Tomato soup is one of my favorites on a rainy day. I like to toast some bread and cut it into cubes and use them as croutons. This recipe has a bit of a kick, so watch out!

3 (10 1/2 oz) cans beef consomme
3 (10 1/2 oz) cans water
1 quart tomato juice
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

Pour beef consomme, water, and the tomato juice into a 5 quart pot. Bring to a boil, then add the seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve.

Makes about 3 quarts of soup.