classic chicken noodle soup: a comforting cure
Chicken soup, a beloved remedy for what ails you, has been cherished for generations. Beyond its deliciousness, folklore attributes healing properties to this comforting dish. Its warmth and nourishing qualities are said to soothe the soul and aid in recovery. While modern science continues to explore the exact mechanisms, there's no denying the comforting power of a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. The soup's ingredients—chicken, vegetables, and noodles—offer a well-rounded blend of protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The gentle simmering process releases the chicken's natural goodness, creating a flavorful broth. Whether you're fighting a cold or simply seeking solace, a bowl of chicken noodle soup is a timeless choice. This recipe is a classic adaptation often found in cookbooks and online resources.
- • Serves 4-6
- • Prep: 20 min
- • Cook: 1 hour
ingredients:
- • 1 whole chicken or 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- • 1 large onion, chopped
- • 3 carrots, chopped
- • 2 stalks celery, chopped
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 8 cups chicken broth
- • 1 bay leaf
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 cup egg noodles
directions:
1. Place whole chicken in a large pot with the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and garlic. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, skim off any foam, and simmer for about 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat and set aside.
3. Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding the vegetables and any bones.
4. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the broth. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook egg noodles according to package directions in a separate pot.
6. Strain and add cooked noodles to the soup and stir to combine.
7. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Enjoy!
braised short ribs: a winter comfort classic
Braised short ribs are the epitome of winter comfort food. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, they offer a rich and satisfying meal.
- • Serves 4
- • Prep: 20 min
- • Cook: 2 hours 40 min
ingredients:
• Beef short ribs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 Stalk celery, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown them in a Dutch oven over high heat.
3. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes more.
4. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the oven.
6. Braise for several hours until the meat is incredibly tender.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Tip :
For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato
paste to the vegetables before deglazing.
You can also use a slow cooker for this recipe,
increasing cooking time accordingly.
drink: a winter hot toddy
A hot toddy is the quintessential winter warmer. This comforting concoction is perfect for soothing a sore throat or simply enjoying a cozy evening.
ingredients:
• 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Hot water
• Cinnamon stick
• Lemon slice, for garnish
drink: a winter hot toddy
1. Combine liquor, honey, and lemon juice in a mug.
2. Fill the mug with hot water, stirring until honey dissolves.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.
optional additions:
A pinch of nutmeg or cloves
A splash of apple cider
Enjoy the warmth and soothing flavors of this classic winter beverage.
