Chicken Soup

I made chicken soup this morning. It seemed like the only rational response to yesterday’s event.

I’ve learned, during my 42+ years as a wife, and then mother that chicken soup really does cure all.

There are important steps to the best soups. First, you need a cut up kosher chicken. Something about the process involved in kashering chicken makes it perfect for making soup. And you need the skin and bones to ensure the broth has flavor and healing powers. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling, but useless when making soup.

Start with the chicken covered in water, letting it boil slowly  for an hour before adding salt - a tablespoon per chicken. Then another half hour of simmering before adding the vegetables. These are critical to flavor as well. Yellow or sweet onions quartered. Good carrots, cut up. Celery stalks - those with the leaves are best. And cut up parsnips. Add another tablespoon of salt - and pepper corns - and again, leave it alone to simmer for a couple more hours.

Gives one time to think about process and the steps involved in making something that will nourish body and soul as it heals. 

When the smells permeate the house, it’s time to derive the golden broth from the spent vegetables and chicken. Drain off the veggies, reserving the carrots to return chopped to the broth. Pull the chicken from the bones for use in pot pies, or chicken salads…and you’re left with pure healing power awaiting noodles or matzo balls for that final comforting touch.

My advice to my dear friends and family? Find your chicken soup. 
Figure out how to nourish your stores of energy and drive because one thing is very clear this morning. We have a lot of work to do to protect our children and grandchildren from Project 2025 ever being fully implemented.