Mamas Awesome Chicken Noodle Soup

• 1 4-pound hen
• 3 celery stalks with leafy tops, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 large sweet onion, such as Vidalia, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 16-ounce package frozen green peas
• 8 ounces noodles, such as egg noodles or very thin spaghetti, broken into small pieces

1. Put the hen in a large stockpot and pour in water to cover (about 8 cups).
2. Add the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
5. Simmer the hen for 2 hours, or until the meat comes off the bone easily.
6. Remove the hen to a large bowl and cool.
7. Strain the broth into a large bowl and discard the vegetables.
8. Chill the broth and skim off and discard any fat that has risen to the top.
9. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the bones and skin, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
10. Return the broth to a large pot.
11. Add the shredded chicken, the frozen peas, and the noodles.
12. Bring the soup to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
13. Add extra salt to taste if desired.
14. I would never have guessed that sending this simple soup would bring such pleasure to my child and to me!

celery, carrots, garlic, sweet onion, salt, black pepper, parsley, bay leaves, green peas, noodles

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mama-s-awesome-chicken-noodle-soup-389025 (may not work)