Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles Recipe

Soup:
1 3- to 4-pound hen or broiler, halved
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 4 ribs celery, chopped
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 to 3 carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon pepper
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 chicken bouillon cubes

Noodles:
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Place the chicken in a large stockpot or soup kettle. Cover with water (about 8 cups). Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove foam with a slotted spoon as it forms on top. Add the onion, celery, celery seed, carrots, bay leaves, salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar, and bouillon cubes. Reduce temperature, and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender. Adjust seasonings to taste. Remove the chicken from the pot. Discard the bones and skin. Chop the meat when cool enough to handle. Set aside. Reserve the stock for boiling the noodles.
To prepare the noodles, beat the eggs with a fork in a medium- size bowl. Stir in the milk and salt. Add the flour, and blend with the fork until the dough can be worked with your fingers. Separate the dough into two pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough with a rolling pin until thin, keeping the rolling surface floured to avoid sticking. Slice the dough into thin strips. Place on waxed paper, and allow to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the strips to the hot broth, and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender. Stir in the meat and serve. Serves 10.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen:
This delicious labor of love is hearty and healing. The noodles can be rolled thicker to resemble dumplings. Kluski brand egg noodles can substitute as a time saver.