Memories of Chicken Soup

I think pretty much everyone has some memory of chicken soup.  Whether a relative or friend brought it to you on one of those days you were feeling under the weather, or even the thought of making some on a cold winter day made you feel comfy and warm inside.....Chicken soup is one of those foods that emotes feelings of safety and love.  I'd like to share my chicken soup recipe with you.

1 whole chicken 2 1/2 - 3 lbs. 

1 cup thinly scliced celery

1 1/2 cups sliced carrots sliced on the diagonal  

1 whole large onion cut into quarters 

large handful of fresh Italian parsley  

3 tablespoons fresh thyme  

2-3 tablespoons iodized sea salt

5 cups organic chicken broth

5 cups water or more to cover the chicken  

1 bunch of fresh dill

1 large parsnip chopped

3 garlic cloves finely chopped 

8 ounces egg noodles or orzo

     In a large soup pot sauté carrots, onion, garlic and celery for 10 minutes in olive oil on a medium flame.  Add entire whole chicken, water, broth, and all other ingredients except the noodles.  Make sure the chicken is completely covered.  Bring everything to a boil and then immediately simmer for 90 minutes until the chicken falls off the bone.  Every so often skim the fat off the top of the pot.  I tend to take most of the skin off of the chicken before I put it in the pot.  About 15 minutes before the soup is ready add your noodles.  Adjust seasonings and enjoy!