Ingredients
• 1 whole spring chicken or 4 drumsticks - remove fat and skin
• 1 old yellow cucumber
• 3 chinese mushroom (soaked)
• 3 red dates
• 6 dried scallops (soaked)
• Water - enough to cover the chicken
Method
1. Put all ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
2. If you do not own a slow cooker, you may boil the soup on the stove.
3. Simply add about 500ml more water and bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a low heat (slow simmer) and cook for 2 hours. Ensure that liquid in pot never goes below the chicken.
4. Strain and store in little freezer bags, enough for a meal for 2-3 children.
This recipe makes a sweet and nutritious soup that is very useful as a base for children's meals. You can use it when making soup noodles, macaroni and congee. You can also add some chopped carrots and soft tofu for a quick soup for lunch.