Soups

We remember hearing a lovely fable about an old man who was given shelter by an old lady on condition that he ask for nothing. He took two small pebbles his “magic stones” – from his bag and placed them in a pan of boiling water. As the pot simmered, he tasted the broth, turned to his companion, and said the stones were a little old and could she spare him some salt and pepper to increase the flavour? She agreed that it was not too much to ask for. He added them to the pot, tasted the soup again and said, “Mmm, much improved,” and then asked if he might use a bay leaf that was on the shelf. The woman agreed, and also offered a few vegetables. Soon, the man removed the stones from the soup and the two ate. Finishing, the lady complimented her visitor and asked how two stones could make such a lovely meal!