Sunday, March 25, 2012

Chicken Soup for the Cold

Despite the fact I have a chronic illness (fibromyalgia), I rarely get sick. An occasional stomach or headache maybe but I haven't had the flu for maybe seventeen years.

On Wednesday, I started feeling under the weather. Thursday, I knew I was in for it. By Friday, a cold was full blown. I didn't want to talk because it caused a coughing jag.

One of the last things I wanted to hear on Thursday was, "What's for dinner?" (Can you ask who, besides Isabella, asked?) In my head I might have said, "What do you think, you idiot?" However, I had defrosted something that was easy to broil.

On Friday, leftovers were the only choice I gave.

Now Saturday, I was intrigued by a recipe for chicken soup a school mate I had caught up with on facebook offered and I was willing to work through the yuck to make it.

Roast a whole chicken at a high heat for twenty or thirty minutes to render out fat and increase flavor. Put the chicken into a pot with cold water, fresh peppercorns and dill, salt, carrots, onions and garlic. (I had to use dried peppercorns and dill and also added celery.) Simmer, I repeat simmer for several hours. I advise putting the pepper corns in cheese cloth, if at all possible, if you don't strain your soup. Straining is the norm.

This is one of the best chicken soups I have ever eaten! I confess I added a bit of boxed chicken stock because it was already open in the refrigerator and I didn't want it to spoil. Add a bit of orzo and it is so satisfying.

Now it is Sunday and I am about 57% better and I do believe I owe it all to what we call "Jewish penicillin," chicken soup! Studies have shown that it truly helps one feel better. Research it and you will see that I am right!

Isn't it wonderful that God has given us foods that help us when we are sick? Also, herbs and such to help keep us healthy?

Have a wonderful week. Blessings, g

3 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear you are sick Gail. Glad to hear you are starting to feel better. I hope and pray that the other 43% of your sickness is soon gone, and you are feeling 100% better.
    I love homemade chicken soup and I agree that it makes one feel a whole lot better. Thank God for chicken noodle soup and so much more.
    Take care Gail
    Hugs Dianne :)

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  2. Hi Gail,

    Hope by now, you are 100% again. Yes chicken soup is good, when feeling unwell.

    Have a blessed week. Nita

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  3. I do the same thing when we're sick, Chicken soup, tons of orange juice and lots of sleep. Works every time.

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