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1
Cut the brisket into one-inch strips across the grain.
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2
Cut each strip into one-inch pieces, removing all visible fat.
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3
Place the pieces of fat into a large skillet over medium heat.
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4
Put the fat pieces into the skillet.
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5
When the skillet is covered with grease to a depth of about one-eighth of an inch remove and discard the pieces of fat.
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6
Place the lean pieces of brisket in the skillet.
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7
Stir the contents of the skillet frequently until all pieces of meat are well browned on all sides.
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8
Remove the contents of the skillet to a large stock pot over medium heat.
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9
Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
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10
Reduce the heat somewhat and saute the onions and garlic in the cup of butter.
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11
Stir the onions and garlic slowly but constantly until the onions are transparent.
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12
Remove the onions and garlic immediately after they turn clear.
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13
Dont leave them there long enough for the onions to become brown.
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14
Place the contents of the skillet into the stock pot.
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15
Put the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, and wine in the pot.
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16
Turn up the heat and let the pot come to a boil.
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17
When the pot starts to boil, add the salt and pepper, and the sugar if used.
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18
Add all the raw vegetables and let the pot boil another 15 minutes or until the carrots are done but still firm.
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19
The liquid in the pot should be one-half inch to one inch above the solid contents of the pot at all times.
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20
If the level falls below add water a cupful at a time until this level is maintained.
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21
Drain all canned veggies except tomatoes.
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22
Add them to the pot with the tomatoes, the pasta, the frozen vegetables, and the barley.
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23
Let the pot simmer another 30 minutes.
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24
Add all the condiments and let the pot simmer an additional 15 minutes.
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25
Adjust the contents of the pot to taste.
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26
When the soup is adjusted to your taste, turn off the stove, and let the soup cool slightly.
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27
Serve the soup with hard crusted Italian bread and country butter with Parmesan cheese on the side.
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28
Add 1/2 head cauliflower and 1/2 head broccoli, chopped, into the ingredient list.