A delicacy for households where economy has to be studied.

Farmer's Soup (Known In France As Fermière)

Take two ounces of butter, chop finely a large onion, slice thinly two leeks, shred finely six clean cabbage leaves, fry these slowly for five minutes to heat but not to color. Now add one branch of celery if in season. Take stewpan off fire and put one large tablespoonful of flour therein. Pour on this four quarts of water, place on fire and bring quickly to boil. Skim and add four large raw potatoes sliced. Boil for one hour slowly. Pass through strainer or sieve as for thick soup, salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Put back into stewpan and bring to boil quickly and serve. Any available scraps of ham added to the above while cooking much improve the flavor.

It can be further improved by the addition of two yolks of eggs and two tablespoonfuls of cream as explained in Cereal Soup.