In April, my coworkers threw me a Freezer Meal Baby Shower to stock my freezer full of nourishing meals and snacks, so I wouldn’t be on my feet prepping meals after I gave birth. For several months, I had slowly been filling it with grab n go, one handed snacks. Chicken noodle soup was one of the meals they prepped.
It’s 2pm on a Saturday and we’re on our way home from a birthday party. I didn’t have anything planned for dinner, but I was really wanting Chicken Noodle Soup. By now, we have already gone through our freezer stash of meals. This is a classic dish, known mainly to have while you’re sick. But why only then? This meal is packed with nourishing ingredients that provide healing. The hot broth keeps you hydrated and contains electrolytes. Chicken provides protein which supports healing and immune function, while the vegetables add vitamins and minerals. Beyond those benefits, it’s a comfort meal–familiar and soothing, which can make you feel cared for. Once home, I got the crockpot out to cook the chicken (I only had frozen on hand). While the chicken was cooking, I decided to make granola. I’ve been wanting to make some for a while because I can never find exactly what I want at the grocery store.
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Granola Steps
I wanted a variety of crunchy aspects for this wholesome snack. I viewed various recipes to get an idea on measurements and baking times. When I do this, I hardly ever write down exactly what I used, but this time I tried my best in writing it all down.
Ingredients
- 1 c chopped walnuts
- 1/2 c pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 c sunflower seeds
- 2 T chia seeds
- 2 T flaxseed meal
- 1 c popped quinoa
- 3 c old fashioned oats
- Almond Butter
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add liquid ingredients to the bowl and thoroughly combine, coating all the dry ingredients. I did not measure each one, but I combined in a liquid measuring cup and warmed it up so it would be easier to pour. It equaled out to an estimate of 1 1/2 cups.
3. Evenly spread out onto a parchment lined baking pan. I used a very large pan and spread thinly to give more of a crunch.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake an additional 10 minutes. All ovens and pans are different. Keep an eye on the granola so it doesn’t burn. I love the large crunchy clusters!
Store in an airtight container and enjoy with yogurt or grabbing by the handfuls! This was such. fun snack to make. I can’t wait to try other versions and add ins. I’m loving these flat wooden spatulas for cooking and stirring. So versatile and easy to clean. In my yogurt bowl: spoonful of almond butter, mini chocolate chips, homemade granola, and a spoonful of Manuka honey. I think it’s more enjoyable with a pretty bowl and fun spoon. 🙂
Chicken Noodle Soup Steps
The chicken is done cooking, so I gather my ingredients. I didn’t have celery like in the classic version, but I knew with fresh herbs (from my herb bed) it will still be just as comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 chopped onion
- 4 chopped carrots
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- unsalted butter
- 4 c homemade chicken bone broth
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- uncooked pasta
- cooked chicken (about 2-2 1/2 cups)
- dried Italian herbs for taste
- salt and pepper for taste
- fresh basil (optional)
- Add onion, carrots, and butter to a large pot. I used my Dutch Oven. Add woody herbs, like rosemary, to the beginning of the cooking process, to infuse the flavor.
2. I had homemade chicken bone broth on hand that was frozen. I could have thawed beforehand, but I added to the pot when the vegetables were mostly done cooking.
3. Once the broth melted, I added the pasta. I used spaghetti noodles. I then added the lemon zest and juice, cooked chicken cut into small bite sized pieces. I also added the broth the chicken was cooking in. Let it simmer to combine flavors and topped with fresh basil.
The first spoonful, filled with flavors of lemon and rosemary. I wanted to build up our freezer stash again (save it for a rainy day) and froze the leftovers in soup containers. It would be perfect to pull out of the freezer for the day when you have nothing else planned or exhausted and don’t feel like cooking. Well, that day came just a few days later when my husband had been sick. It was very timely and needed for an evening of comfort.
Gathered and Growing 
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