Cream Of Barley Soup

Course :	Soups
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	10

Ingredients:

1	cup	pearl barley
1	cup	onion -- chopped
1	cup	celery -- chopped
1/2	cup	leeks -- chopped
3	medium	ham hocks -- or-
2	slices	smoked ham -- chopped
3 1/2	quarts	chicken stock
6	tablespoons	instant mashed potatoes
1	cup	heavy cream
		---BOUQUET GARNI---
6	pieces	parsley sprigs
1/2	teaspoon	thyme
2	medium	bay leaves

Preparation:

Wrap herbs in piece of cheesecloth. Combine all ingredients except mashed potatoes and cream in removable liner. Place liner in base. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours. Remove ham hocks, if used, and discard, or else chew on the bones, like I do. Also, discard bouquet garni. Add instant mashed potatoes, stirring well, and add crema. Cook on high for 15 minutes.