Nana's Chicken Noodle Soup

It was a cold and dismal winter's day when the weight of the globe appeared to bear down on your shoulders. I had actually simply shed my job, and the mounting expenses were casting lengthy shadows over my currently nervous mind. As I remained on the damaged sofa, wrapped in a thick blanket, my heart heavy with concern, there was a knock on the door. It was Nana, my granny, a beacon of heat and convenience. She entered the room with a smile that could brighten the darkest of days and a dish of her homemade poultry noodle soup.

Nana had always been my rock, the person who knew just how to fix my busted spirit. She had heard about my task loss and, like a guardian angel, had come to my rescue. The scent of her hen noodle soup loaded the space, and the method her eyes twinkled with love made me forget my troubles, so for a moment. She handed me the dish, and as I took the very first dose, the heat of the soup surged with me, both soothing and beneficial. Because moment, I felt wrapped up in love and peace of mind, as if she had actually distilled her affection right into every drop of that comforting brew.

The Recipe:

Nana's Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

For the broth:

1 whole chicken, about 4-5 pounds

4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

4 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion, halved

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the soup:

2 cups egg noodles

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a large stockpot, place the whole chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the chicken and vegetables. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The broth should be fragrant and flavorful.

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add the egg noodles and frozen peas to the pot. Continue simmering until the noodles are tender, typically 8-10 minutes.

Stir in the chopped parsley and season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

Serve the chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color.

To the next person who locates solace in Nana's Chicken Noodle Soup,

May this bowl of love be a balm for your spirit, equally as it was for me on that particular dreary day. In its warmth, find peace of mind that you are not alone in your struggles. Nana's soup lugs within it the wisdom of generations, the love of family members, and the durability of spirit. As you appreciate each dose, keep in mind that life's storms might buffet us, however, they do not define us. You are more powerful than you know, and the beneficial convenience of this soup is a testament to the strength within you. Equally, as Nana's love covered me, allow this soup to cover you, and might you locate solace in its acceptance. Maintain your chin up, for brighter days are on the horizon.

As you prepare Nana's Chicken Noodle Soup, remember the love and convenience it can offer you and others who may require it most. Enjoy the nutrients it supplies and share it with those you hold dear.