What do you do when someone you love is sick or grieving?

I make homemade chicken noodle soup.

I had a sick son in the house this week.  Does anything break a mama’s heart more than a sick “child?”

After every effort of soup and ginger ale, Aleve, and cold and sinus medicine, a trip to the doctor was in order for Nick.

It seems he has the flu.  Already!  First day of Fall and the flu is in our house!

And then there is a family I care deeply about that is suffering a loss….

When there is nothing else you can do…….

Cook…..

Feed….

Warm the heart and soul.

When I make homemade chicken noodle soup, it is nostalgic for me in so many ways.

Grandma made chicken soup almost every week.

I can still smell it as vividly in my memory as if I were there.

All I need do is close my eyes and inhale slowly, but deeply through my nose, my mind, my heart…

The distinct aromatic union of leafy celery tops, pungent chopped onions, sweet and nutty carrot slivers and juicy chicken creating a steamy aroma that oozes comfort, warm hugs,  and healing goodness…

So when I make chicken soup, it is more than a recipe – more than a meal.    For me, it is a labor of love, a reminder of my greatest role model, a tribute to simple, loving gestures, a way to share warmth, and give a hug in every spoonful.

And I want to share that love.

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Jodi’s Version of Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Place 1 3lb pkg frozen chicken breasts in a large stock pot filled with water to cover.  (You can certainly use a whole chicken or bone-in chicken parts – like Grandma did.  The skin and bones do add a lot of flavor.  But then it is fussy to pick apart, and we like plump white meat best, so I find this much easier.)

Add:
3 Tbsp Chicken Base
1 stalk chopped celery tops with leaves
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 onion, quartered
1 leek, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp celery seed
3 cloves finely chopped garlic

Simmer all for 3-4 hours.
Drain, and chop chicken and vegetables into broth.

In separate pot, boil 1 lb of your favorite noodles in salted water to al dente.
Drain and rinse.

Add noodles to broth and serve.

Wishing you good health and peace.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

PS – Had so much fun with A Tale of Two Condiments yesterday, so wanted to share a couple current photos of those cute little condiments.  (Thanks for all the great comments and likes!)

Here is Handsome Mr. Ketchup on his wedding day last year with the love of his life and our darling daughter-in-law (who LOVES french fries!)

Here is Handsome Mr. Mustard and his beautiful and sweet girlfriend.  (He is the one who had the flu 😦    )

And here is the contrary, but equally handsome Mr. Mayonnaise (having things other than mayonnaise at Mr. Ketchup’s wedding last year!)

My guys!  ❤