It’s that time of year when our family and many, many around us are unwell. A change of season almost always guarantees someone getting sick in our home and I know we are not alone.

When the kids were little and seemed to always have one thing or another (3 asthmatics = lots of respiratory issues), I use to really struggle with it. The sleeplessness, fights to get medicine in and just seeing them so sick and struggling to breath would have my husband and I weary with worry.

And to be honest, I struggled with the lack of control when sickness would descend upon my kids. I couldn’t ‘fix’ it myself and life invariably got thrown into chaos. For this planning freak, weeks of sickness, meant lots of cancelled plans, missed opportunities and life just not going the way I saw it.

It’s funny what life teaches you along the way though. 11 years of parenting have taught me that I’m not in control, I don’t always know what I’m doing and I can’t fix every sickness or problem that comes my kids way. Tough lessons for a control freak to learn.

I’m a little more chilled these days. Life does that to you. I’m not sure when it was that I realised that I may as well just not fight the stuff I can’t change.

So, kids get sick, I cancel plans, we medicate, cuddle, love, lie in the dark and listen to their breathing, make worried phone calls or trips to doctors, read, watch TV, cuddle, force fluids down, cuddle, watch TV, medicate, love, read and so it goes on.

Even as I type this though, and we are still bunkered down with various flus, ear infections and pneumonia, I feel blessed. Blessed knowing we’ll all be well again soon. Blessed no-one is in hospital this time. Blessed my boys have always received the treatment they need. Not everyone can testify to that.

So, in the midst of panadol and puffers, I count my blessings….. and make Chicken Noodle Soup.

It’s like a warm hug from your mum.

With the family sick these last weeks, this is all we’ve wanted.

We actually picked up the bowls and drank the liquid it felt so good.

For those of you who have made my Sticky Cinnamon Chicken, you will be pleased to see you get another chance to use your Chinese cooking wine and Star Anise in this recipe.

Chicken Noodle Soup

(recipe adapted from Donna Hay’s Fresh and Light cookbook)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

1.5 litres chicken stock

1/2 cup Chinese cooking wine

2 whole star anise

1 tablespoon brown sugar

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

a few dried chilli flakes, if you want some added heat (otherwise leave it out)

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

1 x 440gm packet of Udon noodles, rinsed

1 bunch of bok choy, washed and thickly sliced

1/2 bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Method

Place soy, stock, Chinese cooking wine, star anise, sugar, garlic, chilli in a large saucepan and bring to the boil.

Reduce heat to low and place sliced chicken breasts in and simmer for 5 or so minutes until chicken is cooked.

Add the bok choy and noodles and cook for 3 minutes or until bok choy is tender, but still has a slight crunch.

Place in bowls and serve with coriander.