Vegetarian Mushroom & Barley Soup

If any of you decided that eating healthy was going to be your New Year's Resolution, than this soup is right up your alley.  Since it is a vegetarian soup I want all you non-vegetarians out there to know, you will still like this!  The mushrooms and barley give it a hearty and rich flavor without the meat.  And since barley is loaded with protein it will keep you feeling full and satisfied.  I paired this with my Grown Up Grilled Cheese that I made the other night.  Unfortunately the sandwich isn't nearly as healthy as the soup, but moderation in everything.... Right?  Enjoy

Ingredients:
1 package (.88oz.) of Dried Mixed Mushrooms (I use the ones from Trader Joe's)
Couple of handfuls of sliced crimini mushrooms coarsely chopped
3 carrots peeled and sliced
1 large onion diced
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 cup of quick cooking barley (also found at Trader Joe's)
2 tbs olive oil
1 quart of vegetable stock
1/2 cup of dry white wine
1/2 cup of cream or whole milk
2 cups of water
2 sprigs of thyme
1 tsp salt
black pepper

Directions:
In a small pan bring two cups of water to a boil.  Once boiling add dried mushrooms and remove from heat.  Allow mushrooms to reconstitute for about 15 minutes.  While mushrooms are sitting add olive oil to a large heavy bottomed stock pot (I used my Dutch oven.) over medium heat.  Add onions and garlic and allow to sweat out for a minute or two before adding the crimini mushrooms. Allow to cook stirring frequently for several minutes before adding salt, pepper and thyme.  Remove reconstituted mushrooms from pan reserving cooking liquid. Chop reconstituted mushrooms finely and add to stock pot with onions and crimini mushrooms.  Add white wine and stir with wooden spoon, scraping up all the brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan.  Strain the cooking liquid from the reconstituted mushrooms and add to the stock pan.  Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil.  Stir in barley and reduce to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.  If soup thickens too much add another cup or two of stock or water.  Just before serving add the milk or cream.  This makes enough soup for about 6 people, so your portion of calories from the cream and wine isn't much when you think about it.  I hope you love this soup as much as I do!