I have often said, firmly believe and written that chicken soup contains healing powers. Of course, that has been debated by many over the years. I just know that for me a bowl of warm chicken soup puts my mind and body in a restful state. And in the end isn’t that what helps heal the body?
Recently I found myself suffering from an unknown stomach ailment that put me in the hospital for a few days. The day I came home my good friend and neighbor Lorraine called to see how I was doing and told me that she was sending her husband John over with a pot of chicken soup for Randy and I. Trust me when I tell you that was music to my ears.
We talked a bit about the real or imagined magical properties of chicken soup and she said, “There are no magical properties in chicken soup, but the fact that someone loves you enough to make it, makes you feel better”. What a beautiful sentiment!
A few minutes in the microwave and Randy and I were enjoying a bowl of wonderful yumminess. As we finished our dinner I heard Randy saying, “Umm umm good, umm umm good, Lorraine Morelli’s chicken soup is umm umm good”. Yes, I know that was a take on the Campbell soup jingle. For Randy humming that jingle about Lorraine’s soup was high praise indeed.
I thanked Lorraine profusely and asked if she would share her recipe. This was her answer: “Recipe? What recipe? Stick chicken breasts in a pot, add broth and potatoes. What recipe?”
Lorraine’s chicken soup:
Chicken breasts
Progresso chicken broth
Canned tomatoes, plus liquid
Potatoes
Egg noodles
Lorraine did not add spices saying, ” I usually add stuff but your tummy was funny. I’ll make REAL soup when the weather is cooler and everyone’s digestive tracts are back”.
“I made some for John and added fresh spinach just till wilted (but for you I was eliminating fiber),” she continued.
I thought to myself: Real soup? This soup was perfect, absolute ambrosia and just what I needed. Randy and I finished the rest of the soup for lunch the next day and it tasted even better.
The good news is that in a few days I did feel better thanks to a combination of antibiotics, rest, the love and concern of family, friends and I believe Lorraine’s chicken soup.
Enjoy,
Mary
The Delicious Divas 
UMM Good UMM Good……………………
Randy–I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup. I loved the way you expressed youself when you finished. Very funny! Mary
In the hospital? So glad you got well-those silly tummy bugs. The soup-the recipe or lack thereof-so perfect for the aging brain-no measurements. Great for the upcoming season.
When are you coming up here?
Love, Barbara Reese and kitty, Chima.
Hi, Barbara–That’s pretty much the way Lorraine cooks. Just throws things in a pot. She is a very funny person. I just love her to death. The Cat Scan and MRI showed a line of inflamation on my small intestines. The doctor said it was a transient viral infection (in other words had no idea where it came from). But the good news was they did a biopsy and it was clear. So upward and onward and feeling better. We will be in the area in December. Not sure when yet but working on plans. Mary
Lovely : ) Nothing beats a hearty chicken soup when you are feeling low. My older sister is the best example – she will ‘refuse’ to heal without a nice big bowl of chicken soup!
Thanks for leaving some words. Your sister is a wise person indeed. Keep reading. Mary
Yup she is 🙂 I will! Cheers
awww, shucks. You make me blush. LoveLorraine
Lorraine–Just returning the kindness and love shown to me. Mary
Lorraine, how come when I was in the hospital twice in March I didn’t get Chicken soup., Just kidding, you probably never knew. All I know is we better start a campaign to get this street better. Sorry about your hospital stay. Continue to get better …love to you and Randy
Ellen–I’m sure if Lorraine had know she would have made you some soup too. I feel better already. Nice to see you at the coffee today. As always Randy and I keep you and Ross in our daily thoughts and prayers. Mary
So sorry to hear you were down with a nasty bug, but glad to know you are feeling better. Lorraine’s soup sounds wonderful. Hi to all!
Hi, Judy–Thanks for the kind words. The soup was wonderful and so much better than the awful stuff they called soup in the hospital. It was full of grease I could not swallow it. My arteries would not let me swallow. Keep reading. Mary
Sorry to hear you have been ill and hope you are much better soon. Peter and I are on the annual count down for Florida and anxious to get back to my Harley. Soup sounds great and our weather in northern Ontario is already at soup temps 🙂 .
Trudy
Hi, Trudy–Thanks for the kind words. There are several really good soupls on the sight try one or two. When will you be back in Florida? Soups: September 28, 2010–chicken soup; January 31, 2011–my wonderful hardy bean soup; September 25, 2011–my great pean soup with beans and ham; and January 22, 2012–Patty’s butternut squash soup. All are yummy. Keep reading. Mary
I must say, I was surprised at the ingredient, “potatoes,” in chicken noodle soup! That, as well as tomatoes are an interesting twist. Glad you have mended, Mary.
Hi, Genny–I was surprised at the inclusion of the potatoes too. But good Irish girl tha I am was very pleased indeed. The tomatoes added flavor especially as Lorraine did not add any spices because of my delicate stomach. It really did hit the spot. Good to see you at the coffee today. Looking forward to the tea on Tuesday. Mary
Hi Mary,
I am glad it was nothing serious and that everything checked out. Hope you are completely better.
I love a good chicken soup. My Aunt always added one fresh tomato to her recipe.
Hi, Lana–Thanks for the kind words. I am feeling so much better. Hopefully it was just what the doctor said a transient event that will not happen again. Me too, I love chicken soup. At some point I will make this one but add a few spices to it, jazzy it up a little. But, boy at the time it really was what the doctored ordered. Mary