Excellent!!!! After reading the reviews I added an additional 4 cups of water and a can of beef bouillon, instead of macaroni I cut up 2 red potatoes, and added a sweet sausage with the chop meat. Next time I will do a link of hot sausage for a little more zing. Made this last nite, since we have been in single digit temps, and it hit the spot with a loaf of warm baguette bread. Thanks Jackie for a great soup.