chicken noodle soup and cranberry bourbon smash
hello friday! it’s good to see you again. and guess who’s back after a brief vacay from his weekly gig? yes, oscar is back, and ollie decided to make an appearance too. i’m happy to report these two scoundrels have been fine and dandy all through the holidays. they even helped me ring in the new year—all hail fridays with oscar and our main star.
since it’s friday, i always choose a casual outfit to kick off the weekend. fridays are always about casual ease, whether it’s what i wear or what i eat. and i do love to whip up a cocktail to sip and savor and enjoy. today, i’m sharing a quick and easy version of chicken noodle soup and a refreshing cranberry ginger smash. so come on in and stay awhile, even if it’s only virtually.
striped sweater and blue jeans
is there room in my closet for yet another striped sweater? there is when it has pops of pink and shades of blue. this lightweight sweater from Talbots puts a smile on my face due to its vibrant color scheme. that’s what color in your wardrobe can do. yes, we love our neutrals, and i spend a considerable time talking about that color palette on the blog. but i’ve long been a fan of infusing color into my wardrobe, especially during the dreary months of january and february. who could resist this adorable cotton floral shirt that perfectly matches the sweater? there’s a little pattern mixing to boot when you combine the sweater and shirt. the cuffs have stripes, so i couldn’t resist flipping them up for contrast. blue jeans are the perfect choice on any given day but come friday; it’s a no-brainer to wear denim. this pair is a light rinse high waist from J. Crew that exudes casual ease. add a pair of suede loafers from Ralph Lauren (limited sizes similar here and here) and this ootd definitely harkens back to my prepster days and ways.
denim | shirt | sweater | loafers | bracelet | watchband | earrings
chicken noodle soup
one dish that i love to make come january is chicken noodle soup. it’s healthy with bits of carrots, celery, and onion, which are a great source of vitamins C and K as well as other antioxidants and minerals. this helps our body build a strong immune system to help fight off viruses, and it also helps our body recover from illnesses too. chicken is a great source of protein and is also a good source of vitamins, including vitamin B. and we all know we need to stay hydrated. a clear broth is a great source of hydration, especially if you’re under the weather. gang, mom always knew best. chicken noodle soup is a healthy choice. plus, it’s a delicious comfort food perfect for an inclement day.
chicken noodle soup
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 tbsp butter
- 96 oz chicken broth
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1/4 cup water
- Place the carrots, celery, onions, butter in a large stock pot on medium high heat and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes
- Place the entire chicken on top of the vegetables and then pour the broth over the top. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer for 30 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. At the end of the 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the soup and pour the cornstarch mixture into the broth slowly while continuously stirring. Once it is all combined, stir in the noodles and let them cook 6-8 minutes or until just tender.
- While the noodles are cooking, remove the chicken meat from the bones and chop it into bite sized pieces. When the noodles are tender, stir the chicken in and mix well.
cranberry and ginger bourbon smash
- 1 cup good quality honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cranberries
- 3 inch ginger, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch chunks
- 2 ounce bourbon or whiskey
- club soda
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
- In a small saucepan bring the honey and water to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cranberries and ginger. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for an additional 15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
- Fill each cocktail glass with a little ice, an ounce of bourbon and 1-2 Tablespoons of the syrup. Top with soda water and serve.
denim | shirt | sweater | loafers | bracelet | watchband | earrings
happy friday, ladies. oscar, ollie, and i wish each of you a lovely weekend.
Hi Beth,
You look great in today’s OOTD!
The chicken noodle soup sounds delicious. Perfect for the grey cloudy day out my window.
And the cocktail sounds like a must!
Thank you for sharing.
And all the wonderful ideas today!
Happy Friday
Welcome Back, Fridays With Oscar! Ollie sure struck a lovely pose today. Sweet Oscar shares the spotlight like a true gent. Way back in elementary school, had a teacher who would ask us to wear bright colors when the forecast was dreary. Didn’t understand why back then, but I do now! Chicken Noodle Soup. Ahh! I own a colorful striped soup mug with “Jewish Penicillin” imprinted on it to enjoy chicken noodle soup if under the weather. Makes me feel better every time. LOVE your preppy look today and will aim to give it a go myself. Gives me reason to shop to infuse some color in my wardrobe. Happy Friday & Weekend!~
Happy Friday! I love the cute happy ootd. You always look so cute.
Just wanted to say I am a big believer in the power of chicken soup. I add about 1/4 head green cabbage to the pot. It really does add flavor. I am making some today for a friend that has a very ill mother. Soup helps everything.
Jan
Love seeing you in these casual outfits! I’ve been making a lot of soup lately for friends who are under the weather. I pack it up with some crackers or rolls, add a mini dessert and deliver it in a basket. Like your quick version!
Thanks for the recipe. I dont like the chicken soup, but I will try yours.
I think I will like it .
Regards,
Jenny
Hi Beth
A great soup recipe I have followed since you introduced it awhile back. I’ve shared it with many people. I add some garlic and chopped potato just because I like it. You can also add Asian spices like soy sauce or Sriracha if in the mood.
Thank you.
I am so glad that you include Oscar and Ollie in your posts. Our German Shepherd was the best dog ever, and seeing your warms my heart. Cherish him always. I can tell he adores you.
As a side note, my cat read your posts with me. And, yes, I swear he reads-lol.
I am not surprised you are loving this shirt and sweater combo…mine should be in my mailbox soon! My Charlie says hi to your Ollie🐱
Loved the chicken soup recipe. It was fantastic and easy, with using the rotisserie chicken. I’m doing a dry January, but once I am off the straight and narrow I will try the cocktail too! Thank you.