Plaza III Steak Soup

If you ever have a chance to swing through Kansas City, Mo a great restaurant to stop at is the Plaza III Steakhouse. Be warned that it is pricey (at least by my standards) but it is "The Special Place" my Dad would take my Mom on rare occasions. It will always have a special spot in my memories. My husband took me there for dinner on the night he proposed to me. (By the way, I did say, "Yes", immediately.) This soup recipe has been a family favorite as long as I can remember. I don't know where my Mom got it. (um, Mom could you let me know? Now I'm curious.) My favorite time of year, the fall, is complete with a bowl of this soup, homemade rolls, a salad, applesauce, and hot cider. Oh my, making myself hungry here!



Melt 1 stick of butter. Stir in 1 cup of flour to make a smooth paste. Add 1/2 gallon (8 cups) water to the rue. Saute 2 cups (1/2 lb.) ground beef; drain grease and add to soup. Add 1 cup onions, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, all previously cubed and parboiled with 1 TB Accent. Add 2 packages frozen mixed vegetables ( cups), 1 can tomatoes, 2 TB beef concentrate or cubes,and 1 TB black pepper. Cook until vegetables are done. If there are any leftovers they can be frozen for later use.