Food to Make You Feel Better

Mirepoix

Yesterday was Mardi Gras, and I had big plans for some shrimp and grits.  But Daphne woke up with a low fever, and plans were changed.  Since she was sick, she couldn't go to school (or piano lessons or Daisies), and I couldn't go to the grocery store to get my Cajun Dinner supplies.  Fortunately, I had a rotisserie chicken in the fridge that didn't get used over the weekend, so I was able to make chicken soup.

Daphne's favorite soup EVER is Daddy's Famous Chicken and Dumplings Soup.  This is delicious soup, but it involves roasting a chicken, making homemade broth, and making dumplings from scratch.  I did not make Daddy's Famous Chicken and Dumplings Soup.  I made Mommy's Cheater Chicken and Noodle Soup.  Much easier, and almost (but not quite) as good.  I highly recommend making this next time someone in your family is sick.  It will make them feel better.  It made me feel better, and I wasn't even sick.

Mommy's Cheater Chicken and Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

1-2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 or 3 stalks of celery, chopped*
4 or 5 carrots, chopped*
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced*
salt
pepper
dried thyme
48oz box of chicken stock, plus 2 cups water
Meat from 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded into large pieces
About half a large bag of extra wide egg noodles

Directions:

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large dutch oven.
Add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots, add a little salt, and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
Add chicken stock and water, bring to a simmer, cover and simmer for an hour or so.
Add more liquid if needed, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Add chicken pieces and noodles to simmering soup, and cook for 8-10 more minutes until noodles are done.
Serve with your favorite crackers and a little black pepper if you want.

* these amounts are approximated.  Use as much or as little as you like.