1. AWD's Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup

serves 4-5

With a record number of sicknesses this winter, my chicken noodle soup recipe got put to the test. I figured I would share with you in hopes it may make sick days a little less dull. The turmeric turns this soup in to a glowing golden elixir that feels like it will heal all. While a classic, simple chicken noodle soup is delicious- I find I crave brighter flavors when sick/recovering from illness. The coconut milk also adds some oomph. 

If you have used my recipes in the past, you know I ultimately cook by feel, so take the measurements with a grain of salt and tweak as needed. With the noodles, I usually feel out the amount I want to put in. I love garlic and ginger, so you can always start with a smaller amount if desired :) Enjoy! 

Ingredients

• 2tbsp Olive oil 

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 2 ribs of celery, diced

• 50g ginger, cut in matchsticks

• 6 cloves of garlic, diced

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (ground)

• salt and pepper to taste

• 4c. bone broth (or vegetable broth)

• 3c. water

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 lb chicken- breast or thighs (can sub for tofu or mushrooms)

• 5-6 ish oz (dry) noodles of choice 

• juice of 1 lime

• cilantro

Instructions

Put oil in pan and heat on medium high. Add carrot, onion, celery and sauté until they begin to soften. Lower heat to medium and add ginger and garlic and stir often until they begin to brown. Add in spices and stir. 

Pour broth, water, and coconut milk into the pan and bring to a boil- scraping the bottom of the pot. 

Add whole chicken breasts into the pot and simmer until cooked (about 20m). 

Take out chicken breasts and let cool slightly. 

Add noodles of choice to pot and stir until cooked. Add juice of 1 lime and season to taste (more pepper and salt). 

Chop or shred chicken and add back into the pot.

Serve with cilantro, lime wedges, or just as is.

2. Coconut Lime Bone Broth

I first made this for my birth. When Jeff had a taste, he said it reminded him of an elixir that Frodo Baggins would have in his canteen while embarking on the long, mystical quest. It checks out! It really is a magical elixir. 

Ingredients 

• 32oz bone broth of choice

• 1 can full fat coconut milk

• juice of 2 limes (or more!)

• 2-3" hunk of ginger, cut into slices

Add ginger to bone broth and coconut milk, bring to a boil and then simmer on low on the stovetop (covered) for 20m. Remove ginger slices. Add lime juice and adjust tastes to your preference. 

Drink right away or let cool slightly and put into jars- either for the fridge or freezer. 

3. Herbal Hibiscus "Gatorade" 

I started making this in 2019 when I realized on the extra hot days of summer (and playing tennis) I needed a little something more than water to hydrate. I made many quarts of this for my birth, postpartum, and any time I need extra hydration. The photo above is about an hour after giving birth. My midwife handed me a cup of this I had made a few days prior and stocked our fridge with. It was the best sip of anything I have ever had in my life- after a fast and intense 5 hour labor at home. I will never forget sipping it in the tub, high on adrenaline, wondering what the hell just happened, haha! It was my breastfeeding, postpartum hydration of choice- alongside the 3 other cups of things on my bedside at all times. 

Ingredients 

• 1/2c. Hibiscus infusion (To make the infusion, use a ratio of 1/4c. dried Hibiscus (optional 1/8c. dried peppermint leaves) to each 1 qt boiling water. Let sit a few hours (covered), strain.)

• 1/4c. lemon and/or lime juice

• 1 tsp. sea salt (dissolve in boiling water first)

• 1/8 - 1/4c. maple syrup or honey, your preference

• water to fill jar

Instructions

Make the Hibiscus infusion first. Add sea salt into a quart jar and top with 1/4c. boiling water to dissolve. Add sweetener and swirl to dissolve. Add 1/2c. of the infusion and lemon juice. Stir. Top with water. Put in the fridge until chilled. Enjoy!

Another variation is using tart cherry juice concentrate instead of the hibiscus infusion! Or make both so you can mix it up :) A local doula gave me this variation before my birth. Use 1/4c.- 1/2c. in place of the hibiscus.