I've been asked if I have a recipe for Spice Soup. As a matter of fact, like many things I write about, I write from firsthand experience. Spice Soup is a simple soup that I created a year or two before I wrote WIZARD'S FIRST RULE. First of all, understand that I rarely measure things when I cook. I go by instinct. Sort of like writing. Understand, too, that it's perfectly all right to add/delete things. If you don't like an ingredient, leave it out. If there's a vegetable you like, put it in. The variety of everything adds to the whole, though, so you may want to try it this way, first, to establish a base line.

SPICE SOUP

First, lightly brown some hot peppers in oil. (The little dried red peppers, often used in oriental cooking.) Be careful not to cook them too long, or the soup will be really spicy. After they're browned, take them out. Be sure to get all the seeds, too. I like to break up the peppers and put them in a vertical handled strainer and then lower that into the hot oil. After they brown this makes it easy to take them out. (You could also cook the peppers in a small pan and then pour the oil into a big soup pot through a small strainer, if it's easier for you.) (All the following ingredients should be cut up into bite size pieces.) Sauté 2 onions, and then mushrooms (about equal to the onions) in the oil.

After the onions and mushrooms are sautéed, add the following:

4 or 5 potatoes
3 carrots
celery
1 small zucchini
1 package frozen corn (or 1 can)
1/2 head of cabbage
2-15 oz cans of tomatoes (or 1 large one)
chicken soup base
dry parsley, crushed
fill the pot with water so that it generously covers everything. After bringing it to a boil, cover and let it simmer until the vegetables are all cooked. It takes some time for the potatoes to cook. Add water as it evaporates. I like to let the soup simmer all day. It not only makes the house smell wonderful, but it gets better the longer it cooks. With chunks of fresh bread, it makes a hearty meal, especially on a cold day sitting by a crackling fire. Enjoy. All best wishes.