No one likes it when they don't feel well and although there isn't a sure way to stay well through the cold winter months, there are many ways to help prevent that dreaded cold and build up your immune system.
I like to make soup. For some it seems intimidating, but in reality, it is quite easy. All you need are bones. Yes, bones. Bone broth is exceptional. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, it doesn't matter. I take it a step further and leave the meat on the bone and will make a soup from an entire chicken. It gives a little more flavor and then I can use the meat for something else, like chicken salad, a chicken pie, or put it back into the soup for a hearty stew.
So, you take your bones or chicken and place them in a big pot of water. You could use whey, but that is for another blog. I bring it to a slight boil and let it set for hours on the stove simmering. Having a wood stove makes it much easier but you can use and electric or gas stove or even a crock pot.
Once your soup broth has reduced down, all the meat should fall off the bones and you should have much less water than you started with. Then you let it cool slightly and pour it through a strainer. A fine stainless steel strainer or cheese cloth will do. Separate your any meat from the bones and set aside.
Now you have your broth. It can be frozen or use it right away to make your soup.
What you put in your soup is up to you. You can leave it as it is and add some or all of the following herbs or you can put in vegetables, meat or mushrooms, rice, noodles, or anything else you choose. It is fun to experiment.
Garlic, cayenne pepper, ginger, lemon, parsley, oregano, cilantro, sage thyme, turmeric, and many other herbs all help to build the immune system. I try to use as many as possible.
If you add some unrefined coconut oil you will get a hint of coconut flavor as well as even more beneficial nutrients for your body. I prefer coconut cream concentrate for a rich coconut flavor which is especially good when using ginger, lemon, cayenne, garlic, and cilantro.
Soup is so soothing and good for you! So go make some soup!
