Homemade Chicken Soup Delivered Nationwide

What to send when there has been a death in the family

2010-09-27T10:12:00.001-04:00

It is a very common question that we get asked a lot, so I thought that I would answer it here . . . . in our blog.

Traditionally, flowers are the most common gift that is sent when someone dies, but, today there are a lot of other options. Many obituaries in the newspaper indicate where or to what charity a donation can be made.

But of course, we think that sending chicken soup is the best way to warm someone's body and soul, especially when there has been a death in the family. We send a lot of gifts for funerals and shiva homes . . . we have special pre-written cards that you can choose from. For example:

Sympathy
With deepest sympathy for your most recent loss.
Chicken soup always helped our family in a time of grief,
hope it gives you some comfort too.

Sympathy 2
With heartfelt sympathy for your devastating loss.
We know chicken soup can't cure the enormous
ache in your heart right now but hope,
at least, it can give you some comfort.

If you know anyone that has a question what to send, send them to us! www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com and we can recommend the perfect gift.

Recipe using those great summer peaches!

2010-08-19T12:31:00.002-04:00

The pick your own farms around here are full of peaches. My grandchildren love picking and eating them. With the ones still left to take home, we love to make Peach Cobbler.

Ingredients:

Topping

2 C flour

1 Tbs baking powder

1/4 Tsp salt

2 Tbs sugar

1 Tsp lemon zest

4 Tbs butter

1/2 C milk

2 Eggs

1/8 vanilla extract

Mix together the first 5 ingredients. Cut butter into mixture. Add milk and eggs and stir until smooth. Pop in the fridge until ready to put on top of the filling.

Filling

14 peaches

1 C sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 Tsp cinnamon

1/8 Tsp nutmeg

1 Tbs maple syrup

Slice up peaches. Combine sugar and spices and then toss with peaches. Spread into standard sized baking dish (use not stick spray), drizzle maple syrup on top and bake for 20 min. Take chilled topping and spoon over top of fruit. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. For true decadence serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

2010-08-12T11:43:00.003-04:00

I took a summer vacation and enjoyed the grandchildren so my recipes went with me. Well rested the recipes are back! It is time to use some of those tomatoes from the garden or farm stand. Gazpacho (cold tomato soup) is a great way to enjoy them and stay cool at the same time.

Gazpacho

2 1/2 lbs tomato concasse

8 oz diced onion

8 oz diced red pepper

12 oz diced seeded cucumber

1 oz garlic minced

1 oz red wine vinegar

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz olive oil

1 Tbs lime juice

Salt and Tabasco to taste

1 qt tomato juice

Puree all ingredients except tomato juice. Once pureed mix in tomato juice and garnish with some extra diced onion, red pepper and cucumber.

Recipe #5 - A Chocolate Lovers Dream Dessert

2010-07-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

Who knew a Grandma from the Northeast could make Texas Ranch cake? This recipe was passed on from a friend of a friend and made its way back East. This a real crowd thriller. If you need to bring a dessert for your next gathering, this is the one take. Everyone will want the recipe.

Sift in Bowl: 2 cups flour

2 Cups sugar

½ tsp salt

Bring the following ingredients to a boil and pour over above dry ingredients and mix:

2 sticks butter

1 cup water

3 tbs cocoa

Mix and add to above combined dry and wet ingredients.

2 eggs well beaten

1 tsp baking soda

½ cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

Pour batter into standard greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 Degrees F for 20 minutes.

Start frosting last 5 minutes cake is in oven. Heat – Do Not Boil – 1 stick butter, 3 Tbs cocoa, 5 Tbs milk

Add 1 box powdered sugar, ½ cup chopped nuts (optional), 1 tsp vanilla

Frost cake as soon as removed from oven (DO NOT wait until cake cools). 24 servings or 48 party sized pieces.

Summer Recipe #4

2010-07-15T12:25:00.000-04:00

Nothing says summer like tomatoes and basil. Below is a yummy recipe that uses both for a great summer appetizer.

Ingredients:
Preheat oven or toaster oven to 300 Degrees F

Crusty French Bread, sliced into oval discs about 1/4 to 1/2 in thickness
Tomatoes seeded and sliced
Mozzarella sliced
Fresh Basil
Crushed garlic
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Unlike baking, exact measurements are not needed for these appetizers. The amount of each ingredient is based on personal preference. Take the slices of French Bread medallions, place them on baking sheet (that has been sprayed with non stick spray or use parchment paper). Brush on a very light coating of olive oil on each slice of bread then top with a small amount of crushed garlic. Place in oven and toast up bread until it is slightly golden. May take around 5-10 minutes or so. Take bread slices out of oven, put enough tomato on each slice of bread to cover, then place mozzarella slice on top with sprig of fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste.

3rd Summer Recipe from Grandma's Recipe Box - No Oven required

2010-07-08T11:56:00.000-04:00

With the stifling heat of the summer, the last thing we want to do is use the stove. So, don't for this recipe. Coleslaw is a classic summer treat, easy to make and no heat source required!

GRANDMA'S COLESLAW

Grate 1 Medium Cabbage

Grate 3 Carrots

Grate 1 Green Pepper

Grate 1 Tbs. Onion

2 Tbs. Vinegar Cider

2 Tbs. Sugar

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Mayo to desired consistency

Combine all above ingredients with mayo. Let chill for several hours (if you can wait that long) to allow flavors to marinate. Coleslaw is a great picnic item but don't let this coleslaw sit in the heat because of the mayo. Enjoy and stay cool!

2nd Summer Recipe from "Grandma's" Recipe Box - Apricot Squares

2010-07-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

Preparing summer fruit is a great way to celebrate the season. This recipes uses jam so although it may taste like summer, it can be prepared anytime of year whether the farm stand is open or not. Apricot squares are a great picnic dessert and easy to make.

Apricot Squares
Ingredients:

¾ Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Cups and 1 Tbsp Flour

1 egg

1 1/3 Cup Coconut

½ C up chopped nuts

1 tsp vanilla

¼ tsp salt

1 Jar of Apricot Jam (or Fruit Jam of your choice)

Pre Heat Oven to 350 Degrees

Mix all ingredients well (except Apricot Jam) and then spread ¾ of this dough into a greased 9 x 12 pan. Spread Jar of Jam over dough. Sprinkle remaining dough on top of Jam. Bake for 40 minutes

First Recipe from Grandma's Recipe Box

2010-06-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

Well since summer is officially here and many places are hot, including here in the Northeast I thought we should start with a classic refreshing thirst quencher. When there is no better place to sit than an open porch with a warm breeze blowing, the classic New England Raspberry Lime Rickey is my drink of choice. The recipe could not be easier. It must be served very cold with ice cubes.

Ingredients

1 lime
8 fluid ounces of plain seltzer (soda water)
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger raspberry syrup

Directions

Fill a tall glass with ice. Squeeze entire juice of 1 lime into a glass, and then drop the lime into the glass. Fill glass nearly to the top with seltzer & top with raspberry syrup. (Other syrups may be used in place of raspberry if so desired. It can be made into an adult cocktail by adding alcohol, but I am a purist and prefer the above traditional recipe.)

Our Father's Day Winner is . . .

2010-06-17T13:26:00.002-04:00

We received many great Father's Day entries but none better than the one from Nance Blair Stultz honoring a World War II veteran who stepped in as a second father after her dad had passed away. It is a pleasure to say thank you to Mr. Jack Radin for serving our country and continuing his heroism long after the war was over.

"A few years ago I got a phone call from a stranger who had some information for me. . .it changed my life in a good way!

Mr. Jack Radin, a Gentleman from NY, contacted me via a WWII army site from where I was looking for any information about my Daddy, Harold R. Blair. Mr. Radin and I had some nice chats on the phone and he sent me photographs of he and my Dad from June 1945; (from when they were in the war together). He also wrote me a letter and told me how the men in the Company M, 100th Division, 399th Regiment liked and respected my Dad. . .

I had never seen those photos of my Dad and the information that he shared with me about my Father are priceless! Mr. Radin is indeed in line for a great big Happy Father's Day for bringing memories of my Dad (who passed away. . .) and he even told me that I could have a whole UNIT that would take me for a daughter!

What a wonderful person! I would be delighted to honor him with some Grandma's Soup! and recognition!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Nance Blair Stultz

(picture on top: Jack Radin on the far left and Harold Blair on the far right, June 1945, picture on bottom: Nance Blair Stultz 2010 Father's Day Contest winning author)

Yeah!!!

2010-06-14T11:33:00.001-04:00

Today, we reached our goal of 20,000 customers! Thank you everyone!!!

Here's another post from a 10 year old girl!

2010-06-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

R-ready to talk to anyone in sight
O-out going
B-believer
E-exiting
R-ready to have fun
T-totally awesome

Those were some things that I think of my dad he is the best dad I could ever have. I create great memories with him every day. I enjoy my dad coaching my lacrosse team and having ice creams after every game.

Sophia

Father's Day Contest

2010-06-09T13:15:00.002-04:00

We are receiving tons of entries for our "Best Father" contest . . have you submitted a story why your dad is the best?
Remember, you win a free soup for you or your dad!

2010 Father's Day Contest

2010-05-25T13:37:00.002-04:00

Grandma's Father’s Day Contest!!!

GrandmasChickenSoup wants to celebrate your Dad this Father’s Day

We cheered for great Mother’s Last month, now it is time to thank Dad!

We want to thank one special Dad this year for Father’s Day 2010.

Our Celebrate Dad contest will allow you to nominate the best Dad you know. The winner will receive a FREE half gallon of delicious GrandmasChickenSoup and a Grandma's Chicken Soup gift mug filled with crackers, our signature carrot pen and completed with a hand decorated whimsical chicken cookie.

We will feature many of the entries on my blog and Facebook for everyone to read.

Thank dad through your heartfelt words and for one deserving winner, he will get a FREE meal on me, GRANDMA.

In 300 words or less, tell us why this Dad you are nominating is special and deserves to be recognized and receive a Free gift. This can be any Dad you know as long as they are great at the job of Fatherhood. Anyone who entered the Mother’s Day Contest is definitely eligible to enter my Father’s Day Contest!

Entries must be emailed to me at grandma@grandmaschickensoup.com from now until June 13th, 2010. The winning author will be notified via email June 14, 2010. In order for us to send the soup to the lucky Dad before Father’s Day 2010, the winning author must provide us with the winning dad’s address by June 15th. Employees and relatives of GrandmasChickenSoup and David’s World Famous are not eligible. The winning author will be asked to submit a picture to accompany their story.

The Winner of our Mother's Day Contest with her Mom! - check out the Original package that she won at www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com

2010-05-10T13:08:00.001-04:00

And the Mother's Day Contest Winner is. . .

2010-05-06T14:04:00.000-04:00

We received a ton of great entries to our first Mother's Day Contest, with some posted on this blog. I want to thank everyone who submitted an entry and thank all the Mother's they wrote about, who were heroic and kind. We were luckily to learn about them.

It was very difficult to pick a winner with so many wonderful stories, but we were touched by the legacy that Monica Houston described her mother Mary created.    Mary should be receiving her delicious GrandmasChickenSoup with a mug full of crackers tomorrow. We hope to post a picture of the winning mom soon!

Happy Mother's Day to Mary and to all the great Mom's this Sunday.

Here is a reposting of the winning entry. . .

My Mother's name is Mary . . . My mother's mind is not with us in reality as alert as she was, but is ever alert and beautiful in my heart. She is in the final stage of Dementia and lives in a wonderful facility in . . . MI. My Mama was a social worker by profession. She completed college in 1957, one of the first in our extended family to complete college. When she divorced my Dad in the early 1970's, she went back to school and obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work, while supporting and raising 4 children.
In 1977 Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took this challenge as she did all others with faith and a positive attitude. She was a safe haven for all of my sisters', brothers' and my friends. She often took them in when they were temporarily homeless or parentless due to life's situations. Mama was always encouraging, and was very active in our community through our Block club, Church-St. John C.M.E. , The American Breast Cancer Association, the National Association of Black Social Workers, and many other organizations.
When Mama and I noticed that she was beginning to have trouble remembering things, she bravely allowed my siblings and I to find her a great Doctor, and because of God and him she has still survived this disease since the mid to late 90's. Mama only recognizes any of us for about 30 seconds now, but her smile is radiant and we can still feel her love. She still has a great appreciation for what tastes good. If she doesn't like something her determination NOT to eat is fierce! I know that she would love your soup and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of it. Your lemon iced cake is also delicious and I have sent these things to many of my friends and family over the years. I know my Mom would not only love to be recognized in this way, but she would be humbled at the total love and devotion that I feel for her.
Sincerely,
Monica M. Houston

Here's an entry from someone who wishes their Mom knew about our company!

2010-05-03T13:56:00.000-04:00
I read about your Best Mom contest in our local Jewish newspaper, and immediately decided to submit this entry.

My mother, Joyce, is a mother, grandmother, and as of this very week,
a great-grandmother! She is no ordinary mother. During my freshman
year of college, I came down with a bad cold days before my first
formal dance. My mother detected despair in my voice when I called
home -- I didn't have shoes to wear with my dress and oh, how I
missed her chicken soup remedy.   Two days later, my dorm leader
notified me that I had a package waiting for me downstairs. Its
brown wrapping was soaked, the box was ripped, the smell was
overwhelming. Inside the remains of the box was a pair of my
mother's strappy sandals, dripping with chicken broth. Bits of
carrots, celery, onion and chicken clung to every strap. The soup's
original container, packed with the shoes, had apparently exploded
en-route. I wasn't able to eat my mother's soup or wear her shoes,
but her thoughtfulness filled me up and warmed my heart.

A GrandmasChickenSoup employee writes about her mom. . .

2010-04-29T13:32:00.000-04:00

Obviously employees of GrandmasChickenSoup can not enter our Mother's Day Contest for a free soup and mug of crackers. . .but we certainly will let Melissa highlight her great Mom on my Blog.

"My mom is the best and I am thrilled to be able to say thank you to her this Mother’s Day. We were not sure at this time last that she would be around for us to do that. My mother is warm and caring. She always wanted to have a big family but was only able to have me. She proudly says, “I wanted 12 and got my 12 all wrapped up in you!” My mom was a divorced mom, worked hard full time and still attended all my activities. Hers was the loudest voice cheering. She has always made me feel loved and was awed and supportive of even my smallest accomplishments. Once I got married and decided to start a family she moved 300 miles to be close to us to help watch our children.

My mom works full time and watches her 3 grandchildren so that I can work. My girls love their “Nanny” and light up when she enters our house. Last year, my mom, who rarely got sick, was in the hospital for 3 weeks with a rare back infection. It was devastating, and at times we thought we might lose her. We are very lucky to say she made it through

There are many people that need to be thanked. Thank you to Mass General Hospital and their wonderful staff who helped nurse her back to health. It was a long process but she is now 100%. Thank you to David, Betsy and Janice Poritzky for whom I work at www.GrandmasChickenSoup. With my mother sick I was not able to work much for 2 months. They allowed me the freedom to watch my girls and help my mother get better as she recovered at home. They worked around my schedule and held my job until everything was back to normal. Finally, thank you to my mother for getting better. We need decades more time together with the best “Nanny”, “Mother-in-law” and “Mom”."

A few days left to still enter my Mother's Day Contest

2010-04-27T13:16:00.005-04:00

Today's entry comes from Erin. . .

My mom deserves to win this contest, as she is the absolute best. When I was 12, and my brother was 14, she lost her best friend and we lost our dad, suddenly due to a heart attack. Our family was being torn apart. She managed to keep us together and raise us to be strong despite losing our dad. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to have to suddenly raise 2 teenagers by herself, but she pulled through. She now is a wonderful Grandmother to 5 grandkids and is still an incredibly strong woman. Her faith in God drives her each and every day. She is amazing and I am blessed to have her as my mom.

Today's highlighted Grandma's Mother's Day Contest. . .

2010-04-26T14:13:00.005-04:00

There is still a week left to enter my Mother's Day Contest. Enter today, one lucky winner will be able to send the winning Mom a Free Soup and Mug full of crackers on Grandma!

Genevieve M., The Self Proclaimed Daughter of World's Greatest Mother, writes. . .

A nurse for nearly twenty-five years, my mother, Debbie M., is currently the weekend supervisor at a hospital. But for the last twelve years, she has additionally cared for two exceptional patients. Her mother battled multiple myeloma cancer for nearly a decade; my mom held her mother’s frail hand through every medical appointment, whether it was a blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy treatment.

Only two months before enduring the grief of her mother’s death, her father suffered a stroke. The frightful night an ambulance rushed him to the hospital, the day cancer took my grandmother, during every occupational, speech and physical therapy session, and even now as he is beginning to walk, she had been by his side.

Despite working long weekend hours and regularly driving forty-five minutes to and from my grandfather’s house, my mom cheered for me at every swim meet, excitedly assisted me before each school dance and still answers the phone at any hour when I call from college in need of comforting. While perpetually existing ten minutes behind schedule and maybe not the best with cooking, cleaning or laundry, my mother is nonetheless the best exemplar I could ask for.

She offers ceaseless dedication to others, always putting everyone before herself. My mother’s passion in serving humanity and uncompensated zeal in caring for her family merits a reward. She has a perfect heart of unconditional love. Thank you for considering her for the Grandma’s Chicken Soup giveaway; I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such a gift.

Many Thanks.

Today's highlighted Grandma's Mother's Day Entry. . .

2010-04-22T12:47:00.003-04:00
Many great entries are coming in. I am sad we can only highlight a few. Here's is a darling piece from Michael H. about his mom. . .

My mom deserves far more than I should ever be able to give her, and words can't seem to sum up the great deal she's given me. It seems there's not a moment she isn't moving, working, helping, doing every bit she can. No matter the help I try to give, it's incomparable to what she has and is doing. I suppose I'm not different, considering I'm made of her flesh, blood and love, but everyone around me has taken notice of what she does and is constantly doing for my family. She's able to work eighteen-hour shfts, something my mind finds unimaginable. She's given me so much, I'd like to give her just a bit more than I have before.

There is still over one week left to enter our Mother's Day Contest! Enter today. A great way to say thank you to Mom.

2010-04-21T14:02:00.005-04:00

Here is a an entry from 8 year old Jackie. . .

My mom is the best mom ever because she is so sweet.
When I get hurt she helps me.
When I need to play with someone she plays with me, and buys me yummy food for lunch.
She always makes me nice dinners too.
She dresses me all matching colors and everybody loves what I wear!
She buys me a lot of nice toys.
When I am sad she helps me to get better.
When I cry she asks me why because I always have a good reason.
My mom loves me.

A Mother's Day Contest Entry from Wendy tells of her transformation into her mother. . .

2010-04-20T14:08:00.005-04:00

I didn’t want to believe it either. For years my husband would mention that I’m doing things like my mother, he would give reference to silly things, like my insistence on forcing friends to have something to eat, or in general to be too overly hovering and sensitive. Was it true? Was I becoming my mother? I just thought I was being a “baleboosteh” you know a good hostess. It doesn’t mean I’m my mother! We’re so different, we are worlds apart! I mean I was born here in Canada, I don’t speak her native language of Polish, I have no accent like her, I can’t crochet, knit or cook “K'naidel” (dumpling-like balls used for chicken soup) like her, I couldn’t be more different.

But after last night, I have to concede that I owe my husband an apology. It started innocently enough with laundry. I emptied the hamper of darks into my machine like I always do, I made sure none of the whites snuck in, all looked good, I even added some vinegar (ok like my mother likes to do) vinegar is known to help preserve color vitality. I closed the lid, and returned to watching TV feeling proud that I was multitasking. A half hour later I heard the machine stop, I opened the lid …

and Ta Da! Kleenex tissue pieces all over my laundry! It couldn’t be, I couldn’t have, and this can’t be! Oh BUT IT BE! a zillion tiny nasty pieces of wet Kleenex adhering to all the clothes with no intention of letting go! It was a nightmare! The only good thing was my husband was asleep and would never know about this secrettarred-and- Kleenexed in the white sticky stuff, I saw it…my dark navy top with one sleeve still rolled up. It didn’t have a pocket, so like my mother used to do, when I was little, I observed she would put her Kleenex in her sleeve. incident….and there as I pulled each item of clothing out… myself Well, as I unfurled my navy top, I noticed I had done the same thing, placing that innocent Kleenex in my sleeve, resulting in this guilty mess! And there you have it evidence that indeed eventually maybe we do all morph into one aspect of our mothers, and that at least in this instance my husband is right!

Today's Highlighted Mother's Day Entry

2010-04-15T12:47:00.003-04:00

Monica M. writes. . .

My mother's mind is not with us in reality as alert as she was, but is ever alert and beautiful in my heart. She is in the final stage of Dementia. . .My Mama was a social worker by profession. She completed college. . .one of the first in our extended family to complete college. When she divorced my Dad in the early 1970's, she went back to school and obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work, while supporting and raising 4 children.

In 1977 Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took this challenge as she did all others with faith and a positive attitude. She was a safe haven for all of my sisters', brothers' and my friends. She often took them in when they were temporarily homeless or parentless due to life's situations. Mama was always encouraging, and was very active in our community through our Block club, Church, The American Breast Cancer Association, the National Association of Black Social Workers, and many other organizations.

When Mama and I noticed that she was beginning to have trouble remembering things, she bravely allowed my siblings and I to find her a great Doctor, and because of God and him she has still survived this disease since the mid to late 90's. Mama only recognizes any of us for about 30 seconds now, but her smile is radiant and we can still feel her love. She still has a great appreciation for what tastes good. If she doesn't like something her determination NOT to eat is fierce! I know that she would love your soup and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of it. Your lemon iced cake is also delicious and I have sent these things to many of my friends and family over the years. I know my Mom would not only love to be recognized in this way, but she would be humbled at the total love and devotion that I feel for her.

Another great entry to win free soup for your mom

2010-04-14T13:37:00.001-04:00

I am nominating my mom because she never says no. She helps everybody and is completely unselfish. I sent my son Grandma's soup this summer at camp when he was sick, because that is what my mom taught me. She always knew what to say and what to do to make me feel better. We know chicken soup is the best medicine and that's why I would like to nominate her to win a bowl of love.

Dr. Corey

2010-04-13T12:51:00.004-04:00

Keep checking everyday to read entries for our Grandma's Mother's Day Contest. If you enter today you may see your story posted on my blog. The winner will be announced by May 5th. Good luck to all our authors and thank you to their great moms!

Here is one from Lynda M.

My mother is the best Mom in the world. She has worked hard to support me throughout the years. I could never pay her back for what she has given and done for me over the years, throughout my childhood and even my adult life. I feel very fortunate to have someone who loves me unconditionally, without judging me, yet gives constructive criticism when needed. I cherish her every minute of every day and try to show her how much I care by doing little things for her, spending time with or having her over for dinner. She has been a true positive inspiration in my life and I feel very blessed having her in my life. She is one in a million and I have the most wonderful mother ever! I may not win this contest, but I have the best prize of all because I have my mother.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to tell you how I feel about Mom.

Mother's Day Contest

2010-04-07T13:20:00.004-04:00

Get a head start on Grandma's Mother's Day Contest!!!

GrandmasChickenSoup wants to celebrate your Mom this Mother’s Day

As a daughter, mother and grandmother, I know the importance of Mom. She does the dishes and the laundry, wipes the tears, stands in the cold rain during games, and finishes it off with a big hug and a kiss.

We want to thank one special Mom this year for Mother’s Day 2010.

Our Celebrate Mom contest will allow you to nominate the best Mom you know. The winner will receive a FREE half gallon of delicious GrandmasChickenSoup and a Grandma's Chicken Soup gift mug filled with crackers, our signature carrot pen and completed with a hand decorated whimsical chicken cookie.

We will feature many of the entries on my blog and Facebook for everyone to read.

Thank mom through your heartfelt words and for one deserving winner, she will get a FREE meal on me, GRANDMA.

In 300 words or less, tell us why this Mom you are nominating is special and deserves to be recognized and receive a Free gift. This can be any mom you know as long as they are great at the job of Motherhood.

Entries must be emailed to me at grandma@grandmaschickensoup.com from now until May 2nd, 2010. The winning author will be notified via email May 3rd, 2010. In order for us to send the soup to the lucky mom before Mothers Day 2010, the winning author must provide us with winning mom’s address by May 4th. Employees and relatives of GrandmasChickenSoup and David’s World Famous are not eligible. The winning author may be asked to submit a picture to accompany their story.

Here is an article about the health of the Seder Meal. . .

2010-03-30T11:25:00.000-04:00

March 29, 2010
Passover health: Matzoh, soup and family

Posted: 05:05 PM ET

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN.com Health Writer/Producer

For Jews, Passover is somewhat like Thanksgiving: Families and friends gather to eat a lot of food. This holiday, commemorating the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, began Monday and lasts for eight days, during which observers do not eat any leavened bread or various grains. Some traditionally also avoid beans, corn, and other starches.

The Passover meal - called a "seder," meaning "order," - traditionally happens on the first night, during which participants go through a series of symbolic foods representing elements of the Passover story. Some families have a seder on the second night also.

Some seder foods carry health benefits. And one, perhaps the best known of the seder elements, may cause some digestive issues.

Matzoh, which Passover observers eat to symbolize the Jewish people fleeing their homes without enough time for their bread to rise, is actually quite constipating, although no one knows exactly why. There's only about 1 gram of fiber per piece of matzoh, so it's certainly not helping in that area. But dried fruit, thought to be an antidote, is also kosher for Passover, notes Joe Regenstein, professor of food science at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. "As long as you drink enough water and eat enough fiber to move things, you’re probably OK," says Dr. Lisa Bernstein, assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine. There is also whole wheat matzoh available, contributing to good carbs and healthy fats, she says.

Matzoh ball soup: A 2009 study in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that chicken soup, otherwise known as "Jewish penicillin," may have medicinal properties. Researchers gave proteins from chicken legs' collagen to rats. In the rats used to model hypertension, blood pressure went down, researchers said. This line of research is credible and may explain the benefits of this "Jewish penicillin," Regenstein said.

Charoset, a paste made of apples and nuts, symbolizes the mortar used to lay bricks in Egypt (legend has it that Jewish slaves built pyramids; some historians have debunked this, and it remains controversial). Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, Bernstein notes, which have been shown to be good for your heart, vision, and even memory. If this is your first seder and you are allergic to nuts, though, make sure to steer clear.

Family, as with any major food-focused holiday, is a big part of Passover. There are always some issues with that - dealing with relatives you haven't seen a long time, making sure everyone gets along - but for most people, having the family reunited is a positive thing. A 2002 review of research on family routines and rituals, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, found that family rituals, including Passover and Thanksgiving, contribute to stability in stressful times. These, as well as routines such as a family mealtime, are linked with everything from academic success to children's health and strong family ties.

Posted by: Elizabeth Landau - CNN.com Health Writer/Producer
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/29/passover-health-matzoh-soup-and-family/

London Museum Re-creates the smell of Chicken Soup

2010-03-16T14:41:00.003-04:00
Check out this London Museum that re-creates the smell of chicken soup. . .

London Jewish Museum reopens after major facelift

By JILL LAWLESS (AP) – 32 minutes ago

LONDON — They are icons of Britain: a Victorian-era statesman, a World War I soldier-poet, fish and chips.
They're also Jewish — evidence of the 1,000-year history of Jews in Britain, whose story is told in a museum reopening this week after a 10 million pound ($15 million) expansion.
"Fish and chips, which everyone thinks of as very English, is in fact Sephardic Jewish," said celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, who helped relaunch the London Jewish Museum on Tuesday after a two-year closure. Many believe that Britain's national dish has its origins in fried fish introduced to the country by Spanish and Portuguese Jews.
Food and the nature of Britishness both play a significant part in the museum, which has expanded from a Victorian house in London's Camden Town to a former piano factory next door, tripling its floorspace. Among the interactive displays is a chance to smell chicken soup cooking in a recreated East End immigrant's kitchen.
There also is a cavalcade of historical figures, both famous and obscure, including 19th-century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli; war poet Isaac Rosenberg, killed on the Western Front; and Daniel Mendoza, an 18th-century boxing champion of England.
Their stories sit alongside those of humbler figures — laborers, seamstresses, trade unionists, entertainers.
"We're telling the story of the Jewish community in London, but we're also telling the story of London," said Sarah Jillings, the museum's exhibition project director.
Britain's 300,000-strong Jewish community stretches back to 1066, when the first Jews arrived with William the Conqueror's invading Norman army.
The museum attests to a thriving medieval community. One of its star displays is a 13th-century mikvah, or ritual bath, uncovered in what is now the heart of London's financial district.
England's entire Jewish population was expelled by King Edward I in 1290 after years of anti-Semitic violence, and Jews were only readmitted in 1656 under Oliver Cromwell, who had overthrown the monarchy.
From there, the museum tells an evocative tale — common to many immigrant communities — of dislocation and hard work, prejudice and resistance, and the gradual move from inner-city tenements to greater prosperity in the suburbs.
"There are many Jewish museums, Holocaust museums — extraordinary places — around the world," said Alan Yentob, creative director of the BBC and a patron of the museum. "But this is one that tells the story of an immigrant culture, and therefore chimes with many people around the world today."
One gallery is devoted to the Holocaust, focusing on the experience of one British survivor of Auschwitz, while another holds a large display of Jewish ceremonial art.
The venue calls itself the only museum in London dedicated to a minority group.
Its curators acknowledge that the history of Briton's Jews is also the history of anti-Semitism. For centuries Jews were barred from many professions, including serving in Parliament — Disraeli was allowed because he had converted to Christianity as a teenager. A century ago, the press ran sensationalist headlines about "alien" newcomers as tens of thousands of Jews fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe settled in Britain.
In recent years Jewish community leaders have reported a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, attributed in part to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the dwindling number of people with memories of the Holocaust.
The museum sees its role as helping to build social cohesion. It predicts that a majority of the 65,000 visitors expected this year will not be Jewish, and will include many groups of schoolchildren.
Lawson said the history of the Jewish community is "deeply interwoven with the fabric of this country" — and is primarily a positive story.
"The history of the Jews is very much told in terms of persecution," she said. "It's interesting to question that."

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gz0j5Pn_jsLqWbO9o-cbcHNPqBjQD9EFPVTG0

Consumer Reports recommends chicken soup to treat a cold

2009-12-28T14:21:00.001-05:00

Colds & coughs

CHICKEN SOUP FOR A COLD

Grandma was right: Chicken soup helps fight the common cold. Studies show that it can reduce symptoms, although it doesn't appear to prevent or shorten the illness. Inhaling the warm steam of the soup loosens nasal secretions, which helps drain sinuses. The soup's heat may also ease throat soreness, and the broth helps prevent dehydration.

What's more, research shows that chicken soup may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Steven Rennard, M.D., a pulmonologist at the University of Nebraska, and his colleagues used his wife's grandmother's recipe to cook up a batch of vegetable-filled chicken soup. They conducted test-tube analyses of soup samples and found that it prevented excessive buildup of virus-fighting cells called neutrophils, which trigger the inflammatory responses that make cold sufferers feel so rotten. Rennard reports that the soup was effective without matzo balls, although "it doesn't really taste right without them."

HONEY AND COUGHS

A simple folk remedy appears to trump over-the-counter cough medicine. In a 2007 study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 105 children ages 2 to 18 who suffered from upper-respiratory infections received no treatment, honey, or a honey-flavored over-the-counter cough suppressant. Parents rated their children's cough symptoms and quality of sleep. Those treated with honey did best.

The study was supported by a grant from the National Honey Board, an industry-funded agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The researchers said that honey might soothe irritated membranes in the back of the throat, and has well-established antioxidant and antiviral effects.

That's welcome news, because in January 2008 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that over-the-counter cough medications posed unacceptable risks to children under age 2. And in 2005 the American College of Chest Physicians declared that OTC cough remedies were largely ineffective for people of any age.

The researchers in the Archives study gave one-half teaspoon of honey to children ages 2 to 5, 1 teaspoon to children 6 to 11, and 2 teaspoons to those ages 12 to 18. That higher amount is a reasonable dose for adults as well. You could try a smaller dose for children ages 1 to 2. But honey shouldn't be given to children under age 1 because it can cause infantile botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening health problem.

STAYING WARM TO STOP COLDS

Mothers who warn their children to bundle up in winter might feel vindicated. A 2005 study suggests that being cold may indeed lead to a cold—a notion that scientists long dismissed as folklore.

Welsh researchers recruited 180 volunteers during the cold season and chilled half of them by placing their feet in cold water for 20 minutes. Within five days, 29 percent of the chilled group caught colds, compared with only 9 percent of the others. Other research suggests that chilling the feet causes blood vessels in the nose to narrow. That limits the supply of infection-fighting white blood cells in the nasal passage, where cold viruses most often enter the body.

The researchers say that previous studies that found no link between getting chilled and colds were too small and did not use natural exposure to cold viruses. While the more recent study is not definitive either, it certainly adds another reason to stay warm in winter, particularly by wearing warm socks and water-resistant shoes. For more protection, wash your hands frequently and avoid people with colds.

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/medical-conditions-treatments/home-remedies-that-work/colds-coughs/colds-and-coughs.htm?EXTKEY=HNATKN9C

Holiday Soup Special - Buy 4 Get 1 Free

2009-11-30T12:30:00.005-05:00

Buy 4 - Get 1 FREE -A special offer just for you!

To celebrate this holiday season, GrandmasChickenSoup.com is offering you a special holiday discount - - If you buy 4 Gift Packages at our regular price we will give you 1/2 Gallon of Chicken Soup FREE - - While you are running around shopping, decorating, etc. - enjoy a delicious meal on Grandma (or send it to a friend)!

To take advantage of the awesome offer, check out our gift packages at www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com and then enter the coupon code FREESOUP2009 when checking out. To place this order on the phone - call (877) 363-SOUP (7687)!

We appreciate your business, and hope you will shop with us!
Shipping charges are not included in this offer.
This offer does not apply to previous orders.

2009-10-24T09:49:00.002-04:00
Apparently chicken soup IS the ultimate get well gift for the flu . . .we are so busy sending out soups!

2009-10-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

Celebrating our 5th year in business with a coupon code!
Get $5 off with coupon code FIVEYEAR - tell your friends!
Coupon valid today through 10/31!
Order early for the holidays!!

2009-08-13T12:58:00.002-04:00
The Center for Culinary Development (CCD) did a study involving comfort foods and the generations. There are many interesting findings, but one that is not a surprise to me, "chicken soup" was listed by many as a comfort food they crave.

http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2009/08/13/consumers-redefine-comfort-food.html

Have you seen our newest baby gifts

2009-08-03T12:56:00.003-04:00

Our baby gifts are selling like hotcakes! Check out our newest line of gifts . . . we have cupcake pjs, onesies in the shape of roses, and much more! Check out our baby gifts!

BABY GIFTS

2009-07-13T13:07:00.002-04:00
We are sending out tons of gifts to expectant moms . . . a lot of people are ordering our soup lovers that contains 2 soups, one for before the baby an one to put in the freezer for after!

Chat online!

2009-06-15T15:25:00.001-04:00

We are now available during
business hours if you have a question
and want to chat online!
Check it out!

2009-05-27T12:18:00.006-04:00

An Announcement from
Grandma's Chicken Soup - -
Check out our new box!

Looks like a wrapped gift!

We are happy to announce that
because our company is growing in
leaps and bounds, we have added an
upgrade to our plain white box!

We now have this beautiful box that,
when it arrives, looks like a wrapped gift!

Check out our site and send a loved one a gift today!
www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com

Chicken soup for a cold - some real evidence!

2009-05-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

Chicken soup for a cold

Research hints that chicken soup remedy may have scientific validity in reducing cold symptoms.

Contact: Vicky Cerino, UNMC Public Relations p: (402) 559-5190 e: vcerino@unmc.edu

October 21, 2008

Since releasing his research findings on the benefits of chicken soup in 1993, University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher, Stephen Rennard, M.D., has been cited by thousands of media outlets around the world.

“When I’m gone, out of all the research I’ve done, I’ll probably be remembered most for my research on chicken soup,” Dr. Rennard said.

In his research study, Dr. Rennard found that chicken soup contains a number of substances, including an anti-inflammatory mechanism that could ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. The suspected benefits of chicken soup were reported centuries ago. The Egyptian Jewish physician and philosopher, Moshe ben Maimonides, recommended chicken soup for respiratory tract symptoms in his 12th century writings which were, in turn, based on earlier Greek writings. But, there’s little in the literature to explain how it works.

A challenge outside of the normal realm of scientific research, and curiosity about the long-touted folk medicine, first led a University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) physician/researcher to embark upon an off-beat study to see if the soup may indeed have medicinal value.

In 1993, Stephen Rennard, M.D., conducted an informal laboratory study and submitted the results as an abstract mostly because of its amusement value. Seven years later, his chicken soup research was published in the Oct. 17 issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. It is titled, “Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro.”

Dr. Rennard, Larson Professor of Medicine in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section at UNMC, had for years watched his wife, Barbara, cook her Lithuanian grandmother’s chicken soup recipe when a cold was going around her family of 10.

“She told me the soup was good for colds,” Dr. Rennard said. “I’ve heard that a zillion times. Then I started to think, ‘well, maybe it has some anti-inflammatory value.’ Everyone’s heard this from their mother in many cultures. No one seems to have a monopoly on the insight of the value of chicken soup.”

Three batches of soup prepared in the home of Dr. Rennard were studied in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Researchers collected neutrophils from blood donated by healthy, non-smoking volunteers.

The study focus was to find out if the movement of neutrophils – the most common white cell in the blood that defends the body against infection – would be blocked or reduced by chicken soup. Researchers suspect the reduction in movement of neutrophils may reduce activity in the upper respiratory tract that can cause symptoms associated with a cold.

Colds are the result of infection in the upper respiratory tract, which causes inflammation. Although colds are not completely understood, it is believed the inflammation contributes to cold symptoms. Dr. Rennard theorized if soup can stop or reduce inflammation, it might reduce the symptoms of a cold.

In the laboratory, UNMC scientists diluted the soup and subjected the neutrophils to several variations of the soup, including vegetables, chicken and a combination of the ingredients. The team found the movement of neutrophils were reduced. Samples taken during the initial stages of the soup with chicken broth alone were not found effective in inhibiting neutrophil movement.

The researchers were not able to identify the exact ingredient or ingredients in the soup that made it effective against fighting colds but theorize it may be a combination of ingredients in the soup that work together to have beneficial effects. “All vegetables and the soup had activity,” Dr. Rennard said. “I think it’s the concoction.”

Known as “Grandma’s Soup,” the recipe includes chicken, onions, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, celery stems, parsley, salt and pepper. For comparison purposes, commercial soups were obtained from a local supermarket and prepared according to the directions on the label. Many of the soups had the same inhibitory effect.

“A variety of soup preparations were evaluated and found to be variably, but generally, able to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis,” Dr. Rennard said. “The current study, therefore, presents evidence that chicken soup might have an anti-inflammatory activity, namely the inhibition of neutrophil migration.”

Researchers noted that “Grandma’s soup” has several unusual features. It contains strained vegetables. Dr. Rennard noted, however, that the inhibitory activity was observed with several other recipes that lack the particles from vegetables. “Thus,” he said, “while the identity of the biologically active materials is unknown, it seems likely they are water-soluble or extractable. Pureed carrots or other vegetables are not recommended as a remedy while chicken soup is.”

He said the soup also may improve rehydration and nutrition in the body. The psychological and physical comfort soup provides may also have a placebo effect for those who are feeling ill.

Ronald Ertl, research coordinator of the lung biology laboratory at UNMC, said colleagues working near the lab wondered about the aroma coming from the lab. “It was the only time in my life when I could work in the lab and taste the samples,” Ertl said. “The lab shouldn’t smell like your kitchen.”

Mother's Day Gifts

2009-05-03T09:40:00.002-04:00
Our gifts make great Mother's Day gifts! Check out our Soup and Flowers - -

There is no better way to brighten someone’s day than by giving them a yummy bowl of soup to fill their tummy and beautiful flowers to fill their hearts. Our flower package includes a beautiful gift boxed Marigold Growing Kit. The growing kit includes everything needed for growing cheery marigolds that will last and last. Simply put the seeds into the growing medium inside the terra cotta planter (all of which are provided) and in a short time Marigolds will be blooming. No gardening expertise required. The Soup and Flowers package includes: One half gallon container (4-6 servings) of Grandma's delicious chicken soup with noodles and/or matzo balls.
Plus...the package includes:
One Marigold Growing Kit which comes complete with:
Terra Cotta Planter
Growing Medium
Premium Seed
Growing instructions

$45.00

Have you seen all the press we have???? Check it out!!

2009-04-22T12:16:00.001-04:00
Grandma's Press Page

2009-04-20T14:53:00.002-04:00

Watch Grandma tonight on the Food Network!

Grandma will teach how to make her delicious homemade chicken soup tonight on "Unwrapped with Mark Summers"! Watch her tonight!

Our Reviews are Awesome!

2009-04-09T14:55:00.002-04:00

We have had a lot of people send in reviews of our soup gifts lately,
and I thought everyone may be interested:

Here are a sample of them.
If you want to read more,
go to our website - - www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com

Dear Grandma'sChickenSoup.com: All too often, businesses hear from their customers when they have something to complain about. Given our experience with your company and its product, we feel compelled to tell you how pleased we have been and more importantly how thrilled the recipients consistently react. Chicken Soup is the universal cure for anything and everything that hurts. When you can't be by the side of a friend or loved one, this is the next best thing. Grandma's Chicken Soup is delicious, nutritious, and noodlicious! We were so delighted to have received it, we have sent it to others many times. The reaction of those who receive it is always sheer delight! We can't recommend this highly enough!

I just wanted to write to you and let you know that I sent this to my daughter at college during exam time - - she loved it. She said that the blanket was so soft and comforting - it makes the perfect get well gift. . . it was like sending a little bit of hugs from me - - -THANKS!!!!

Received a comfy cozy today and it was wonderful.

Thank you and best wishes for not only the Holidays but for the growth of your business. I work with dozens and dozens of business owners. The successes are those with passion and a committed personal touch. Taking time to call me today tells me you have both of the indispensable qualities for success. Warm regards, Dick

Japanese Researchers have discovered what all good grandmas have known for years. . .chicken soup is good for your health.

2009-04-09T11:55:00.003-04:00
http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/74/30283/chicken-soup-passover-more-healthy-meal.html

Submitted by Kathleen Blanchard RN on Apr 3rd, 2009
Posted under:
Food and Health

Information from the American Chemical Society (ACS) reminds us of the potential health benefits of chicken and matzoh ball soup. Japanese researchers have found powerful blood pressure lowering properties from collagen proteins found in chicken legs and feet, making chicken soup served at Passover more than just a healthy meal.
According to a Japanese study, originally published in the American Chemical Society's publication, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, September 2008, chicken soup could have a new role for good health by keeping blood pressure under control.
Because matzoh ball soup will be on Passover menus beginning April 8, the ACS seems to be raising awareness of the study to educate about the lesser-known health benefits of chicken soup for lowering blood pressure – especially chicken soup made with the right chicken parts.
Previous studies, cited by Japanese researchers Ai Saiga, Ph.D., and colleagues, show that chicken breast contains collagen proteins that act just like ACE inhibitors – blood pressure medications that are widely used to treat hypertension. The proteins are more prevalent in chicken legs. . .
Reference: ACS
Source: Kathleen Blanchard RN

WOR News Talk Radio 710 HD - Recipe of the Week- Matzo Ball Soup

2009-04-08T09:49:00.001-04:00
WOR News Talk Radio 710 HD - Recipe of the Week- Matzo Ball Soup

Posted using ShareThis

Interview with Joan Hamburg on her radio show Wed, 4/8/09

2009-04-07T13:42:00.003-04:00

I am thrilled to be interviewed by Joan Hamburg (the Grand Dame of yummy radio ) for the second time. We can be heard tomorrow, Wed (4/8/09) on the Joan Hamburg Radio Show on WOR http://www.wor710.com/pages/3600293 between 11am and 1pm. I will be featured on her recipe of the week segment. Joan brings a fun sophistication to the airways with many topics that are geared to the Tri-State area audience but her appeal and entertainment is national. Mark your calendars and listen. Who knows, this bubbe may give up a Matzo Ball secret or two?!

2009-04-02T11:51:00.001-04:00

I do what most Grandma’s do if they have the chance. I pick up some of my grandchildren after school, I baby-sit, take them shopping, cook special dishes they like, hold them when they’re hurting, etc. But, I also have become one of the chicken soup experts in the celebrity world of cooking.

When Bobby Flay, Super Chef, of the Food Network, took on Jeff Nathan, owner and chef at Abigael's on Broadway in New York, for a competitive matzo ball soup cook-off on his program “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” he, of course, called me to be one of the two judges since I am the leader of a production team that produces and markets a very unique gift item – fresh made chicken soup that is shipped nationwide.

At no time prior to when my son, David Poritzky and daughter, Betsy Maselek asked me to ratchet up my Grandma role for this new business gig did I ever envision going on nationwide television programs as a classic chicken soup making grandma! Previously I had shown my soup making abilities on “Unwrapped” as well as “Roker on the Road” with Al Roker.

My recent TV gig was shown on April 1st on the Food Network– on Throwdown with Bobby Flay! To see it again, tune in to the Food Network:

Apr 12, 2009
11:00 PM ET/PT
Apr 13, 2009
2:00 AM ET/PT
Apr 18, 2009
4:00 PM ET/PT

. . .and yes, Bobby Flay is as much of a doll in person as he appears on TV.

It's Tea Time

2006-08-07T14:57:00.000-04:00

I love sitting and relaxing with a hot cup of tea almost as much as I love enjoying a bowl of hot chicken soup. For tea lovers like myself, I've created a package that will provide you with, not only some delicious tea, but also the perfect atmosphere! It includes a CD with a selection of relaxing songs by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and other well-known artists. It also has a sweet little tea book with some nice info and words of wisdom. My favorite part is the little teapot-shaped tea ball!

Our delicious soup

2005-10-23T19:47:00.000-04:00

We created this blog so that everyone could comment about our soup. It is home made and if you have not tried it, please check out our website at www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com and give us a try! Grandma

We have packages that are perfect for a Get Well Soon gift, New Baby, Housewarming, etc.