A Pot of Memories: Eddie's Chicken Stew

Growing up I had a Great Grandfather. We called him Papa Nick. He came to Ellis Island from Samos, Greece when he was 17 years old. You'd think that my food memories of him would be of gyros and feta cheese, but my Papa Nick loved a few VERY American foods. Staples at his house were Fruit Loops, plain cake donuts, and 7-up. The one food that I remember the most though, was made by his son, my Uncle Eddie.  We all, lovingly, called it Eddie's Chicken Stew. When I make it, it brings me back to the smells in that small kitchen on Marcoe Street. I am not sure that I have the recipe exactly right, but when I make it, it smells and tastes very similar. It is hardy, healthy, and VERY easy to make.

Eddie's Chicken Stew
1 whole fryer chicken
1- 32 oz. container of ketchup with 
no high fructose corn syrup
64 oz. or more of water
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
1/4 bag of baby carrots, diced
1/2 bag of frozen peas
1 large sweet potato, cut into small chunks
1 large russet potato, cut into small chunks
2 bay leaves

In a large pot, put fryer chicken. Add celery, onion, carrots, bay leaves, ketchup, and water. Add enough water to just cover chicken. It may be more than 64 oz. Put on medium high, cover, and let at a low boil for about 1 1/2 hours until chicken is cooked through. When chicken is cooked through, remove it and take meat off of chicken and set aside. Add potatoes, peas, and only the leg bones into the pot and boil again until potatoes are soft. Add loosely cut chicken back to pot and heat through until ready to eat. If it looks at anytime like it is boiling down too quickly, just add more water. There is not a science to it, just keep an eye on it. The bones and skin really give this the flavor so don't attempt this recipe with boneless skinless chicken breasts, although if you don't have a fryer chicken you could use bone in thighs or legs. You can substitute green beans for peas and all russet instead of sweet potato...it is up to you and what you prefer.

Women's Balance Smoothie

Smoothies and my love/hate relationship with them.....I have been making them for going on 8 years now. Almost everyday for 8 years! Courtesy of my formerly picky eater, Jackson. Smoothies were and still are the best way for him to get his fill of veggies. I find it hard to give out "recipes" for them, because most times it comes down to what we have in the house. It's always a balance of taste vs. good for you. I try not to do the same one everyday, but sometimes, I crave the same ones. If anything, I switch up the milk or veggies. Protein powder is another thing. There are so many kinds and we only buy vegan powder. That can get pricey and (again) boring. Sweetener is yet another issue, stevia, honey, dates...oh my. What to sweeten it with?  All in all, I feel my smoothies have evolved into a better, more healthy version of their former selves. I wish I had a different one for everyday of the week but I don't and here is my newest favorite. It's a mix of back to basics and good health. It tastes good, is a protein powerhouse, balances your hormones, and leaves you satisfied so you are not hungry an hour later. This one is unique because I actually have measurements for this one! Can't take 100% credit for the recipe. This version is my tweek on a smoothie I found in a book by Dr. Mark Hyman.

Women's Balance Smoothie
2 whole walnuts
2 whole Brazil nuts
1 tbsp. sunflower seeds
1 tbsp. pepitos (shelled pumpkin seeds)
1 tbsp. hemp hearts
1 cup of water
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup frozen berries
1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen) or omit and add another 1/2 cup berries
1/8 tsp. stevia powder 
1 scoop collagen protein
1 tbsp. maca powder

Put nuts, seeds, and water in your blender and let sit for 1/2 hour. If you don't have all of the seeds, try to at least get 1 tbsp. of one of them. Add rest of the ingrediants and blend. It will be a but thick. Add more water if you would like a thinner consistency. 

Why is this such a balancing smoothie? The nuts and seeds are your protein. No need to buy expensive protein powders that overwhelm you at the health food store. AND, you eat nuts anyways so it's not a big deal to have these nuts and seeds on hand. Nuts and seeds are good sources of fat. Various nuts and seeds nourish your female organs at different times in your cycle, so using all of them has you covered regardless of where you are in your cycle. Avocado, again is a good fat. Plus, it makes this smoothie creamy. Berries are filled with antioxidents and they don't raise your blood sugar. Maca powder is amazing for balancing hormones. It has a caramel like flavor. I buy mine here:

http://www.amazon.com/Terrasoul-Superfoods-Organic-Gelatinized-Powder/dp/B00EHQQ1A6/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449614236&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=gelatnized+maca+poweder

My newest edition is collagen powder. It is not only good for your hair, skin, and nails, but it helps keep your gut healthy and keeps your joints feeling good. I buy this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Vital-Proteins-Pasture-Raised-Collagen-Peptides/dp/B00K6JUG4K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449614344&sr=8-1&keywords=vital+proteins+collagen

These last 2 are not necessary, but a good edition with many benefits for your health.