Chills. Fever. Aching.
No matter who's the sick one,
Chicken soup for all.
While all around us friends were losing their heads to colds and coughs this fall, I was so proud that we skirted the issue. Until two days ago: we lost the upper-respiratory health war.
My daughter came back from trick-or-treating with tricks, and she has not even looked at her bag of treats. It is hard to believe, but all she wanted was chicken noodle soup. From a can.
My motherly instincts mutinied, and I insisted on at least partially homemade. We compromised: I used canned broth and a rotisserie chicken, but I cooked the noodles. Does that equate me with Clara Barton? Maybe not, but I felt better.
My husband and I are not sick, however, so we wanted something of substance, with plenty of taste. I made my girl her plain soup, then I embellished some for us.
Here’s hoping you are cold-free this winter, and you can try these easy soups just because you have a craving.
Vaccines have their place,
But my Mama's chicken soup
Kicks some flu germ butt.
Thai Chicken Noodle Chowder
1 (14.1-ounce) can organic Thai coconut soup, such as Amy’s
2 ounces stick rice noodles, broken in half
1 cup canned fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
1 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Cook noodles in boiling water 5 minutes or until done. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well.
Combine soup, broth, and chicken in a medium saucepan; add chicken and noodles. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in cilantro. Serve in bowls with lemon wedges. Makes 2 servings.
Spicy Tomato Chicken Soup
If you can’t find this soup, use condensed tomato bisque soup and dilute it according to package directions.
1 (14.5-ounce) can chunky tomato bisque soup, such as Amy’s
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup chili beans, undrained
1/4 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
1 or 2 teaspoons chili powder
Heat all ingredients in a medium saucepan until simmering; simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Makes 2 servings.
