January is National Soup Month–am I the last one to know?  It makes perfect sense since we're right in the middle of Cold and Flu season, but I had no idea it was official.  Except I can't find who actually made it official, but Goggle it and you'll see an awful lot of people are proclaiming it to be.

Working with Vicks VapoRub the past several months has given me reason to think about the things that make me feel better when I'm sick.   Pepsi over crushed ice is the first thing that comes to mind; that was a wonder drug for me as a child (and stirs precious memories of my mom).  It's still the thing I want most when I'm feeling lousy.   

And though I rarely lose my appetite when I've got a cold (or when it's cold), the comfort food I CRAVE is soup.  Is there anything better than a steaming bowl of {your favorite soup} when you're feeling lousy or the temperatures drop?  My mother-in-law's Chicken Soup is a simple recipe you might want to try; it contains the basics and it's an easy one for new or experienced cooks:

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken (cut up is fine)
• 2-3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 carrots, sliced
• 3 chicken boullion cubes
• 8-oz linguine noodles
• salt and pepper to taste

Place chicken in stock pot and cover with water; add salt.  Bring to a boil, then lower temperature and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.  Remove chicken, debone and cut or pull into bite sizes.*

Add chopped celery, carrots and onions.  Bring back to a boil and then add boullion cubes.  Lower back to a simmer and cover for about 20 minutes, then add linguine noodles and simmer for an addition 9-10 minutes. 

Serve with your favorite crackers or cornbread and, I promise, you'll feel better!

Your turn:

1)  Check out Vicks® Nature Fusion™ You Tube channel for wonderful recipes and ideas by Chef Curtis Stone.  You'll be pleasantly surprised with his healthy choices and delicious options.  Plus, he's easy on the eyes… ;).

2)  Please share your favorite "feel good" cold & cold weather recipes.  I'm always looking for the next best recipe in the world!