Me too!And pearl barley, I love pearl barley.

Does the stick blender actually blend carrots ?+1 for the stick blender, best £15 I've spent in years. Just doing a batch of curried carrot and parsnip as we speak.
. I think it will be fine for all veg soups etc. We made our Stilton soup in it and CHristmas. I`m also now on the prowl for new slow cooker, one with a timer etc. ALDI do have one this week I think !