chicken soup for the soul

are you wondering how i'm doing with my 2008 goals, seeing that we are in week 3 of the new year?

well, i've certainly been working on item number 1! i have to admit - some of my culinary attempts have been less successful that others, but i'm working at it and learning along the way:)

and in an effort to keep myself accountable, i've joined this group of ladies in creating a new blog - menusbythemonth.blogspot.com - a place where we can swap menus, store them for future reference, and share them with others who might be interested in suggestions.

hope you enjoy it!

that being said, here's the the first recipe that i tried out in the new year. in fact, i made it twice in one day, and liked the repeat version share here better that the first, thanks to some wonderful suggestions from my husband.


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audrey's cilantro-lime chicken noodle soup

(adapted from ina garten's, barefoot contessa family style)

1 whole (2 split) boneless, skinless chicken breast

olive oil

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 quarts chicken stock (homemade is best, but wolfgang puck's was a fine substitute)

1 cup onion, sliced

1 cup medium-diced celery

1 cup medium-diced carrots

2 cups wide egg noodles

juice from 3 limes

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

place chicken breast on a sheet pan and rub with olive oil. sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. roast for 35 to 50 minutes, until cooked through. when cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat.

bring chicken stock to a simmer in a large pot and add the onion, celery, carrots, noodles and lime juice. simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the noodles are cooked. add chicken and cilantro to heat through.