It’s school holidays. The weather is dreadful, everyone is inside, noses running, grumpy and whining children. What to do… mmmm all I want to do is jump into my warm, cosy bed and drift in and out of sleep but with 3 sick children this is only a dream. The first thing to do is get dinner on. My family needs something wholesome, warming and comforting. This soup will get the family packed with vitamins, protein and all the goodness their little bodies need to boost their immune systems.
Secondly – an activity to keep their minds off being sick….. warm home-made playdough. Yes easy to make and will keep kids busy for at least 1/2 hour to 1 hour (with any luck).
Thirdly, glass of port or red wine for mom to calm her nerves…. okay the day is improving. For more delicious recipes, look out for my new cookbook, the Timeless Family Food Journal, available year end 2011.
My Recipe for Wholesome Chicken Soup
Chicken soup for the soul and all other complaints – great for anyone who is sick – simple and nutritious. For the stock: Can be used as a base for all soups, sauces & stews. In a large pot (5 – 7 litres) add the following: 1 onion, chopped in half 2 cloves garlic 3 celery stalks, chopped 3 large carrots, chopped 2 leeks, chopped 1 whole chicken or 6/8 chicken pieces 6 x peppercorns 2 x bay leaves 6 sprigs of fresh thyme About 5 – 7 litres water – to fill up the pot Bring to the boil and allow too simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and pour the liquid back into the pot you just used. The chicken can be deboned and chopped into small pieces for the soup. Put chicken back into pot of stock water. Now grate the following into the stock water on the stove: 3 x large potatoes 3 x large carrots 3 x celery 3 x parsnips 3 sprigs fresh thyme Salt & pepper Add diced chicken (1 cup) Allow the above to cook for 30 minutes. Then add 2 x packets of cream of mushroom soup ( mix the soup in about 100ml water first and then add to the chicken soup.) This thickens the soup and provides great flavour. Then add 250ml fresh cream (optional) 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley Check your seasoning and serveChristine Phillips
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