Mushroom, Barley & Canadian Bacon Soup

Ingredients	Volume	Weight
butter	0.5 Cup	4 ounce
leeks (white parts only) or chopped onion	3 Cup	12 ounce
carrots, very thinly sliced	3 Cup	12 ounce
mixed exotic mushrooms or crimini or button mushrooms, sliced	1.25 Quart	12 ounce
beef broth	1.5 Quart	48 ounce
quick cooking barley	1.5 Cup	8 ounce
fresh thyme leaves, chopped	1 Tablespoon
freshly ground black pepper	0.75 Teaspoon
2% low fat milk	3 Cup	24 ounce
Jones Canadian Country Club Bacon Stick, diced	1 Quart	18 ounce
Croutons (optional)

Directions:
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add broth, barley, thyme and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cover; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables and barley are tender. Stir in milk and Canadian bacon; heat through. Season to taste with salt, if desired.

Makes 12 servings.