Destress Yourself: Part 3

I am sitting here in quite possibly the most heinous looking pants on the planet. They are too big. They are aqua fleece with turquoise polka dots (doesn't sound too bad, but trust me...ick.) But they are the warmest, softest, fluffiest things that I own. I'm home taking care of a sniffly little girl who is sacked out on the couch watching Sesame Street so I thought I would finish up a few drafts, remind you that I will choose a commenter to receive a free 2 oz. custom scented Whipped Body Butter tomorrow morning, and share another great "de-stress" idea.

Chicken Soup for the Belly. Forget all those cheesy Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Yes, they are inspirational. Yes, they are heartwarming. Yadda Yadda Yadda.

But this time of year -- I want Chicken Soup for the Belly. And here's how I make it:

Chicken Soup for the Belly!

3 quarts homemade chicken stock, or store bought organic stock (not that College Inn garbage!)
3 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 medium clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
TINY dash cayenne pepper
about a tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 ounces medium egg noodles
Cooked chicken meat, shredded*
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, or 1 tablespoon dried dill
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions
Place stock in a stockpot over medium-high heat, and bring just to a simmer. Chop carrots, celery and garlic, and simmer until tender. Add the salt, pepper, cayeene and lemon juice. Add noodles and chicken to the soup and continue to simmer until noodles are cooked but not soft. When ready to serve, stir in dill and parsley. And there you have it - that's what kicks my cold to the curb everytime!

*Usually this time of year I will do the whole thing in one swoop: make the stock, remove the soup greens (turnip, parsnip and leek) and the chicken bones, shred the meat and make the soup. If you are not in the mood for a big project, you can also poach a chicken breast in the stock, remove it and shred it, and add it back into the soup before adding the noodles.

Enjoy!