Chicken Noodle Soup

"Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for

one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense

of the word."

Goran Persson 

Prime Minister of Sweden 1996-2006

According to the news, the success rate of New Year's Resolutions is not too encouraging. In fact, 88 % of all resolutions meet their demise before the end of the year.

Point taken at the Y. The first few weeks into January and even into February the place is packed inside, some long waits for machines and the parking lot is brimming with cars. But after a few weeks their business begins to taper off.

Here is a list of the top New Year's Resolutions according to the research from the Star Tribune, December 30, 2012

• Lose weight
• Get organized
• Spend less,save more
• Enjoy life to the fullest
• Stay fit and healthy
• Learn something exciting
• Quit smoking
• Help others in their dreams
• Fall in love
• Spend more time with one's family

December 29, 2012 The Huffington Post posted an article New Year Resolutions? by Sidney Anne Stove. I liked her take on the subject. At the end of the year she makes a list of the things which she is grateful for, proud she made it through another year thriving and takes time to reflect on her list of accomplishments throughout the past year. The author looks at starting a fresh new year by bringing in positive energy and being ready to take on new challenges and exciting adventures. For her this works better rather than being  discouraged when goals/resolutions are not met. 

So as I look over the list will begin with a healthy start to new year with a recipe of homemade chicken noodle soup. If winter has an icy grip on you perhaps this will warm you up.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Cook's notes: Egg noodles can be put into the soup mixture the last ten minutes of cooking time rather than being cooked separately. Buying a deli roasted chicken is a huge time saver. Turkey can be substituted for chicken. This recipe serves 4-5.  I choose not to add salt to this recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 containers each 32 oz. chicken broth (used product Swansons low sodium and fat free) equals about 6 cups
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp. ground majoram
• 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic (from a jar)
• 1-3/4 cup dried egg noodles-may want more but start small

Directions:

• In a large stock pot saute in 2 TB butter onions, garlic, and celery till tender
• Add broth, chicken and spices
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low and simmer for 45  minutes till carrots are tender
• Add noodles the last 10 minutes
• Remove bay leaf before serving