Chicken Vegetable Barley Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 5 cups diced red potatoes
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 1/2 quarts chicken broth
• 1 cup quick-cooking barley
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• salt and black pepper to taste