I’ve been a little bit distracted in the last week. My mom had to have a colonoscopy, which happened this morning, and I’ve been a bit worried and on edge lately. I know it’s a routine procedure for most people, but because my dad had colon cancer, I am always filled with trepidation when the doctor orders one. And routine or not, there is no denying that it is simply not a pleasant experience, to put it mildly. My poor mother. But the initial results are somewhat relieving. One small polyp was found and removed, and although it was sent for a biopsy, the doctor was fairly certain there is nothing to worry about.
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how people deal with uncertainty and worry. I am totally a worrier. I’ve been working hard at changing my attitudes and behaviour, but it often feels like quite the uphill battle. In the past, I’ve not always coped well, succumbing to moping and lethargy.
In the past few days, I’ve tried hard to keep up with all my usual activities, and keep my spirits up while doing them. I kept reminding myself not to let my fears take over, and to just take things as they come. I’ve done relatively well, in most areas, except for blogging. I just simply didn’t have the enthusiasm for it.
But blogging is a minor trivial thing. And I only paused blogging for less than a week. But what if the period of uncertainty and waiting were to last much longer? Weeks, months, even years? In that case, how do you not end up putting your life on hold? I’m not talking about blogging, but other, more significant/unavoidable areas of life, like job-related decisions, moving, buying a place, travel plans, starting a family, etc? People everywhere, in every imaginable circumstance, will inevitably have to face these kind of questions one day. Anyone with any words of wisdom for me?
Okay, enough with the heavy stuff! Onto the tasty stuff!
I know I usually post recipes that make A LOT of food. That’s just the way we roll here in our house I guess! We like to make big batches of food so that we all have plenty for lunches the following day(s). But today, I needed to make my mom a bowl of chicken noodle soup for after her colonoscopy; it needed to be whipped up quickly while she was in her procedure, and since we are having other food for dinner, I just wanted to make enough for her for lunch.
So here is my quick and easy recipe for Chicken Noodle Soup for One (or Two):
- 2 TB EACH of diced onion, carrot, and celery (about 1/4 of an onion, 1/2 a carrot, and 1/2 a celery stalk)
- 1/2 tsp oil
- pinch of thyme (or any herb you like)
- 2 and 1/2 C liquid (I use 1/2 C low-sodium chicken broth and 2 C water)
- 1/4 C dry pasta (I used whole wheat fusilli)
- 1 chicken breast, cut into approx 1-inch chunks
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp oil
- 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
- a couple drops of sesame oil
- salt/pepper (a small pinch of each)
- 1/4 of a red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 TB frozen peas
- 1 TB sliced green onion (for garnish, optional)
Heat 1/2 tsp oil in a medium pot over med-high heat. Saute onion, carrot, and celery until just starting to brown. Add the pinch of herb, followed by all of the liquid. Scrape bottom of pot for any flavouring left on there. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.
In the meantime, put chicken into a bowl with the cornstarch, sugar, the other 1/2 tsp of oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a small pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside for a few minutes.
When soup is boiling, add pasta. Check package for cooking times; 5 minutes before the total cooking time, put in the chicken (ie. if pasta takes a total of 9 mins, add the chicken after pasta has cooked for 4 mins so that pasta and chicken will be done at the same time). Cook chicken for 5 minutes, then add the bell pepper and frozen peas. Turn off heat, cover and leave for 2 mins. Garnish with green onion if desired.
Makes one big bowl or two smaller bowls of soup.
Simple but flavourful broth. Healthy and gentle on the stomach. Comforting and warming. Especially as it is POURING outside.
And with that, I’m heading out in the rain and off to work!