You know the old saying, “Chicken soup is good for the soul?” Well, it is. I’ve always believed it from the time I was a child when my grand mom and mother made their special chicken soup. I would stand by their side and watch each step and savor each moment with them and the smell that came from that huge pot. I would patiently wait until it was through cooking for that big bowl of soup and, at the time, the big bowl of noodles that went with it. As I grew older and finally learned how to make that special soup on my own, mastering the art of “old fashioned” like they made and adding my special touches to make it “my own,” I mastered it! I have made hundreds of pots of soup, shared it with all my family and friends, and they have embraced the special part of the soup that makes one feel good on a dreary day, or a day with a runny nose and nothing to eat. I began leaving it on their doorsteps when I knew they were ill, only to get my empty container back looking for the next time I cooked to gift them more soup. To my friends, I became the soup nazi (a funny phrase taken from a famous television show).
Well, I finally got to share this special family recipe with others and teach my first class on how to make this soup. Together, with a small group of those interested, we gathered at a place called Kitchen 19 near my home in Hammonton, NJ, and we made soup. We laughed, we sipped wine, we rolled matzo balls, and together, this group and I made two large pots of soup to eat, bring home to our families, and to share with others. It was my first time teaching anything, and I truly loved every minute. Hats off to my students, and the soup came out wonderful. I have shared my secrets but loved seeing their interested faces throughout the evening. Thanks to Kitchen 19 for introducing me to something new to do with my foundation, and I look forward to another time sharing something special I enjoy cooking. Kitchen 19 even was generous enough to give my foundation a nice donation for doing this. Thank you everyone!
