Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           pearl barley
   1      cup           onion -- chopped
   1      cup           celery -- chopped
     1/2  cup           leeks -- chopped
   3                    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                    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.