Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2                stewing hen or fowl
   2      quarts        chicken stock or broth
     1/4  cup           onion -- coarsely chopped
     1/2  cup           carrots -- coarsely chopped
     1/2  cup           celery -- coarsely chopped
   1      teaspoon      saffron threads -- (optional)
     3/4  cup           corn kernels, canned, fresh or frozen
     1/2  cup           celery -- chopped fine
   1      tablespoon    chopped fresh parsley
   1      cup           egg noodles -- cooked

Preparation:

Combine stewing hen with chicken stock, coarsely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and saffron threads. Bring the stock to a simmer. Simmer for about 1 hour, skimming the surface as necessary. Remove and reserve the stewing hen until cool enough to handle; then pick the meat from the bones. Cut into neat little pieces. Strain the saffron broth through a fine sieve. (Note: The soup can be made through this step in advance. Simply refrigerate broth and diced chicken meat for 2 to 3 days, or freeze the broth and the chicken meat in separate convenient sized containers. Be sure to label and date them. To use, defrost, remove congealed fat, return the broth full boil, and add the diced meat. Continue with recipe.) Add the corn, celery, parsley, and cooked noodles to the broth. Return the soup to a simmer and serve immediately.