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As September gently closes its final chapter, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty that comes with the changing of the seasons. The mornings are cooler, the evenings arrive a little earlier, and the trees are beginning their annual transformation into shades of gold, amber, and crimson.
Goodbye, September. Thank you for the warm days, the lingering sunshine, and the memories made along the way.
Hello, October.
There is something magical about October. It's the month that officially welcomes autumn into our hearts and homes. It brings comfort, tradition, family gatherings, cosy sweaters, pumpkin patches, falling leaves, and the simple joys that remind us to slow down and savour life's blessings.
For many years now, I have had a special tradition to welcome autumn. Every year, I ask family and friends a very important question:
"Do you want my famous Chicken Stew or my Beef Stew?"
This year, the vote was unanimous... Chicken Stew won! 🍲
The Beef Stew will make its grand appearance on Halloween. With the cost of ingredients these days, I like to wait and make it as special and delicious as possible. It has become one of those meals worth anticipating, and Halloween feels like the perfect occasion.
But for the official arrival of autumn, nothing beats a big pot of homemade Chicken Stew simmering away on the stove for hours. The aroma fills the entire house, wrapping everyone in a blanket of comfort before they even sit down at the table.
Made with bone-in chicken breasts, fresh carrots, onions, celery, fragrant herbs, rich broth, tender chunks of chicken, escarole, peas, egg noodles, and a touch of egg drop magic, it's more than just a meal. It's a tradition. It's comfort food at its very best. It's the taste of autumn arriving.
After hours of slow simmering, all that's left is to butter a few fresh rolls, gather around the table, and enjoy every spoonful together.
Some traditions are worth keeping, and this one has become one of my favourites.
So as the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, may we all find reasons to gather with the people we love, share a warm meal, create beautiful memories, and appreciate the simple blessings that surround us each day.
🍲 My Famous Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bag fresh carrots, sliced into large pieces
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 carton College Inn Chicken Broth
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh Italian parsley
- Pinch of sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 can peas
- Fresh escarole, washed thoroughly and cut into large pieces
- ½ to 1 bag egg noodles (depending on pot size)
- 1 egg
- 3 to 4 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and boil for approximately 1½ hours.
- Remove the chicken and strain the broth to ensure no bones remain. Keep about half of the cooking liquid, including the natural fats. Break up one of the chicken skins and return it to the broth for added flavour.
- Debone the chicken and tear the meat into large chunks.
- In the broth, add the onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, bouillon cubes, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken chunks to the pot and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat and allow the stew to simmer for approximately 5 hours.
- After about 4 hours, add the peas and the escarole.
- During the final 40 minutes, add the egg noodles.
- Beat 1 egg and slowly stir it into the stew to create an egg drop effect.
- If a thicker consistency is desired, mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of boiling water until smooth and lump-free, then stir into the stew.
- Once the noodles are tender, allow the stew to sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with warm buttered rolls and enjoy.
🍁 Autumn Blessing 🍁
May October bring peace to your heart, warmth to your home, and joy to your days. May your table always have enough, your memories be sweet, and your loved ones remain close. May the changing leaves remind you that every season has its beauty, every ending makes way for a new beginning, and every day is a gift worth celebrating.
Happy October, everyone. May your autumn be filled with comfort, gratitude, good food, and abundant blessings. 🍂🍁❤️
