Autumn Soup

1# ground beef

1 c chopped onion

4 c water

1 c cut-up carrots

1 c diced celery

1 c cubed pared potatoes

2 t salt

1 t kitchen bouquet

¼ t pepper

1 bay leaf

1/8 t basil

6 tomatoes (or 28 can tomatoes**see notes below)

Cook & stir meat until brown. Drain. Cook & stir onions w/ meat until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients except tomatoes; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover & simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes; cover & simmer 10 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. 6 servings.

*28 oz can tomatoes, with liquid can be substituted for the fresh tomatoes. Reduce water to 3 cups. Stir in tomatoes with remaining ingredients; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover & simmer 20 minutes. The canned tomatoes break apart & give a rosy color.