Chicken Noodle Soup

There is nothing like the comfort of homemade chicken noodle soup. So, here is a basic recipe just because I believe simplicity and freshness is the key here. I got all of my vegetables at a local farmer's market and it was surely worth it. You may care to adjust the amounts, personally I enjoy more "stuff" than broth so I add lots of everything, it's also quite filling this way.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 to 3 lb frying chicken cut up (I usually buy a 5 to 6 lb chicken, cut in in half right up the back and save the other half for something else)
10 1/2 cups water
2 tsp chicken bouillon
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup sliced celery
1 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
3 cups wide egg noodles
extra salt and pepper to taste
Place chicken pieces and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Skim the top, then add bouillon, specified amount of salt and pepper, bay leaf, and only 1/2 cup of the onion. Simmer covered for an additional 35 to 45 minutes. Remove chicken pieces, allow to cool a bit then remove the meat and shred. Skim the surface and add the meat back into the pot along with the carrots, celery, and remaining onion. Once again bring to a boil, reduce heat cover and simmer for 15 more minutes then remove bay leaf. Bring to a boil and drop in the noodles. Cook uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until noodles are done. I then add more salt and pepper to taste. I add even a few teaspoons of salt and maybe one or more of pepper, but that's my personal taste. Serve with buttered french bread.

Fruit Dip

Here is something so simple and so great. It is a perfect side if you are having guests for a brunch, or if you need something to bring to a potluck. It actually tastes almost like an orange-ish cheesecake dip. People really seem to like the fact that the fruit is healthy and the dip just adds that flavor of dessert to it. At a party it's quite addicting.

Ingredients:

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme

1 package (8 oz) Philadelphia cream cheese

1 tsp fresh grated orange zest (I use a microplane, so easy, perfect size, and easy to clean)

Yep, that's it. All you have to do is blend them together with a hand mixer until creamy with no lumps. You may want to refrigerate for a little bit. Then serve in a bowl surrounded by fruit. My favorite is strawberries, I also enjoy apple slices and fresh pineapple chunks. If you do apple slices do not forget to toss them in a little bit of lemon juice so they don't turn brown. Toothpicks are a good idea for serving.