Norma, I like herbs and spices, but not hot spices. Just things that add good flavor. A lot of the recipes my mom used were handed down. A couple of days ago I made vegetable soup with brisket in it. That comes from my ggrandmother. My husband likes his kind of soup with everything but the kitchen sink in it. I like the plain veg and beef flavor. Does anyone remember the stoves with a soup well(?)? The pot fit right in a hole in the stove instead of having the fourth burner. Does anyone know what summer savory is? I think I knew at one time, but have forgotten. My grandmother said you could put summer savory or barley in to make a more hearty soup.