Mmm...just like moms!

Let's be honest- sometimes there are those days when its raining and gray out and you really just feel like climbing back under your flannel bedding at watching '16 and pregnant' marathons the whole day. Oh, thats just me?  huh.

In any case, those days always, always call for a meal that could have come directly from your grandma's kitchen.  Enter Chicken and Noodles.  Not soup, which is well and good in its own right.  My Chicken and Noodles is this gloriously thick concoction thats sort of like gravy...and it goes over a bed of mashed potatoes.  If you're looking for healthy food, this is clearly not your recipe. If you're looking for something swoon worthy that will make you feel like you're wrapped up in a big, familiar hug.  Try it.


Cast of Characters:


2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
1/2 tsp sage
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tbs olive oil
32 oz chicken stock
2 cups shredded chicken
12 oz reames frozen egg noodles
2 tbs flour
2 tbs water


Ok.  Start by sauteing the carrots and celery in the oil (you could add onion, but..I didn't). Add the spices and let those cook for another minute.  Add the broth and the shredded chicken and cook for about twenty minutes.  Add the noodles and cook for another twenty minutes. Mix the flour and the water in a small bowl, and then add to the soup and let thicken for five or so minutes.

When it looks thick and glorious like this, you can lay down and die. Or you can make a pile of mashed potatoes and ladle this magic on top. Or just eat it plain.  Your choice.  

Ok, now, a few things. Personally, every week I buy a package of chicken from the grocery and broil and shred it, and it can be used for two meals (like the chicken chili from the weekend). Also, Ev loves nearly everything I cook for him, but he also likes his food a bit spicy, so this chicken was seasoned with some cajun seasoning, and I sprinkled some red pepper flakes into the soup. Finally, I was raised to cook instinctively, rather than with recipes.  When I give quantities, its usually pretty approximate (especially in terms of oil, salt and pepper) so when the soup looks a little dry, add some more broth or water.  Do what feels right!  And enjoy :)