Easy Chicken Soup

If electricity is not a problem or if there's snow to bury it in, frozen chicken can be kept for a long time. And there are lots of dishes you can use it in. One of the easiest and best tasting is good old chicken soup. This is my version.

If on the bone (best taste), boil pieces the equivalent of half of a chicken in a large pot with 6 cups of water for 30 minutes uncovered at a medium boil . (If not, use 2 cups of chicken, 4 cups of broth and 2 cups of water.) Take chicken out and let cool enough to handle it. Cut into small pieces.

Add the chicken and 2 cups each of diced carrots and celery to the liquid. Cook uncovered for another 20 minutes at a medium boil. Add 2 cups of flat noodles and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes at a medium boil. Salt to taste and serve.

If you want to substitute rice for the noodles, add 1 and 1/2 cups in place of the noodles, turn heat down to medium low and cover for 15 minutes. Add more water anytime if you don't want it as thick. This is the same recipe for chicken and dumplings also. Just follow the directions on the Bisquick or Jiffy Mix box and substitute for the rice and noodles.

This is a great healing food if someone is sick. Some say that's an old wives tale but have you heard of the placebo effect? Basically it goes like this: if you think something will make you better, it usually does. Speaking of health, don't forget to stock extra medicines and first aid supplies.