Vegetable Soup

While the topic "Vegetable Soup" may not sound attractive at first, I can guarantee you the soup will be. I learned how to make this kind of soup in Spain walking along there and an Italian woman was picking out anise off the side of the path and made a version of this soup that evening.

One carrot, two sticks celery, half an onion, one chopped leek, five cloves smashed/chopped garlic, and anise--the whole bulb cut up or stalks sliced and definitely the green hair-like tips (I didnt use all the stalk parts--some of it very tough). Add all into a pot with 2-3 cups of good chicken stock (homemade if you have it), glob of white wine and bring to boil, reduce and cook over medium for about 40 minutes until all vegetables are soft. Add salt/pepper and serve.