Chicken vegetable soup.

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I did something I almost never do.  I impressed myself.  That soup was as good as I have ever had.  Everything from scratch.  Fresh vegetables to just cooked chicken, stripped from the bone.  The vegetables were not overcooked, the chicken was tender medium to small bits, the spices and herbs, to salt and pepper, were spot on.  This... is what I would expect from my mother.  Magic.

Now, there were some things I have learned.  A flavor I had always thought was a mistake?  It isn't.  I never quite knew what it is.  I do now.  It is a vegetal flavor, from having so many fresh vegetables.  Ah!  Now, knowing this, I can truly enjoy this flavor.  I don't need to be a vegetarian to do so.  It, just... makes sense, with soups and stews, now.  And is welcome rather than off-putting.  Live and learn.

I only put one container of beef stock in.  Which was enough.  I didn't try to thicken quite to a stew.  It was a chicken soup I was after, just... a bit thicker.  Obtained and as exactly as I had intended as possible.  I will absolutely have to do this more often.  Pork, from pulled pork, chicken as today... pieced, and beef as I did before, if without experimental spices and herbs.  

Perhaps, in time?  Though, with some dishes... why complicate or change?  A simple (if not that simple or easy as is) meat stew or soup... keep it classic, keep it simple.  Enjoy the seemingly humble.  What a gift.  Remember, the good in us is a gift from God.  At this point, we of our own accord are... wrong, left, sinful.  Even to cook a good meal is a grace.  And... I have been graced.  My mother played a hand in it.  I have done my part.  But... from above.  This is surely a grace.

The other good thing?  I'd bet you could almost eat the whole pot and not gain too much weight.  While it is oddly filling.  I had one and and half bowls (sixteen ounce max, but there is no way you put sixteen ounces in... probably twelve to fourteen ounces) and I am absolutely stuffed.  I feel pampered and happy.  As to potatoes?  I chopped them into medium pieces, and only had about three or four pieces.

The only things I might change in, out, or on top?  Mushrooms!  There are several varieties which would be perfect, of which I am aware and which are available to my knowledge... browner mushrooms are best, but white will do.  As well, chinese cabbage or kale would be a reasonable alternative to cabbage.  I think kale would be best, for lasting.  But if you just clear the veggies each time you eat, and put the meat and liquid up for next time, any veggie will do.  I suppose there are a few more options, but... julienned daikon radish, or water cresses...  Oh, and something definitely for next time... green or spring onions, sliced on the diagonal, sprinkled on top in large amounts!

It's as good as I can do.  

About time to check on the rabbits.  Actually I will just take them fresh water.  I checked earlier.  I had to free up a few of the waterers.  Now I will take them fresh, and pull the old.  I try to give them much more water, if I missed.  In the summer I will try to create a watering system based on five gallon pales, so they always have fresh water.  Dumping the main container a few times a day, especially on hot days.  Perhaps having frozen bottles enough for in the cages with them, and in the tanks to help keep it all cool for them.

As well, perhaps an animal 'tractor', so they can trim the grass.  I just don't think the ducks need one, though for brooding hens, it might be good?  Ugh.  I'm almost a farmer... type.  :p  Later.