Think of your life as a series of year cycles.

There is a small, disheveled baby robin making her very first steps in my garden today. She looks a bit dazed and exhausted, her lovely yellow down all awry. I know exactly what she feels like. She looks like a lot of people I know right now. At almost every age, everyone seems to be on the cusp of a similar transition: taking their first steps into an uncertain and illegible new world. As I write this, a flock of birds flies overhead heading south to prepare for the winter. Like us, the birds are transitioning and so are my parents who are preparing to head south once again, to stay warm for the winter months. We are not finished with transitions.

At just shy of 55, okay 55 now that my birthday month is almost done, I feel poised between these two ends of the spectrum, the baby bird and the parie-ntals (as my daughter calls us). From this middle spot, I can observe my family hanging, in a seemingly collective cliff ritual, on the edge of change. We are all transitioning — simultaneously and quite unexpectedly — into our next chapters. My daughter is fiercely independent in the midst of her career doing quite well with her new puppy. My husband is adapting to something he resists calling retirement. My mother-in-law has just been transitioned into her new home, in an apartment in assisted living. My dad has just come out of recovering from a major surgery and doing fine now, fitted with his hearing aids and is suddenly complaining about the noise of he’s starting to hear. Not to mention my trio of good friends, one who lost a job, one who just started a new job, another who moved from Hawaii to South Carolina, and one who split from her partner.

Every one of this cross-generational group of family and friends is struggling to let go of what was (identity, community, connecting in a different way and competencies) to embrace what’s next (as yet unknown, undefined, and ambiguous). There is a mixture of fear (Who am I?) and excitement (I am SO ready for a change), confusion (What do I want?) and certainty (Time to move on).

There comes a time in jobs, life phases, or relationships where you know the chapter has come to its end. Knowing when it is time to end the chapter — and ending well to start anew — will become an increasingly valuable skill as lives lengthen and transitions become multiple across both personal and professional lives. 

Ends can come from within, the result of boredom even exhaustion from major life shifts, land o layoffs, retirement, divorce, or other major life shifts. The close of a chapter, then it’s time to re-create.  It’s not always an easy time, for anyone involved.  It can take quite a lot of unproductive time, wondering around, figuring it out, or even at the end of the chapter, thinking whether it is good to end the chapter, or not, to stay or go. Good endings are the best way to build a new beginning. And it’s important to close out the chapter, tie any loose ends before you can have a clean slate with a good beginning.

In the new journey, which can take a few years, surround yourself with trusted supporters and friends and set a realistic timeline, a financial plan, and clearly get support from your partner or someone you love and loves you, if you have one. As you know Rome wasn’t built in a day and preparing for the next part of life requires more than updating your wardrobe. Focus on it, Invest time in it just like any 7-year project. Seriously, you gotta work for it! That’s how it works!

Remember, it is never too late to remove the baggage and fly.

Went out to Check it out… Out and About.

This is just to inform you of the current experience and not to promote area, hotel or restaurants, we are ready to travel again (this way). 

My husband and I took our first weekend trip since COVID began, a trip beyond our 60-mile radius. We usually take at least one each weekend, or week, during the fall season to enjoy places like Minoqua, Door County, Boulder Junction, La Crosse, etc. I booked three days at The Cornerstone in Egg Harbor in Door County. 

 From our home, we traveled 3 hours and took a break at the Oshkosh Outlets. All stores require masks to enter. That was no problem and we solved a problem. I found a store that carried waist size 35 men’s pants for Leon, he can't wear waist 34 and waist 36 is baggy. Some stores were limiting shopper entrance, but as we traveled more north, it seemed there were less and less masks and more and more people out socializing, listening to bands and so on.

When we stopped at a hotel for one night and found the breakfast was still free but is now served Cafeteria Style and not self served, like before. The food and cleanliness seems better than before with many sanitation stations. At the hotel, there is no daily room service, we even received a knock at the door asking if we needed anything. I felt comfortable in the room, elevators and breakfast room. Pool and Exercise rooms were open. There was coffee available all day, they didn’t offer morning newspapers at our door.  That was different but understandable.

Finally, arrived at our destination found it to be quite well-sanitized, felt very comfortable and at home there. There were many softball teams and parents at the local parks, with signs posted requiring masks. It seems most people complied, if not distances were kept. 

We stopped at Villaggios at Mojo Rosa’s for lunch near Main Street Market, they serve outdoors for as long as they can and have heaters for the backyard, which is nice. There was a band playing in a tent outside and everyone was sitting outside on tables, in the grass, enjoying the warm weather and music, chit chatting while eating their meals. Masks optional and lunch prices have increased, but still good.

We went to eat for a late dinner, trying a new place on the bay north point of Sturgeon Bay. A lady with a small child was outside the restaurant mentioned, “Don’t worry about masks, we don’t wear them in there. Nobody is wearing them we are all locals.” So, we went in, the host guided us to our table and we were observed by the locals. Afterwards, we walked the unpaved road with water on both sides, and the only light was the moon that lit our walking path. 

We got on our bikes each day, riding at least 20-30 miles, trying new routes. I love the sounds of the waves as we ride our bikes along the bay. There were a lot of people out walking and biking on the side-roads. One day it was overcast and meant to rain, we missed the rain even though we were out there for a good 3 hours, it was a casual ride with a coffee-stop and several sight-stops along the way.

It’s a strange world, but certainly a good one to get out and try seeing for yourself.  

🏊🚴🏻🙏🏻🏃🏻‍♀️

Home is where your story begins!! 

♡

🍂☕🦋

Hey Awesomeness — Today is finally here! 🍾 - Lessons for the month

Back at the Pool

I am grateful to be alive.

This morning as I rode my bike back from the pool to my house, I picked a ripe apple from one of our apple trees when I got home and bit into it’s sweet, earthy flesh. Its flavor brought me the sensation of early fall, a sensation that could only come to fruition from multiple decades of association with this land. Flooded with gratefulness for life. I haven’t written to you much lately and I wanted to share this gratefulness as well as a little update on my life.

As you know, I’m reaching for a new goal Ironman Tulsa, the Race is schedule for Sunday, May 23, 2021. There’s been a lot to overcome since my last goal which was the IMMT and not achieved, I learned much in the last 2 years about myself, how I get stopped and now I’m stepping into it and trying again.

As far as Tulsa IM, just signed up. Put a plan together, booked my hotel and started training this week 🤗♡ Thank you for supporting me as I train for my 2nd Ironman, the Ironman Tulsa in Oklahoma (IM-Tulsa). The Race is schedule for May 23, 2021. ♡ 

Recap of What I learned these past 2-years:

• Don't just accept where you are at in life. If you want to be better, do better. If you want to be more, do more. It's all on you. Do it!
• PLAY. PARTY. PLAN. COMMIT. DO. If you are going to do it, commit yourself fully to it, and make it fun. 🎶 There will always, always, ALWAYS, be outside obstacles that get in your way, the noise at times can be glaring and cause some disturbances; just remember what you set out to do, why you are doing it and commit yourself fully to it. The noise will always be there, it may sound different but there are ways to zone it out and keep the focus real.
• Your biggest challenge isn’t someone else.  It’s the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells “Can’t,” but, you don’t listen.  You just push harder. And then hear the voice whisper “Can.” And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are.”
• Just Do It! Consistency beats inspiration. The best way — the only way — is to get good work done, just get up, go out there, do it and show up every day. This establishes consistency! 
• Everything is workable once you set your mind to it. Things will get in the way, and they will be important things. Honor those things, take time for those important things. Fit the time and training into it. Everything else will fall into place.
  
• If the emperor is nude, you need to tell him! Groupthink can be very dangerous and suffering because you are following someone else's dreams, can be toxic. Perhaps it is time to recognize when it no longer makes sense to keep compromising and kowtowing for the sake of belonging to a group who fails to appreciate your contributions and capabilities. Don’t cling to kowtowing chauvinists and misogynists while attempting to fool yourselves into believing that this is their way of maintaining “positive” working relationships. If it takes too much work it isn’t a relationship to keep.
• You only get so many nights….our days are numbered, our nights are numbered and our time is limited, so make each moment a blessing and adhere to it, love more completely and make decisions that others may consider foolish or short sided. 
  
• Stop stalling, sign up and let the wind move your sails in the right direction.
• Remember the Goal! Running is a lot like life. Run a race (pursue life) with patience, with Knowledge (Gain Wisdom), and with Understanding. Remember the Gaol. ALWAYS remember the goal. Whatever you do, do all to the Glory of God.

When you don’t want to get out of bed In the morning to train, be grateful that you have the opportunity and health, to be able to exercise. Skipping your workout or "sleeping in" is like eating fast food. It may feel or taste good at the moment, but you will pay for it later. So get up, keep moving forward, and set new goals. Your day will go a whole lot better.

I know this is a mouthful, and I have to eat it in small bite-size chews.

🏊🚴🏻🙏🏻🏃🏻‍♀️

Home is where your story begins!! 

♡

🍂☕🦋

Where You Eat Matters: 20 Ayurvedic Eating Tips

Where do you eat? 

For decades I have been teaching and writing about the three pillars of the Ayurvedic diet:  

1. How you eat : calm, relaxed and not on the run.
2. What you eat : whole foods, seasonal foods, body type foods.
3. When you eat : bigger lunches and lighter suppers in sync with the body’s biological circadian clocks. 

New science based on the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda suggests one more pillar— where you eat!  Where  you eat has been found to curb levels of obesity, boost energy, and improve mood. ^1-5                                             

Today, most restaurant chains sport uncomfortable plastic or cold steel chairs on concrete floors with excess air conditioning refrigerating the loud, echoing room—all strategically aimed at getting us in and out fast!  The experience of eating a meal in a warm, cozy room full of ambiance is out of style. However, science suggests eating in unwelcoming environments negatively affects your digestion.
The ambiance of where you eat is a rasayana or longevity medicine in Ayurveda. Acharya Rasayana  is a form of behavior therapy that focuses on securing longevity by changing one’s behavior.  Vihara Rasayana  deals with a change in lifestyle. Both of these rasayanas suggest environment, ambiance, and location of eating have a powerful effect on health. This ancient theory is now backed by modern science. ¹⁴  

The Science of Where You Eat  

In one study, 49 elderly adults ate the same meal in two different locations—one in a traditional restaurant and the other in a staff cafeteria. The nice restaurant setting had a positive, cozy ambiance. In this environment, subjects consumed significantly more energy from their food compared with in the meal in the starkcafeteria. ¹  

In a Dutch nursing home, 22 subjects were fed in a comfortable environment with a positive ambiance, then in a standard cafeteria. Dietary intake for both groups was insufficient at the beginning of the study. The group with the more pleasing environment experienced greater weight gain (which was a positive change in the nursing home) and improved nutritional status. The study concluded thatimproving the ambiance of food consumption is a must do for stabilizing health of nursing home residents. ²  

In another study, 28 women compares their moods after eating in both pleasant and unpleasant ambiences. They studied the effect this had on the endocannabinoid system, which is suggested to play a regulatory role in mood. This was the first human study that demonstrated positive effects on mood from a pleasant eating environment and negative effects from an unpleasant one. ³                                             

Obesity continues to be a major public health problem, affecting ~33% of adults and 20% of children in the US. ⁴ A study by the American Heart Association found feeding children in a healthy environment   was actually more important than  what  they were fed. ⁵ They concluded parents and caregivers can create an environment that helps children develop healthier eating behaviors early in life, which can reduce the risk for excess weight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in the next generation. ⁵  

So if you’re looking to make the most out of every meal, consider making your dining room more comfortable and restful!

The Ayurveda of Where You Eat  

According to Ayurveda, the environment where one cooks and eats should be sattvic  (peaceful, calm, positive, and loving). Remember the old Vedic saying, “If you eat standing up, death looks over your shoulder.” Simply being aware of how, when, what, and  where  you eat may offer surprising health benefits. 

21 Ayurvedic Eating Tips  

1.  Eat your main meal at midday.                                             

Studies suggest digestive strength is greater at midday and weaker at night. Start with a small breakfast that is big enough to get you through to lunch without hunger.  Make lunch your main meal  and have nothing until supper. Make supper as small and as early as possible, but eat enough to get through to breakfast without needing more food. ⁶

2.  Be sure the stomach, bladder, and bowels are empty before eating.  
Eat only when you are hungry. Eating just two meals a day is fine as long as you remain satisfied throughout the day.

3.  Eat predominantly a plant-based, whole food, minimally or completely non-processed diet, and, if needed, small amounts of meat (only a~10% of the diet).  

4.  Instead of grabbing a snack when craving food between meals, drink water.                                             

Studies suggest many cravings for food are actually just a need for water. ^7,8 Use this tip to avoid snacking between meals. 

5. Pre-hydrate your stomach for optimal digestion.  
Studies suggest digestive and weight loss benefits from drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before a meal. ⁸ This hydrates the bicarbonate acid buffer layer in the stomach, which allows the full production of stomach hydrochloric acid. However, too much water very close to a meal can dilute essential stomach acids needed for digestion. ^7,8

6.  During your meals, sip room temperature or hot water in an amount needed to create a soup-like consistency of the food and water in your stomach.
 
7. Do not drink iced beverages during meals . 

8.  Do not eat while upset, angry, or distracted. Eat sitting down in a relaxed, casual manner.
 
9.  Bring everything to the table so you don’t need to get up once you start eating.  
Whenever possible, designate a server so this is easily accomplished.
10. Say grace or give thanks.                                             
Studies show that a pre-meal ritual actually improves digestion. ⁹

11.  Clear your mind and look at your food while eating.   

12. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.  

13.  No TV, mail, reading, or distractions during your meals . 
Enjoy pleasant company and zero business talk while eating your meals.

14.  Avoid leftovers.  
If you do have leftovers, do not save food for more than 24 hours.

15.  Avoid over- or under-cooked food.  
Studies suggest over-cooking can be harmful and under-cooking can make it difficult to assimilate certain nutrients. ¹⁰

16.  Eat a balanced meal: a plate that is ½ veggies, ¼ starches, and ¼ protein. Add healthy oils in small amounts.  

17.  Try to include all six tastes in each meal: sweet, sour, salt, bitter, pungent, and astringent.  

18.  Avoid heavy food at night, such as yogurt or cheese .

These foods are heavy, warming, and best eaten in the middle of the day when your digestion is strongest.

19.  Eat more seasonal foods.  

20.  Eat supper early and maintain a 13-hour fast from supper to breakfast.  
Studies show this supports healthy weight loss and blood sugar levels while resetting metabolism. ¹¹

21.  Take time after the meal to rest for 5-10 minutes. If possible, rest on your left side and then take a short walk .

Studies show that this improves digestion and balances blood sugar. ^12,13
Do you follow any of  these Ayurvedic eating tips? What have you noticed?

We Recommend

Science Behind Slow Eating

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP is the author of seven health books (including bestselling Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet ), seven online courses (including new Yoga Journal course Ayurveda 201 on Ayurvedic Psychology), and numerous free eBooks . He is a former NBA nutritionist and creator of LifeSpa.com—with thousands of free articles, resources, and videos. LifeSpa is a leading wellness resource, with nine million+ YouTube views and over 130k newsletter subscribers.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15750662
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11330991
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25962070
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583099/
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200511092923.htm
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24838678
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8287852
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2743119/
9. http://www.npr.org/2013/06/20/193488219/what-makes-rituals-special-join-us-for-a-google-conversation
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722699/
11. http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2506710
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119587/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22668689

Categories: Diet + Detox , Diet and Seasonal Eating , Emotional Health , Optimal Weight Tagged: #3SeasonDietChallenge , ayurveda , ayurvedic , circadian , diet , digestion , digestive health , eating , meal , seasonal , tips

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How to Make a Face Mask

Help the efforts of medical workers by sewing much needed face masks, or just make one for yourself.

Materials:

•            100% cotton, woven fabric. Cut out 2 pieces of fabric 9" x 6"

•            Cotton flannel is nice for the backing, but not necessary.

•            Elastic, 14" length (7" for each side of the mask).

You can use 1/8", 1/4" flat elastic or rope elastic.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place fabric right sides together and pin.

Note: The elastic is stitched between the 2 layers of fabric. If you are using cord elastic knot the ends so the elastic does not pull out while wearing mask. Be sure to attach the elastic into the short sides of the rectangle as shown.

Stitch with 1/4" seam allowance, making sure to catch the elastic in each corner, leaving a 3" opening on one of the long sides of the rectangle.

Turn the mast inside out through the opening you left. 

Press.

Pin 3 tucks on each side of mask, make sure tucks are folded in same direction.

Topstitch the edge all the way around the mask, stitching the opening closed, and stitching the tucks flat at each side of the mask.

Stitch again 1/4" away from edge to reinforce.

Final Constructed Face Mask

Wallah! 

You have your mask complete.

EGG PLANT LASAGNA

How to Make The Most Amazing Eggplant Lasagna. This is the Most Amazing Eggplant Lasagna that's full of cheesy goodness, without the pasta! Great for a gluten-free lasagna option or just for sneaking in a healthy vegetable. 

Looks 👀 what I made for lunch to eat when I break my fast at noon!!!! First time making - eggplant 🍆 lasagna with portabella mushrooms, crushed baby seaweed, and freshly spiced!!! Surprisingly, for someone who really did not like cooking for decades. I had so much fun and a wonderful morning in the kitchen singing while cooking.

Note: I ended up cutting up fresh tomatoes instead of the canned suggested in this recipe. I also modified it some, by adding the mushrooms instead of the meat. And next time, after baking the egg plant I'm going to remove the pealing.

INGREDIENTS

EGGPLANT

2 eggplants, sliced lengthwise (1/4 inch thick)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

SAUCE

1 pound sweet Italian sausage or ground beef

1/2 large white onion, minced

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes

12 (6 ounce can) tomato paste

1 (8 oz can) tomato sauce

½ cup white wine

½ cup chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon ground oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ cup + 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided)

CHEESE

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 large egg

½ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 pound deli sliced mozzarella cheese

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

2. Lay eggplant slices out onto prepared baking sheets into a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven until tender, about 25 minutes, turning halfway through.

3. Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, add in ground sausage or ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in onion and garlic and cook until meat is well browned, stirring constantly. 

4. Stir in fresh basil, oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and ¼ cup chopped parsley. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and wine. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and nutmeg. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.

6. Lightly grease a deep 9x13 pan.To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 6 eggplant slices on top to cover the bottom of the pan. Spread with ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with ¼ of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1½ cups meat sauce over mozzarella, then sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Repeat layering two more times to create three complete layers. To finish, place a final layer of eggplant, topped with another 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the eggplant. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. 

7. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Chicken noodle soup Crazyrunninggal’s recipe

My Homemade chicken dumpling soup!

Made the old fashioned way by boiling a whole chicken, you can toss in any vegetables, noodles or pasta & dumplings and it’s going to be amazing. And everybody knowns Chicken Soup is the best soup for a cold!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving: 464gCalories: 277kcal (14%)Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)Protein: 22g (44%)Fat: 7g (11%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Cholesterol: 60mg (20%)Sodium: 563mg (24%)Potassium: 669mg (19%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 3525IU (71%)Vitamin C: 5.1mg (6%)Calcium: 48mg (5%)Iron: 1.7mg (9%)

How to make this good old fashioned chicken noodle soup

Yes there’s more steps than quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipes, but it is so worth it because this broth is something money can’t buy!

Simmer (don’t boil!) a whole chicken with broth flavourings (celery, carrot, garlic, peppercorns, herbs) for 1.5 hours to 2 hours until the flesh is tender enough to shred without effort;
Remove scum that floats to the surface once or twice;
Remove the chicken and the carrot etc;
Shred the chicken. You’ll need just under half for this recipe, save the rest for other uses;
Make it even healthier – and the broth even clearer! Refrigerate the broth so the fat hardens on the surface, then scoop it off.
Sauté onion, garlic, carrot and celery slowly – The slower, the better! The vegetables become sweeter with a more intense flavour;
Add homemade broth and noodles. Once the noodles are almost cooked, toss the chicken back in just to heat up;

Serve!

Best pasta for Chicken Noodle Soup

You can use any type of noodles or pasta for Chicken Noodle Soup. Short twisted egg noodles and pasta shapes are ideal – for ease of eating.

I tend to use whatever I have. For long straight pastas like fettuccine (which is what I used because I had it), just break them into 3 or 4 pieces for ease of eating.

Ingredients

HOMEMADE BROTH:

1.8 kg / 3.5 lb whole chicken , rinsed and cleaned, the best quality you can afford (Note 1)
1 head of garlic , cut in half horiztonally
2 carrots , cut into chunks
2 celery ribs , cut into chunks
2 onions , peeled and cut into quarters
1 tbsp black peppercorns
2 bay leaves , fresh or dried
4 thyme sprigs (or 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves)
9 - 10 cups (2.25L) water

SOUP:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion , diced

3 garlic cloves , minced

2 medium carrots , cut in quarters lengthwise then chopped

2 celery ribs , cut into 1 cm/ 1/2" thick pieces

2 cups shredded chicken (from homadme broth)

2 litres / 2 quarts homemade chicken broth (above)

200 g/ 6 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice (Note 3)

2 - 3 tsp Vegeta or other stock powder (Note 4)

1/2 tsp black pepper

4 thyme sprigs , optional

1 bay leaf , optional

1 tsp Gourmet Vega

Finely chopped parsley , for garnish (optional)

Dumplings (optional):

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon margarine

1/2 cup milk

Add all ingredients to list

Directions:

Cook
15 m

Stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in medium size bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk to make a soft dough. 

Drop by spoonfuls into boiling stew. Cover and simmer 15 minutes without lifting lid. Serve. 

To make parsley dumplings, add 1 tablespoon parsley flakes to the dry ingredients. 

Nutrition Facts:

Per Serving: 105 calories; 2.4 g fat; 18 g carbohydrates; 2.8 g protein; 2 mg cholesterol; 386 mg sodium. Full nutrition

                  


How to ensure your soup broth is clear

One of the things we all love about a great chicken noodle soup is how clear the broth is. Transparent – yet full of flavour! There’s a few tricks to the clear broth:

Simmer the chicken really gently. Harder boil gets the chicken jiggling around = murkier broth
Scoop the scum off the surface (#2 in photo below);
Let the broth settle (or refrigerate overnight). You’ll find that the bottom of the broth becomes darker as “stuff” settles on the base of the pot. Then gently pour the broth into the soup pot, leaving behind the darker broth that settled to the bottom of the pot;
Don’t brown the sautéed onion, carrots and celery. Brown veggies = brown broth!
Don’t stir the pasta while it boils. That activates the starch in the pasta, making the broth cloudier.