Rockefeller and Trail Dog Chicken Curry

The first American worth more than one billion dollars would appreciate the "Best Soup of 2014." In fact, he'd probably sell it and increase his net worth.

The characteristics of an entrepreneur and those of a chef creating an eclectic, delectable new dish really are quite similar. If Mr. Rockefeller were here, he'd tell you. Never mind that his father was a con man who had extramarital affairs, nor that his father's idea of raising a son was to "cheat him every chance he got..that'll make 'em sharp."

In fact, the richest man in history probably became that way because of the way he was raised. He was a risk-taker, a man who understood how to put the right combinations together to create success, and the number one rule for entrepreneurs..."Do what you enjoy."


I enjoy curry. And trail running. Perhaps I would have a few more dollars in my pocket if I enjoyed the oil industry, but c'est la vie...I love what I love.

Rockefeller had many attributes that I admire, a healthy take on life that we could all stand to learn from. He gave 10% of every single paycheck he ever earned to his church. Dedication. Discipline. He loved his wife with every ounce of his soul. He founded the University of Chicago (among many other things). And he appreciated a good meal.

Here is what Rockefeller wrote about himself not long before passing away in 1937:

I was early taught to work as well as play,
My life has been one long, happy holiday;
Full of work and full of play—
I dropped the worry on the way—
And God was good to me everyday.

All great things follow this mantra, whether they know it or not. Billionaires. Incredible chefs. Trail runners. 

I am so certain that on this day (January 10) in 1870, the very day that Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil, he must have celebrated by going for a trail run and sitting down with Laura to a hot bowl of Trail Dog Chicken Curry Soup, dropping the worry and celebrating all that is amazing in the world around us.

Trail Dog Chicken Curry Soup

1 quart of chicken broth

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 head of cauliflower (finely chopped)

1/2 head of broccoli (finely chopped)

2 tsp curry powder

1 extra tsp of chicken bouillon

a little bit of salt and pepper

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded cooked chicken

Combine the chicken broth, the garlic, cauliflower and broccoli...bring to a boil then simmer. Add the curry powder, bouillon, salt and pepper.

Whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Add it to the soup and stir constantly until it thickens. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it is completely melted. 

Stir in the shredded chicken and simmer...you can also add mushrooms, matchstick carrots, asparagus bits...the possibilities are endless...