Carrot Chowder

Someone posted a recipe for Carrot Chowder on a fb group I am a part of that looked interesting.  I played with it and created this yummy Chowder.  We served it with Cook's Illustrated Croissant rolls (which I will have to post - so good!) we had in the freezer.  Yum!  The kids really liked it. 

Carrot Chowder

1/2 stick butter
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
2-4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 LBS bag carrots, chopped about 2 1/2 to 3 cups
1 QT V8 juice (the tomato kind)
1 1/2 cup water
1 LBS ground hamburger, cooked (or ground turkey, ground chicken, or smoked sausage - or omit for a vegetarian dish)
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp salt
2 can cream chicken or cream celery soup
2 cups uncooked barley

In a large stock pot with a lid, melt butter on medium heat.  Add celery, onion, garlic, and carrots.  Cook until tender, stirring often (may need to turn up the temperature and add a little of the water - you don't want them to burn).  Add water and V8.  Using an immersion blender, blend the vegetable mixture (this is optional, but I like the texture).  Add ground beef, green peppers, spices, cream soups, and barley.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. 

Halloween - this is a really bright orange color which would be fun to serve for Halloween dinner.  Pack in the veggies before the candy!