AUTUMN SOUP
1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1 c. onion, chopped
1 c. carrots, chopped
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. potatoes, cubed
3 c. water or beef stock
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp. basil
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid
1 tsp. brown bouquet sauce (optional)
In large saucepan brown meat, drain off fat. Add onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients, except tomatoes. Heat to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cover and simmer 20 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender. Add bouquet sauce if desired. Remove bay leaf.