IMMUNITY SOUP

It's that time of year Cold & Flu season so let me take care of you! A HEALTH IMMUNE system doesn't just come from vitamin C alone. You need a calibrate combination of different nutrients. Certain

foods in particular bolster your defenses not only during cold and flu season 

but all year long. This hearty soup I made for you combines six

immunity-boosting ingredients making each bowlful a

Prevention Powerhouse!

Start with chopping 1 1/2 cups onion, 3 celery stalks and 2 large carrots.

Toss the vegetables into a heated Dutch Oven with 2 Tbsp. of olive oil.

Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.

10 medium garlic cloves minced. You may be wary of the large amount 

of garlic, but keep in that it mellows considerably after being cooked.

Grab a 1lb presliced vitamin D-enhanced mushrooms (such as Monterey Mushrooms).

Add in the mushrooms into the Dutch Oven.

Garlic adds to the party next.

Stir in 8 cups unsalted chicken stock, 4 thyme sprigs and 2 bay leaves.

Gently place in 2 lb. skinless, bone-in chicken breast to the soup and  1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt.

Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp. crush red pepers.

Oh, we are not done. 1 (15oz) can unsalted chickpeas, drained and into the pot.

Simmer the soup until chicken is done, about 25 minutes.

Remove chicken from Dutch oven; cool slightly.

Shred meat with a folk; discard bone.

And... chicken goes back into the pot.

Yes, Kale please. 12 oz. curly kale, stem removed, leaves torn.

Boom! Kale into the pot too.

 This recipe yields a big pot of broth soup!

You can make ahead and enjoy for a couple of days; the flavor

just gets better over time :)

So ready for some Immunity Soup to keep the Cold & Flu away.

Excuse me, how heathy and good does this look?

This bowl is for you because I don't want you to get sick.

This Immunity Soup freezes well. So save it or

bring a bowl over to one of your friends.

They wil love you for it.

Enjoy!

P.S. The More You Know!

CHICKPEAS

A good source of zinc and vitamin D

DARK LEAFY GREENS

Kale and similar greens are rich in antioxidant vitamin C. The C. paired with zinc from the chicken and chickpeas deliver a one-two knockout blow to cold symptoms.

GARLIC

These bulbs contain allicin one of the world's most powerful antioxidants. 

HOT BROTH

Steaming stock makes your nose run, which helps flush out congestion. Broth-based soups also keep you hydrated.

CRUSHED RED PEPPER

CAPSAICIN, which adds heat, can clear sinuses.

MUSHROOMS

Look for fungi labeled vitamin D rich; they're grown in ultraviolet light to spur D production. A deficiency in the nutrient has been linked to an increased risk of infection

CHICKEN

Helps build muscles

Keeps bones healthy

Relieves stress

Reduces PMS

Boosts immunity

Promotes health heart

CARROTS

Good source of Beta Carotene

Promotes healthy digestion

Potassium

Dental health

Fiber

 Great for your eyes, hair, nails and more!