Lentil Soup (6 servings)

Ingredients:

1 lb. dried lentils, washed and drained
1/4 cup of lard, bacon drippings, or oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 parsnip or parsley root, chopped
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 cup sliced celery
8 cups water
1 tsp. salt to taste
5 whole black pepper corns
2 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 large potato, peeled and grated
2 large links, or 4 small links smoked sausage, skin pricked with fork
2 Tbls. good vinegar

Preparation:

In a large pot, heat fat and add carrots, root vegetable and onions.
Saute until onions are golden.
Add lentils, water, celery, and seasonings.
Grate the potato into the mixture and add sausage.
Simmer covered 1 hour until lentils and vegetables are tender.
Remove bay leaves.
Add vinegar just before serving and adjust salt.
Serve with a crusty bread and salad.  Enjoy!!