As I was preparing for a big meeting a couple weeks ago...consumed with details (day and night) my son had an unfortunate incident. Someone broke into his house, turned it upside down and stole his car. To make matters worse, he did not have comprehensive insurance...a total loss. The police were zero help. We dealt with matters over the phone but I never got to see him face-to-face before I left town. By the time I returned from a week-long trip, he was laid up in bed with a fever and bronchitis. As parents, we want to protect our kids from this world (no matter how old they are). But in reality, no adversity...no growth. I know that's true but I don't like it. My lame offering upon returning home was a pot of chicken soup. Comfort food for the hurting soul.
In my small world of family and friends, I'm known affectionately as the "Soup Nazi". No soup for you! (Well, maybe if you're in need.) Here's my recipe so you can spread the love.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Put a whole chicken in your biggest pot and fill it with water. (Don't forget to take the guts out of the chicken first!) Boil the chicken for about 1 1/2 hours, until it is falling off the bones. Add 2-3 chicken bullions while the water is boiling (I like to use Knorr brand). While your chicken is boiling, cut up your veggies. You can use what ever you have in your frig that might taste good but this is what I used in my last pot of soup: lots of celery, chopped up including the leafy part; 1 med. onion; yellow squash; zucchini; shreaded carrots; green onions; fresh garlic. Saute the veggies and garlic in a separate pan in olive oil and set aside. When your chicken is done, scoop out all the chicken pieces and let them cool enough to handle them. Skim most of the chicken fat off of the broth. Bring the broth to a boil again and add the veggies. Also add salt, lemon pepper, lots of fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, oregano and thyme), and some dried herbs. Debone the chicken and add it to the soup. Throw away the skin and bones. (If you use a large chicken, you can save most of the chicken breast to make chicken salad.) Cook a small pot of flat egg noodles in a separate pot. When they are done, drain and add to the soup. Chicken soup is good the first day you make it but it's even better after sitting in the frig over night. Mmmm, I think I'll go heat some up!
