Ingredients:

3 small, whole red or white boiler potatoes, cleaned and scrubbed

1 quart (4 cups) filtered water

1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

6 red or white boiler potatoes, quartered

1 medium onion, diced

5 medium organic carrots, sliced

4 organic celery stalks, sliced

2 medium zucchini, sliced thick (or use 1 cup frozen green beans)

2 cloves garlic, sliced

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

6 sprigs fresh thyme

1 tbsp sea salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

3 bay leaves

5-6 organic chicken drumsticks, skin trimmed

Directions:

1. Pre-chop and have ready all of the ingredients before inviting your children to help. Read the book Stone Soup together.

2. Then, have each of your children place one small whole potato (stone) into a 6-quart slow cooker. Have your oldest child slowly pour in the water-vinegar mixture. (If you really want to be silly, sing a funny made-up magical song to get those stones all jazzed up about making some delicious, healthy soup.)

3. Next, have your kiddos add each of the soup ingredients, starting with the seasonings. To make it even more fun for little ones, place the pre-chopped veggies in various areas of the kitchen. That way, as you call out what you need for the soup, your children can take turns running around to find the requested ingredient.

4. Finally, add the chicken drumsticks. Stir to evenly distribute soup ingredients, and ensure chicken is submerged in water. Cover and cook on low approximately 8 hours (or on high about 5 hours). Then, a half-hour before serving, carefully remove the drumsticks and allow them to cool slightly. Also remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

5. Use a fork to remove the meat from the bones (discard bones, or freeze for future bone stock). Shred the meat using two forks (or your fingers) and add it back to the crockpot. Stir to evenly distribute soup ingredients. Keep crockpot on warm for up to 30 minutes, until you're ready to serve. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls and enjoy the magical taste of healthy homemade stone soup!

6. Stone soup is magically delicious for kids of all ages – so you don’t have to have kiddos to enjoy the wonderful flavor of this healthy homemade soup!

7. Freezer Recipe: This soup makes a great freezer recipe. Simply place all of the ingredients (except for the water, vinegar, seasonings and chicken) into a freezer-safe container and freeze until you’re ready to make the soup. (If freezing the drumsticks, do so in a separate container and be sure to thaw in the frig before adding to your slow cooker.) When ready, place the drumsticks in your slow cooker, along with the seasonings. Next, toss in the frozen veggies and add the water and vinegar. Then, cover and cook as directed. Easy and delicious!

Bon Appetit!