Today I learned how to make my grandmother’s chicken soup.

My mother and I spent the morning in my kitchen preparing for tomorrow night’s seder, the Passover meal.

One of the seder’s most critical components is chicken soup with matzoh balls.

I have been a vegetarian for more than twenty years, so it has been about as long since I have eaten chicken soup.  But I remember my grandmother’s.  I remember how it filled our house with the scent of fresh herbs.

And now my apartment has that very same familiar smell.

The recipe is simple.

The preparation showcases the natural flavors of its ingredients.

Though there are many steps, and great patience is required — love is the most important ingredient.

Thank you, Mommy, for teaching me how to make Safta’s chicken soup.