Living 2 Eat |

This is the best chicken soup that I have ever eaten!  My parents would refer to this as “Chiquita’s Funeral Soup” because she always made this soup for grieving families or whenever someone was sick!   I can remember eating this soup as a child and it made a lasting impression.

Chiquita Whatley Goodnight (’Miss Chiquita’) is from Immokalee and has been a longtime family friend.  I attended school with her younger sisters and cousins.    I can remember being in the 4th grade and telling someone that Miss Chiquita was pregnant.   My father did not feel that it was appropriate for a 3rd grader to use the word, ‘pregnant’!  I think he told me to say that Miss Chiquita was ‘in the family way’.   At 3rd grade, I wasn’t really sure what any of it meant other than Miss Chiquita had a basketball stomach and was expecting a baby.

CHIQUITA’S CHICKEN SOUP

Boil 1 chicken — just cover with water, add some onion, celery, garlic, salt and peper.

When chick is done (tender), remove and cool (hold the stock), remove bones.

When cooled:

Cut up potatoes (3 or 4), carrots, and celery.  Add to stock.  Cook until tender.  Add chicken back in and simmer.

You can add some seasoned chick broth if needed.

Add 1 or 2 cans of Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom soup.  Continue to simmer on low until all vegetables are tender.

Salt and pepper to taste.