Back To It

I've been inspired lately by 2 things, a supper club we attended and having my eldest sick this past week. The supper club was a lovely experience and I was so inspired by the dedication and the incredible food. A few years ago I would have left that experience planning to host my own club but now with the limited time I have to even cook the essentials I left refreshed and pampered, because someone had cooked for me how I would want to cook for me!

This past week has been about nursing our kiddo back to health. Her appetite is way off so I've been making a lot of smoothies and nailed what might have been my best chicken soup ever. She only wanted the broth but according to my bff who happens to be a holistic health counselor this is exactly what she should have (as well as some sea veggies and any greens I can con her into eating.)

Lastly, I have revisited some blogs that always inspire me:

Orangette
Smitten Kitchen

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My Chicken Soup

1 whole chicken, sometimes I take off some of the skin if we want to eat the soup the same day, otherwise let the broth chill overnight and you can skim the solid fat that rises tot he top the next day.
Put chicken in a pot with water to cover it by and inch or so
Simmer for about 2 hours skimming off the sludge for the first hour
While it's simmering chop 5-6 carrots, 2 onions, 1/2 bunch of celery
Sautee this mirepoix in a little olive oil with fresh herbs of your liking, I'm a thyme and tiny bit of rosemary kinda girl and sea salt and pepper. Don't over cook here, just let the veggies release some juice and get fragrant.
Pull out the chicken and let cool enough to handle then pull all the meat off in chunks or shed, whatever you fancy
Put the meat back into the broth with the veggies (here I add a bay leaf and some finely chopped garlic) and gently simmer until veggies are tender
Serve with fresh chopped parsley, salt & pepper

What we refer to as "Banana Milk"

In a blender put:
1/2 banana (frozen or fresh - if fresh add an ice cube)
3/4-1 cup of milk
1/4 tsp or more cinnamon
Whiz it into a frothy yummy feel better drink