Feeding the Sick - Chicken Barley Soup

Last night, the oldest son woke with a slight fever.  He has been run down all day, literally just resting on the couch and getting the one pleasure of not feeling good - watching television all day long.  Big Guy doesn't feel the greatest either, combination of burning the candle at both ends and probably a few germs.  I had said earlier in the day I was not going to cook a meal - our fridge is loaded with leftovers.  BUT after looking through some of my favorite blogs, I stumbled upon a recipe for Hearty Chicken Barley Soup from Fitfoodista and thought - here is a great way to use leftover turkey and help feed my sick boys!  Chicken broth, carrots, barley - what a great combination!

Recipe from fitfoodista.com - go check out her blog!

Chicken Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 recipe chicken stock
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
• 2 large ribs celery sliced into 1/4 inch slices
• 3 large button mushrooms, finely diced
• 2 cups quick cooking barley
• Salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste

Instructions

1. Place chicken pieces into warm broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms.  Simmer for ten minutes.
3. Add barley.  Stir and simmer for fifteen more minutes.
4. Correct seasoning if necessary with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.