Hollandse kippesoep (spiced chicken soup)

----------------------------MM BY HELEN PEAGRAM----------------------------
      4 lb chicken, cut in pieces
      1    Onion, peeled
      4    Cloves, whole
    1/2 ts Mace
    1/4 ts Pepper
      2    Celery stalks, cut in
           -chunks
      2    Bay leaves
  1 1/2 ts Salt
    1/2 ts thyme
    1/2 ts Rosemary
      4    Sprigs parsley
      2 lg Carrots, cut in chunks
    1/4 lb vermicelli pasta
           Chopped fresh parsley
 
  In the 1600's when Amsterdam was a booming commercial centre, the Dutch
  East India Company brought pungent spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and
  cloves, to Holland.  These spices linger on in Dutch cooking.  If mace is
  not available, nutmeg can be substituted.
  
  In a large pot, place chicken.  Pour in enough boiling water to cover;
  bring to a boil over high heat.  Remove chicken to a clean pot.  Stud onion
  with cloves and add to chicken along with bay leaves, 1/2 ts salt, thyme,
  rosemary, mace, pepper, celery, parsley sprigs and carrots.  Pour in 12
  cups cold water.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low and
  simmer, covered for 5 hours, or until meat comes away from the bones. Let
  cool and skim off fat.  Strain through cheesecloth lined sieve. Remove meat
  from bones, chop and set aside.
  
  Return chicken stock to a clean pot and bring to a boil.  Add vermicelli.
  Cook for 5 minutes.  Return chicken and remaining salt to pot.  Cook just
  until heated through.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Garnish with chopped
  parsley.
  
  From Canadian Living Nov/93