Mama's Chicken Noodle Soup

I love food. I was going to type I love fall foods, but then come spring I would write I love fresh spring salads and come summer I would write I love summer foods with grilling and sweet corn. So I might as well be honest and just say...I love food, all seasons of it. Food leaves a taste in your mouth and memory from when you ate it and with who and what is represents. The way cherry cheesecake makes me think of my grandma's table and eating it after many of her yummy meals and ham and potato soup reminds me of my other grandma's house on Christmas day and home-made bread makes me think of my mama in her own kitchen. Food for me is a connection to many hearts in my life and with it I hope to do the same. Food brings people together and good food keeps people coming back!  Good food and good people...doesn't get much better!

With fall comes my taste buds ready for soup season. I personally could live off soups this time of year, but my house full of growing boys would tell you something very different. I have made a variety of the basic chicken noodle soup and this one is my favorite. I never make two soups the same, so bear with me as I walk you through this one...one of my weakness's....I never write my recipes down as I make them and often can't remember what exactly I did. Just tweak this a bit to your tasting as you go :)

Mama's Chicken Noodle Soup

1 bag frozen chicken breasts or tenderloins 

olive oil

kosher salt

fresh ground pepper

fresh or dried parsley

chicken broth (anywhere from 3-6 cups)

carrots

celery

Reames frozen home-made noodles (Do not use anything else! These are the best, I promise! I think the Amish would even agree :)

heavy whipping cream 

Begin by baking your chicken. I put olive oil on a good stoneware pan, lay my frozen chicken out, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 just until chicken turns white. Do not over cook or it will be tough meat in your soup.

In a pan large enough to hold soup, pour in your chicken broth. I use 2-3 boxes depending on how much I want to make. Then start adding your veggies...

I almost always use carrots and celery, but sometimes I just clean my fridge out too with left-over veggies like corn or peas. Chop your veggies and throw into pot of broth. Let cook until carrots are tender. As your veggies cook throw in some seasoning...I like kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and some freshly chopped parsley. You could use anything you like though and even add some onions if you wish.

This is where you must follow exactly, the only thing I always do the same. use Reames frozen home-made egg noodles. I can't even make home-made noodles that taste this good. I love these. I will say it again, I love these. Once your veggies are tender, pour a bag of these tasty things in your soup. While they soak up some juice, you have two options...1.) leave your soup as is with broth. 2.) Give it a creamy taste and texture by pouring in some heavy whipping cream. I usually do about 1- 1 1/2 cups. Its the good stuff!

Your soup is ready to enjoy once the noodles are cooked and it's nice and hot! As always, serve with a smile and enjoy!!!