A Walk One Winter Night

This year we are looking at winter differently.

We've decided to not complain about the snow, the cold, and how long winter lasts. We are embracing every moment of it! Bundling up and braving the cold. 

And so far we have no regrets. 

Mom's Homemade Chicken Soup

I don't know what I'd do without my husband and my mom. They're truly amazing. I've been sick in bed for the past 3 days with a wicked cold and they both completely took over and had everything under control. The combination of a sore throat + sinus pain, along with morning sickness hasn't been the most pleasant - so I've been so thankful to have this extra help the past few days. 

One thing I thought about instantly when I heard Mom was coming to stay with us was her Homemade Chicken Soup. It's just one of those comfort foods for me that has the smells and flavors of my childhood. Mom made this soup often in the winter months and anytime one of her kiddos had the sniffles. 

Of course the last thing any of us ever want to think about is this part of the future - but I know there will come a time when my parents will no longer be around. This is a sad and scary thought - but there are certain comforts, habits, and traditions that my parents (and their parents) seemed to have started for our family that I will always want to carry on afterwards. I told my mom awhile back that one of the things I wanted her to teach me the most was how to make this soup. So while she was staying here I made sure to watch closely and study her every move so I can be able to make it just like her. And I thought snapping some pictures might help me out for when I try to make it myself...I get so excited when I can smell it cooking away on the stove! 

It was so nice to enjoy this hot bowl of soup on such a blustery day and to spend some time with my mom. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's lunch. 

But this gal needs some beauty sleep. Oh boy, do I need it. Goodnight all!

Mom's Homemade Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

1 Whole Chicken (we used the cooked BBQ chicken from the grocery store but you can always use a whole uncooked chicken as well)

4 Carrots, diced

1 Onion, diced

1/2 Broccoli head (and also part of the stem) diced

2 Cups of Tomato Juice

1/2 cup of Rice (or pasta if you prefer)

1. Put whole chicken in a soup pot and fill the pot half way full with water. 

2. Chop up one onion. 

3. Add onion to the soup pot. 

4. Cut the chicken into pieces with chicken shears and boil on medium heat for 1 1/2 hours.

5. Once boiled - remove the chicken from the pot

6. Add tomato juice to the stock.

7. Add chopped veggies and rice to the stock and boil for 20-30 minutes. 

8. Pull the chicken off of the bones, dice, and add half of it to soup. (My least favorite part!.)

**Mom usually adds most of the brown meat and would save the breast for chicken sandwiches. YUM!)

And it's ready to serve!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

I love it when family and friends associate me with food. It’s nice because it makes you feel good knowing how much people enjoy what you make and to have them admire your passion. These White Chocolate Cranberry cookies were a huge hit with family and friends and hearing that from them all is always so heartwarming. So I thought I'd post the recipe for those that might be interested.

 I think since Christmas is fast approaching I was in the mood to bake something that reminded me of the holidays - and these are perfect for this time of year! The sweetness of the white chocolate balances the tartness of the cranberries so the combination of the 2 is just divine. I knew I had to give most of these away and just save a few for us, otherwise the whole jar would of been gone in just a few short days! So for those of you that took some off our hands - THANK YOU! :) I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Man...I guess I should of kept a few more. I could really go for one right now with a big glass of milk!

If you'd like to try this recipe out here is everything you'll need:

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups All Purpose Flour

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Baking Soda

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 Cup unsalted butter at room temperature

¾ Cup of Granulated Sugar

¾ of a Cup of Brown Sugar

1 Cup of white chocolate chips

1 Cup of dried cranberries

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Combine together the first 3 ingredients and set aside.

2. In a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and both sugars. Mix together. 

3. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix together until all creamy and combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.

4. Add the dry ingredients and mix just to combine. Add the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Mix just to distribute them through the batter.

5. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop the cookie dough 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden brown around the edges.

6. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then remove onto wire rack and cool completely.

And Enjoy!

Why not try out this festive cookie recipe so you can snack on them while wrapping presents this year? I think I might have to make a new batch next week...

My little picky eater sure enjoyed them! 

Have a great night everyone!