Chill Beater Chicken with Mason Jar Pumpkin Bread

It turned very cold overnight in West Virginia, so our Sunday picnic plans were cancelled.  We donned our winter coats, took a walk up the hill behind our house, then enjoyed our meal inside.  Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, Poached Apples and Pumpkin Bread comprised our meal.  This month's Eating Well Magazine features "Changeable" Chicken Soup recipes, including this classic soup.

Chicken Noodle Soup

(Serves 2)

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil.
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon olive oil

Add seasonings, broth, celery and carrots.  Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 stalks celery, diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced

Add chicken, peas and parsley.  Heat for 10 minutes more.
1 cup diced chicken
1/2 cup peas
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Drain noodles and stir into soup. 
2/3 cup egg noodles, cooked

Fruit bread made in a mason jar is perfect.  Fill the mason jar 1/2 full with batter and bake.  I used a 1 cup mason jar, which made 2 servings.  This bread made with pumpkin, applesauce, 100% cacao chocolate and walnuts is rich in antioxidants.

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate & Walnuts

(6 servings) (3-8 ounce mason jars) 

Beat egg and sugar in mixing bowl.
1 egg
5 tablespoon sugar

Mix dry ingredients.  Stir in chocolate and walnuts.
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
6 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate, 100% cacao, ground
2 tablespoons walnuts, ground

Alternately add dry ingredients and applesauce-pumpkin mix to egg-sugar mix.  
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup pumpkin

Grease mason jars with an olive oil spray.  Fill 1/2 full with batter (6 tablespoons batter per jar)  Bake at 350 F. for 35 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.

 I donned a winter coat, 3 layers of clothing and gloves for our walk on the hill today.  The leaves have not reached full color yet, and the mid week temperature is to reach 70 this week.  We have a beautiful week ahead, and I hope you do!