It seems like everyone has a touch of the sniffles this week, feeling somewhat under the weather. With a hectic schedule, who has time to be sick? And, worse, when busy, it's a rare person who wants to prepare a home-cooked meal when feeling run down.

This weekend, I found myself in just this same situation. With work demands, as well as a brief trip out of town, topped off with a touch of a cold, I knew that a batch of chicken noodle soup was in order, but wanted to make it quickly.

There's a secret to making the perfect batch of chicken noodle soup in a snap - a rotisserie chicken. Here's the recipe - enjoy!

Chicken Noodle in a Snap

1 rotisserie chicken
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 large Spanish onions, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small heart of celery, chopped
3/4 cup white wine (I tend to use what's open in the fridge)
2 quarts chicken broth
1 small bunch of fresh sage, stems removed and leaves minced
2 - 3 cups of egg noodles
Matt's Mix or Salt & Pepper to taste
Method:
Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken, and discard the skin. Shred the chicken off the bones and set the bones in a large stock pot, and cover with the broth. Simmer the broth and bones while you prep all of your other vegetables (about 15 - 20 minutes).
**TIP - if you routinely buy a rotisserie chicken, save the carcass in a ziplock bag and keep it in the freezer, for additional flavor boosters as needed.
Using a strainer, pour the chicken broth into another bowl and set aside. Discard the bones. Using that same stock pot, add a small amount of canola oil or pure olive oil (cover the bottom of the pot) and start to saute the onions, stirring occasionally so they do not burn.

When the onions are nicely caramelized, take the white wine and pour it into the stock pot, scraping up the caramelized bits off the bottom of the pot, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the carrots and celery. Add the stock. Simmer until the carrots are tender.

Add the egg noodles and continue to simmer until the noodles are tender. Add the minced sage and season with Matt's Mix or salt & pepper to taste. Serve.

You've heard it said, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day", and, in many ways, that is very true. A nutritious and balanced breakfast is a terrific way to start your day by making a great decision. Many of us are "on the go" constantly, moving from place to place, with little time to fuss over a meal - especially in the morning! Sadly, that means that many of us opt for a high-carb, high-sugar pastry, or fatty breakfast sandwich because they are convenient and quick.

One of my favorite breakfast options is yogurt with some granola and fruit. One of the reasons I enjoy this is because it is a great way to pack some macro-nutrients into my meal without a lot of effort. Combining complex carbohydrates, protein, and sugar is important because it helps to keep your insulin levels even, without the "ups and downs" that are typically associated with eating meals that are not balanced.

When selecting yogurt, there are numerous options, but not all of them are healthful. Many brands of yogurt are high in sugar and high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors & flavors and other unnatural ingredients. Did you know that a Starbucks Strawberry Yogurt Parfait boasts 300 calories and 60 grams of carbohydrates (nutritional information detailing sugar is not available on their website). Combined with a latte or other hot beverage, you might be looking at a 600 calorie breakfast (which could be half of what your daily caloric intake should be, depending on your specific needs).

However, there are many more varieties now than existed a few years ago. One of my favorite types of yogurt is known as "Greek style yogurt". Greek yogurt is packed with protein (it contains more protein than traditional yogurt), and has a thick, creamy texture. Plain varieties are delicious with a drizzle of honey, agave nectar, maple syrup - or, even plain. Plain Greek yogurt is also a great addition to dips & other dishes. There are also several types of flavored Greek style yogurt. Popular brands are "Fage" or "Chobani". Stonyfield Farm now also makes a Greek style option.

With the many options available now, it is easier than ever to enjoy a delicious and healthy option for your morning nosh.