Have you ever looked at your Memories on Facebook? It details what happened on that day, 1 year ago, 2 years ago, and so on. When I look back in November in all these years, I always get a cold or flu (or COVID) this time of year. And 2023 is no different.
So, assuming you’re like me and will face the ick sometime this season, I offer the two things that are best when you’re sick: nutrients and comfort.
First the nutrition:
Miso Soup
Miso contains many healthy vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, manganese, zinc, protein and calcium. Many of these nutrients support essential structures like the bones and nervous system. Improves digestion: Because miso is high in probiotics, it helps the body maintain healthy bacteria levels. So don’t cook the Miso itself - it will destroy a lot of that.
INGREDIENTS
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 cups water
1 tablespoon dashi granules
2 sliced garlic cloves
3–4 tablespoons any miso paste - I prefer white
scallions
8 ounces firm tofu
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
METHOD
Cube the tofu in bite-sized pieces.
Over medium-high heat, cover a saute pan with the oil and shake the tofu cubes in the oil until they toast a little on each side. Remove from the oil and set aside.
Put the sliced onions, water and dashi granule in a pot and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the onions are tender.
Turn the heat off. Place the miso paste in a small strainer or large tea baller and lower the strainer into the pot, until the liquid covers the miso paste. Stir the miso paste until it has fully dissolved.
Add the tofu cubes and if you like, some sliced scallions to serve.
Now the comfort:
Mama’s Hot Toddy
When we were small and had any kind of a cold or flu, my mother or grandmother gave us a hot toddy. Perhaps I got “sick” more than I should have, but they a;ways made me feel better. Of course, those were in a wee shot glass and my grown-up hot toddies are decidedly not.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 ounces your favorite whiskey or bourbon
2 ounces of boiling water
1 teaspoon honey(local if you can)
1 lemon wedge
4 whole cloves or a cinnamon stick
METHOD
Let everything steep together for a few minutes except the alcohol.
Add the whiskey, curl up in a blanket, sit by the fire, and sip.
Happy Thanksgiving and all my wishes for a healthy holiday season.
