Potato Barley Soup

1 large Onion -- diced

2 Celery stalks -- diced

4 Garlic cloves -- minced

3 quarts chicken stock -- or beef

1/2 cup barley -- rinsed

2 Carrots -- diced

2 large Idaho potatoes -- peeled and diced

1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Salt to taste

SAUTE THE ONION, CELERY and garlic in a bit of the stock until the vegetables become translucent. Add the stock, barley and carrots. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours. Add the potatoes after the soup has cooked 1 hour. If the soup gets too thick, a dd more stock or water. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.