CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

RECIPES FOR DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL DOWN AND OUT, DOWN IN THE DUMPS AND DOWN IN THE MOUTH

COMFORT FOOD CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

This is not your ordinary chicken soup recipe where you boil the chicken first and make your soup from the cooked chicken and broth it makes when you cook it. I'm well aware that this is how the 'real cooks' make chicken soup, but I have discovered this easier, faster way that in my book is just as good and satisfied the hunger for chicken soup in a lot less time. It is rich, hearty and soul-satisfying and although not exactly like your mother used to make, it's darned close. For those who don't like cooked celery (and I know there are some of you out there), you can use frozen peas instead (I would say half of a 16 oz. package). Put them in frozen after the soup is completely made and allow them to thaw out and cook slightly without become mushy. Nobody likes mushy peas. Well, maybe some people do but nobody that I know does.

And so, without further ado, is the recipe:
Boil together in a large pot until noodles are cooked and vegetables are tender:
1 pkg. dry noodles (approx. 4 cups)

3 quarts water

2 tsp. salt

1 16 oz. pkg. frozen sliced carrots

4 stalks sliced celery

Drain in a large colander and put back into the pot.

Add the following and bring to a boil:

2 12.5 oz. packages of chicken broth minus 1/2 C.

1 can of chicken

To the 1/2 C. broth add

4 T. corn starch

Stir the corn starch and bring back to a boil, stirring until thickened.

Serve the soup while it's still hot with fresh bread and a green salad or not, whichever you like best.

There is something about chicken soup that can almost be called 'ethereal'. It is not only that it's soothing and nurturing, it also actually lifts you up and out of the doldrums and leaves you with that 'God is in his heaven and all is right with the world' feeling that is so rare these days. It's good for colds, for the flu and whatever ails you both physically and emotionally. Besides, it's just plain good. Hooray for chicken soup! I heartily recommend it to one and all.