Miracle Broth

Old Man Winter, I am lookin’ at you. Never in my life have I had two major illnesses in one year. The endless snow and below-freezing temperatures in this relentless winter are surely to blame.

After a few days of feeling achy, feverish, stuffy, and with a deep cough, I finally made my way to the doctor’s yesterday, where it was determined I have a virus that could leave me feeling down and out for 10-14 days. No antibiotics, just rest, fluids, and over the counter medicines. Boo. Every inch of my body hurts from the inside out.

I am incredibly grateful that I already decided not to run the Napa Valley Marathon. Otherwise, this would definitely have finished me. I guess what’s meant to be. . .

I feel pretty awful, and other than meds that knock me out, I knew there was only one thing to make me feel better yesterday, my Miracle Broth. This is not for the weak of palate, but it can definitely be tweaked for those of you who are spice-phobes.

The Miracle Broth is four simple ingredients, habanero, ginger, garlic, and organic vegetable broth.

Basically all you need to do is finely chop a few cloves of garlic, a habanero pepper, and a knob of peeled ginger and to cook them in two cups of veggie broth until nice and warm.

Allow to cool enough to drink, and then sip slowly, reheating as needed. It will make you sweat, clear your sinuses, soothe your throat and might even spark a missing appetite. In the past couple of days I have not eaten much, pickles, a carrot, a cookie, and some tortilla chips, and the broth brought me back to life enough to eat dinner.

And then go back to bed.

I hope you are all avoiding this nasty flu or whatever it is. And I hope spring comes soon!

Do you crave certain foods when you are sick?