I put “recipe” in quotes because the instructions allow for some adding and re-jiggering of ingredients and amounts. In this case, I dropped the leeks and substituted yellow onions, as one of the offered options, and added some grated carrots.

No bacon salt this time.

The soup was thinner this time, for reasons I’ve been unable to discern. But it did have a mellower, rounder flavor thanks to the leek omission, and the carrots added a warm sweetness. If I’d been thinking, I might have thrown in some cinnamon and ginger, but sadly, I wasn’t.

Knock on wood, this oniony soup business seems to be keeping my immune system propped up. Sami’s into her second week home from school with a very runny nose, intermittent cough and far too much energy. I’m usually the first and hardest hit when it comes to sickness, but maybe good food, regular exercise and a little good old fashioned luck of the draw are keeping me going.

Must remember this for future cold & flu seasons.