Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup - A Fresh Winter Soup

The first snow of the year fell this morning. I was up early because I had to work, but it was still one of those days when you look outside and just want to stay home and be cozy. Not feeling great, it's snowy: it had to be soup.

I made Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup today and I was genuinely surprised by how good it was. I've been sick all week, with my appetite returning this morning -- this was the first thing I've been able to taste since the new year. Meaning this: I'm on the road to recovery. Cilantro, lime, potatoes and chicken - really great flavors for a solid winter soup.

What I observed as I was making this was that I enjoy the focus that cooking requires from me. So much of my life is a rushed multitask... and I realized that when I focus on one thing, I am better able to really enjoy it and take in the moment. In fact, it's possibly I may have relaxed when making this dish. I noticed that I do much better with a plan: recipe, shopping list, time to shop. Taking the time to plan sets me up do a better job.

So these are my two takeaways: focus & make a plan.