Monday, March 5, 2012

My Super-Double-Secret Cold Remedy


It's Sunday night, and I'm watching my newly-reactivated Netflix-Wii-TV combo (in case you're interested, I just started the first season of Downton Abbey, watched several episodes of SNL: the 2000's,  and am currently on Episode 11 of My Boys: Season 1).  Yesterday, I was on day 4 of feeling like death warmed over- sore throat, stuffy nose, tickly cough, migraine, no energy, etc. I haven't gotten this sick since I can't remember when, so I knew it was time to break out my special ginger tea. I got the recipe from Sara Moulton Cooks at Home -one of my fave cookbooks by the way, but I've changed it a bit over the years. And because I had run out of both DayQuil and NyQuil, I turned to Pinterest and combined a DIY PM Cold Remedy recipe with my Ginger Tea, and OH MAN. OH MAN.
I am better. Overnight. I am not joking.
And because I love you all, I am sharing this insane recipe.

Kate's Insane Tonic  (as soon as I think of a better name, I'll fix it)

5 Cups Water
1 3-inch piece of Ginger, peeled and chopped (How To Peel Ginger-The Easy Way)
1 Cinnamon Stick, snapped in half
3  whole Cloves

Place all ingredients in a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Take off the heat, and let it steep for 10 minutes.
Pour a mugfull, add some honey or pure maple syrup, a healthy squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Stir!
Drink and be well! You can also drink this over ice if you are so inclined.
I did NOT strain this but you definitely can!
The P.M. Version adds a finger or two of scotch, brandy, whiskey, or rum. It helps you sleep, sweat it all out, and gets rid of a headache! If you're going to bed right after drinking this, wear long sleeve pjs and socks. Trust me.
Disclaimer: Do not give this to children, unless you are one of those parents who is okay with giving their children alcohol, and then in which case, give on!

In other non-sick-related news, my friends Matt and Lauren got engaged last night!
And of course their cutie puppy, Ralphy!
So cute!!
And SO Gorgeous!
And it's Shmeeg's dad's Birthday today- We celebrated with dinner last night and let me just say, for a man who supposedly doesn't like celebrating, well…you see for yourself.



Happy Birthday Donnie!

xoxo, Kate


6 comments:

  1. Don't you love Downton Abbey? It's so my fave show. ;)

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  2. Thanks SO much for your comment!! I just love pinterest! Going to go find you on there right now! And I would HIGHLY recommend a silhouette! It's not something I use daily, but when I do use it it totally makes up for it! You can decorate so much with it and I use it on almost every gift/gift basket I make! It just makes everything look so personal & professional.... and it's also easy!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  3. Love this! I'M diffently printing this version out for Furture Reference. Newest follower love u blog!!

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  4. Replies
    1. Hi Monique- I'm so sorry that I'm late getting back to you. http://www.mccormick.com/Products/Herbs-and-Spices/Spices-A-to-Z/Cloves-Whole.aspx < Those kind of cloves, not garlic! I have seen recipes that have raw garlic and onion in them, but I'm not brave enough to try them just yet! :)

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  5. Made your PM version tonight with ginger brandy - here’s hoping! Tastes much better than other ones I’ve tried!

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