The Therapeutic Three-Hour Chicken Soup

Wash the chicken, if desired. Place it in a stockpot, along with celery and carrots. Stick the clove into one of the onion quarters and add the onions, parsnips, and parsley. Add water. Bring to a boil, then lower temperature so the liquid is simmering. Skim off scum and discard. Cook 1-1/2 to 2 hours for a sweet, light-tasting soup, or 3 hours total for a deeper-tasting stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper.