Cold Weather Comfort

In our northern hemisphere, winter is drawing near with dropping temperatures, rain, and even snow in some areas. When it is cold outside I appreciate a cheerful fire in the wood stove and a pot of chicken soup simmering on the range. A library book in my hand and my enjoyment is complete. Such simple pleasures are east to attain if we cease our running to the movies, the mall, spending money or running up the charge card. Our grandparents knew the value of time spent with loved ones or alone counting the daily blessings of life.



Chicken Noodle Soup

1 chicken breast
4 cups water
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups wide egg noodles

Place the chicken breast and water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, then turn temperature down and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is completely cooked. Remove pot from stove and cool to room temperature. Remove cool chicken from pot, skin and bone, cut chicken meat into pieces and return to the pot. Discard skin and bones. Place pot on the stove on high heat, add sliced carrots, sliced celery, salt and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then turn heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours. Add egg noodles and simmer about 20 minutes. Serve with crusted bread or crackers and a side salad.

While the soup is simmering on the stove, take a few minutes to think about the upcoming holidays. Many are making lists of presents to purchase, wrapping paper, all the trappings of our modern attitude toward special occasions. It is not necessary to fall into the advertising trap bombarding us on a daily basis. We can, if we want, approach holidays from a different perspective. Family gatherings need not include gifts; enjoying time spent with loved ones is a wonderful alternative.

If you want to give gifts to family and friends, try to think of items you can make yourself. Nothing says love like a gift you created especially for the special person. Some of us are not talented in the knitting, crocheting, or sewing fields. There are other things we can create and give, it just takes some thought to decide what our talents are that we can share with others.