Last week was the autumnal equinox. My most favourite time of year. I love the red hues and amber leaves that start to show and the shift from summer into the next season.
It’s a time for warm jumpers, roasted vegetables and of course Halloween. I decided to take my little girl rock pooling to see what we could see.
With the start of a second lock-down due to the pandemic in the North East ( England) and tighter restrictions just being announced we decided to find something fun outdoors to do.

My daughter Zowie, (it’s pronounced Zoe) is 2 years old and she just loves the beach. Rock pooling sounded fun although I was a little apprehensive about the seaweed that was splattered across the rocks. Sensible shoes are a must as it gets a little slippery.
She was fascinated by the rock pools and all the little creatures moving around. She got excited about little fish swimming and squealed when she saw a crab. She wasn’t too keen on the smell of seaweed and she didn’t like the feel of it either.

We didn’t climb the lighthouse on this occasion but we did catch a glimpse of a shipwreck In the distance. She’s fascinated by mermaids at the moment so I’m sure this trip appeased.
When we got home I made some chicken noodle soup. I added star anise to the broth to give it that authentic Asian taste. Perfectly warming and comforting after an afternoon of exploring. I even managed to convince my teenage son to join us.
Winner winner Chicken Noodle Soup Dinner
Ingredients:
1kg Chicken Thighs on the bone, skinless
Chopped Red Pepper
Chopped Spring Onions
3 Star Anise
1ltr Good Quality Chicken Stock
1 Tbs Dark Soy Sauce
1 Tbs Teriyaki
1/2 Tbs Rice Wine Vinegar
2 Basket of Noodles
Method:
Cook chicken in hot pan on one side two minutes, then turn chicken onto other side for two minute. Chicken should be golden brown.
Add chicken stock, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and rice win. Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Removed Chicken from the pot and shred Meat off the bone. Place chicken in bowls with chopped red pepper and spring onion.
Allow the broth to come to the boil again. Cook noodles in another pan. Once cooked add them to the bowl of chicken. Ladle over hot broth and serve immediately.
Mmmmm…
You’re Welcome,
Soph
Subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest posts delivered right to your email.
[…] and lit lanterns and snuggled on the sofa watching the nightmare before Christmas with some chicken noodle soup (click here for my recipe) and a good dose of […]