Beef Stew and Chicken Noodle Soup

Hey, everyone=) I am looking for any good ideas and tips on how to make the perfect beef stew and the perfect chicken soup. I want something real; something more than boullion cubes. Can anyone also help me make a perfect chicken noodle soup and chicken and rice soup, using REAL chicken broth? Thanks so much!

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Afra

[Mezzaluna]

For good chicken soup, my grandmother listed the following requirmements: an old hen- or two; a handful of dried or fresh dill stalks and seedheads; carrot; leeks; celery leaves and stalks; and an onion. Clean the chicken and giblets (minus the liver). Place in a soup pot and cover with fresh, cold water. Cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer. After 1 hour, remove meat and strain soup to remove foam and scum. Pat off scum from chicken with a paper towel before returning the chicken to the broth. Partially cover the pot and continue simmering for another hour. Remove the chicken, reserving the meat and discarding the giblets. Add the vegetables and simmer at least one more hour, partially covered. Reduce the soup slightly if necessary. Return chopped or shredded chicken meat to the pot. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve with matzo balls, cooked kasha, or noodles- or all three! Cures what ails you, and freezes like a charm.

[cape chef]

Oh mezzaluna.......I love you LOL

That made me so hungry for my moms matza ball soup
cc