You will always be ready for unexpected company with this spur-of-the-moment soup.
2 quarts tomato juice or V-8 juice
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 sprig thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped basil or sliced cucumber
Combine all ingredients except garnish and simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Strain, and garnish with chopped basil or thinly sliced cucumber. (Also good cold.)