offer to appear on a morning show to make his recipe. He's decided to enter the witness protection program instead.