Ah Ha!! My grands all began school today, all in one drop off location for the first time ever! So I’m making chicken soup to begin the new school year and soothe their souls. Enjoy in good health and I’ll give you an “A”. Consider making a double batch and sharing with family, a neighbor, or a friend. This is good Southern “know how!”

1 whole uncooked chicken
Water
1/2 t fresh thyme
1/2 t fresh oregano
1/2 t fresh basil, chopped
1/2 t dried red pepper flakes
1 t mustard seeds
3 Tbs olive oil
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 large carrots, diced
1 bunch spinach

Place whole chicken into large soup pot.
Add all spices, seasonings, and cover with water until chicken is submerged by two inches.
Bring chicken to boil, and reduce to simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Remove chicken and set aside to cool.
Continue to simmer broth another 30 minutes.
After chicken cools slightly, shred chicken by pulling apart with two forks.
Heat oil in skillet; add onion; cook until transparent, about 3 minutes.
Add remaining vegetables and cook for two minutes.
Add vegetables and chicken back to soup broth.
Toss in spinach at last minute and allow to wilt, about 1 minute.
Serve warm.