Comfortable Food

Chicken Stew
Probably the greatest thing ever invented. I think everyone has that meal/food where if that was the only thing they could eat for the rest of their life, they'd be fine with it. Well, Chicken Stew, is my ultimate comfort food. I could never tire of it's chickeny goodness. This is what I would beg my mom to make. Some kids want pizza, some mac & cheese, but I mostly wanted Chicken Stew. It's awesome when you are or are about to be under the weather. It soothes the soul.

It's not really a traditional stew. When I think of stew I think of beef, carrots, potatoes, and things of that nature. But for the most part, this is just chicken and milk. So simple, yet so delicious.

When I was in school during the winter, I would make this Sunday afternoon when I got home from church. Then I would eat off it for several days. I think it's kind of a normal thing around here in Georgia, especially around the country. I guess in a way it's like a poor man's supper. But since I love this soup so much, I've decided not to be stingy and to share the recipe with the world. So here goes, and don't worry you can't mess it up. I have a set way I make it, but when my grandmother makes it it's different every time.

Chicken Stew:(I'd better get credit if you make this for people.)
1 (9-10 oz.) can of white meat chicken breast
2 (14 oz.) cans of chicken broth
1 (12 oz.) can of evaporated milk
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
About 3/4 of a 1/2 gallon of 2% milk. (no idea how much that really is, I have an art degree)
salt, pepper, paprika, butter

So I start by getting a pot and dumping the chicken in, breaking it up a little. You can use more chicken, like two cans, or a big can and a little can, or what ever floats your boat. Or you can even use fresh chicken and pull it off the bone, it's really up to how much you want to work for this. I pour both cans of broth in, and bring it almost up to a boil. I'm pretty sure my mom said if the soup boils it's going to ruin it. So try not to let that happen. Next just add the evaporated milk, then the whipping cream. I'll add salt, pepper, and paprika(which I think is just for looks, I've added a little and an uber amount, and there's not much difference). Next add about a tablespoon of butter, more or less again your boat. Then I just pour the 2% milk in. It depends on how much you want to make, and how big your pot is. I've kind of learned how much to use by the pot I'm used to using. But you'll use most of a 1/2 gallon of milk. Just let it get hot and enjoy. Mom always dipped it out with a measuring cup, so that's what I do. Ladles are for losers and rich people.

Serve with saltine crackers and your favorite beverage. Coca-Cola is my preference. One more thing, put some ketchup in with the soup and stir before you crumble crackers in it...gives it a little tang. Don't scrunch your nose at me, don't think just do. If you're really brave, use hot sauce...one more time, it's your boat. But for the record, I use ketchup.