Okay, maybe it does a little bit. But only because these cold, damp, dreary days almost always put me in the mood for some comfort food. So, here's how I go about meeting that need. It involves:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 large carrots
- 4 stalks celery
- 2 large leeks
- 1/2 cup chopped dried plums
- dash of salt
- 2T butter
- water
This recipe is based on one I saw in a stunning clean-food cookbook at my local library, and when I remember what the name of the book is, I'll post it here. Give me time...and a prayer or two.
And now back to our story...
Am I the only one who finds beauty in a raw chicken? Maybe it's because it's one of my homegrown, free-ranged, rainwater quenched beautiful birds. I feel clean just looking at the picture. I never thought I'd say that. Let's move on...
The leek leaves are followed by 2 carrots and 2 stalks of celery, roughly cut into 4" sections or so. A sprinkle of salt tops it all off and then...
And here comes the grand finale...the broth goes back in the pot, the chicken and veggie mixture in the skillet gets scooped into the broth, and then, just to jazz it up a notch, you toss in some dried plums (otherwise known as prunes, but since they also conjure up some less than savory thoughts, we'll use the other name. It's classier.).
I had a photo of the dried plums, but it wasn't flattering at all. I thought I'd spare you. I can't risk letting a book be judged by its cover, because the flavor they add to the soup is spectacular! Just don't look at them as you're cooking.
Homemade chicken soup, made from scratch. It's so mellow, soothing, and healthful, don't wait until you're sick to try it! Maybe if you try it, you won't get sick at all. I think I'll have another helping!