How to make one-handed chicken soup

~COOKING STEP: Season chicken thighs~PROBLEM : One-handed pepper mill grinding is impossible. ~SOLUTION: Use 'salt pig' or ramekin with sea salt to crumble with good hand. Pestle & mortar the pepper.

~COOKING STEP: brown chicken thighs (skin down) for 5-10 minutes in olive oil then remove with tongs and put to one side ~PROBLEM: handling food ~SOLUTION: buy a big sturdy pair of kitchen tongs

~PROBLEM: Chopping. ~SOLUTION : don't be afraid to buy pre-cut veg. You're not well. Yes they'll lose some nutrients but not ALL of them..better to use some pre-mcut veg than to give up & order pizza!

~PROBLEM: chopping ~SOLUTION :if you do decide to chop, ask someone to sharpen knives. Blunt knives are more likely to slip.

TIP: It's ok to ask for help - ask a friend to batch chop some veg & put in easy access containers in the fridge for later. You can show off your one-handed tea making skills while they're doing it

COOKING STEP: gently cook your chopped sofrito (carrot celery and onion) in the chicken pan oil until starting to soften and a little translucent (10-15 mins).

COOKING STEP: add the rest of your chopped veg, mustard, honey and bouillon powder and stir over a low heat for 5 more minutes. Add more thyme if you like a stronger herby flavour

COOKING STEP: use the tongs to put the chicken thighs on top of the lightly cooked vegetables

COOKING STEP: add enough water to be just under the level of the chicken thighs.Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer (lid on) & cook on low for 40-50 minutes until the chicken thighs are cooked

~COOKING STEP: strip chicken off bones ~PROBLEM:stripping the meat ~SOLUTION: Let thighs cool then pinch off skin & meat with your working hand using 3 bowls:1 for meat, 1 for bones and 1 for the dog!

COOKING STEP: Return the boneless chicken to the pan. Add wine vinegar & final seasoning to taste. EAT AND ENJOY~TIP: Try not to drop your iPhone & smash the screen when taking photos as I just did ;)