The winter yuckies

We aren't quite over the winter illnesses here yet.  Jack has been sick a few times probably because it is his first year in all day school.  Molly hasn't been sick until this weekend.  She got that 24 hour stomach bug Saturday and it just knocked her out.  So a little chicken soup to help get her back on her feet is just the thing!  Make big ol' pot of this and freeze half for next time the yuckies strike your house and you don't feel up to cooking.

Feel Better Chicken Soup

Half a chicken (on the bones) cooked.  The bones are where all the good stuff is, cook it on the bones then pick it apart once it's cooked.
3 large carrots cut into chunks
3 stalks of celery cut into chunks also use the leafy tops that is going to add tons of flavor
1 small onion, cut finely (we don't like big chunks but if you do go for it)
1 C. corn
1/2 C. peas
handful of okra
1/2 a small can of diced tomatoes, drained
salt and pepper to taste
1/8-1/4 tsp chili paste, it adds a nice warmth to the soup without adding a lot of heat.  If you like the heat add more
2 TBSP. parsley, fresh if you have it
chicken broth

Place all your ingredients in a crock pot or large stock pot, cover with chicken broth or stock.  Let simmer for at least four hours to get the best flavor. 
The last thing to do it making noodles or rice to add to the bowls.  My mom never liked adding the noodles to the soup pot because she didn't like when they got mushy and the noodles don't always take to being reheated so we've always just don't our noodles on the side.

I hope that you enjoy this simple soup and it makes your sickies feel better.