• Jasmine Rice ( I used 1 1/2 cups for 2 people)
• Chicken Broth (see below)
• Garnish for Soup (see below)
• Condiments (see below)

• 1 chicken or 2-3 lbs of chicken meat of your choice. (For me, it depends what I have. Usually I use a whole chicken or chicken thigh/breast)
• 4-6 quarts of water (depending on how much chicken you want)
• Medium Onion
• 2-3 inches of fresh ginger (depending on taste)
• 2 tablespoons of Salt  (adjust to your tase)
• Hoisin Sauce (depending on taste. I think I used about 1/3 cup, but you can add more depending on individual's taste)

• Cilantro
• Green Onion
• Jalapeno
• Bean Sprouts
• Mint
• Thai Basil
• Lime Wedges
• Fried Garlic (found in asian markets)

• Soy Sauce
• Hoisin  Sauce
• Spicy Chili Oil  (found in asian markets)

1. In a large stock pot, ADD water, chicken, medium onion (whole or halved), fresh ginger, salt, and hoisin sauce. (You will be able to add salt and/or hoisin sauce to preferred taste) 
2. Bring to a boil for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Turn down heat,  simmer covered for about 30 minutes. 
4. Taste and add salt and hoisin sauce as desired. (I sometimes add 1-2 tsp of chicken boillon paste if I want a more flavorful broth)
5. Remove chicken pieces and place on separate plate/bowl to cool.
6. Continue to let broth simmer or keep warm.
7. Cut chicken into desired pieces or use fork to pull apart, and place in separate container until ready to serve. (You can always cut it all and put in container to use for other dishes or for leftovers.)
8. Remove the onion and ginger, or strain if needed. Some people keep it in there for flavor and strain as they divide  broth. 

1. Pour 2-3 quarts of broth into a separate pot and turn on high heat.
2. Pour rice into pot, cover, and bring to a boil for about 20-30 min. or until rice is cooked.(Be sure to monitor as it is cooking. You can always add more broth for desired consistency or if you prefer more broth vs rice)
3. When rice is cooked, turn down heat and keep warm. 
4. Ladle desired amount of rice mixture  and  chicken to bowl. (add more broth if you want--for desired consistency)
5. Serve immediately with garnish and use condiments to flavor to your liking. 

As we are all bundling up and trying our best to avoid the flu bug that seems to be everywhere, one thing that you can do to build your immunity is take Vitamin C.

I know it may sound cliche, but take it from someone who works in patient care and am surrounded by sick people (germs) on a daily basis.

Initially, I started taking the Vitamin C micro-crystals when I started feeling lethargic and like a cold was coming. Now I try to take it daily, especially seeing all the positive flu cases and my clients who are out sick.

1 scoop (teaspoon) mixed with water (more or less depending on your tolerability to the sour taste). It takes like strong lemon water to me, but some people don't mind it at all.

You can purchase this one at any health food store like Moms or Whole Foods.

Don't forget to continue to sanitize your hands, items like shopping carts, and any other things that are of public use.

Stay warm and stay healthy!

Tis' the season to GIVE and take care of others. It's one of my favorite times of the year, but I often see many of my family and friends run themselves into the grown preparing for what should be a joyous time.

One person who needs to be taken care of YEAR ROUND is YOU, and we tend to forget that.

What do you do for your own well-being, health, fitness, or peace of mind?

If you don't have any idea, maybe that's a gift you should consider getting for yourself or adding it to your wish list?