Mushroom Mushroom Barley Soup

1/2 oz dried sliced mushrooms (I like
shitakes)
6 cups boiling water
Simmer mushrooms for 15 minutes in
water and steep for another 15
minutes.

Saute in 1 tsp oil:
2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped carrots

Add:
3 cups thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
such as button mushrooms.  Cook
another 2 or 3 minutes, then

Add the steeped mushrooms and
their stock.

Add water until it looks right to
you...about 2 cups?
Also add:
1/4 c soy sauce
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 c raw pearl barley
salt and pepper to taste.  

Cook until barley is done, then eat
with great enjoyment on a cold day.