Operation Feel Better: Chicken Rice Soup & Green Elixir to the Rescue!

This Saturday morning, my friend texted me with some not-so-great news: a positive COVID test. Feeling helpless, I knew I had to do something to help her recover quickly and comfortably. Enter Operation Feel Better!

My mission? To deliver a care package filled with immune-boosting goodness. First up, the classic comfort food – chicken rice soup. But forget the plain noodles and bland broth – I was on a quest to create a nutrient-packed powerhouse.

Chicken Rice Soup with a Wild Rice Twist (Serves 4-5):

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 knobs ginger, minced

• 2 medium onions, diced

• 1/2 celery stalk, diced

• 4 long carrots, diced

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 32 ounces chicken broth

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat avocado oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds,until fragrant.

2. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

3. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and oregano.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in rinsed wild rice, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

5. Add shredded rotisserie chicken and heavy cream. Heat through for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

The Green Elixir (Serves 2):

Ingredients:

• 3 apples, cored and chopped

• 2 large kiwis, peeled and chopped

• 4 lemons, juiced

• 1/2 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 whole ginger root, peeled and chopped

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

• Pinch of salt

• 3 tablespoons Manuka honey (or honey of choice)

Instructions:

1. Wash all produce thoroughly.

2. Feed the chopped apples, kiwis, lemons, celery, ginger, and cucumber through a juicer.
   

3. Season with a pinch of salt. You can add cayenne too if you like!

4. Stir in Manuka honey and mix well.

5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

The Finishing Touches:

No care package is complete without some extras! Sliced oranges and grapefruits (hello, vitamin C!) and a little pieces of candy (because who doesn't need a pick-me-up?) rounded out the package.

Delivering this care package filled my heart with joy. It's a small gesture, but I hope it helps my friend feel better soon.Here's to a speedy recovery and getting back to our adventures together!

What are your favorite care package staples? Share your ideas in the comments below!