By Queena Kwok
I was out with a flu for the past 2 weeks, here are 3 simple and delicious recipes inspired by my grandma’s home remedy, they will sure help the recovery along.
QUEENA’S SPECIAL BREW
2 tbsp of powered/grounded ginseng
1 large pot of tea (any fruity flavour, such as Mango Roibois, Lychee Black Tea or Tazo’s Wild Sweet Orange)
3 tbsp of honey
3 – 4 oz of rum/vodka/brandy
This is the simplest recipe of the three, place the tea leaves/tea bag with the ginseng in a tea pot, fill it with boiling water, let steep for about 4 minutes. Add honey and liquor before consuming, serve hot.
MULLED WINE
4-6 oz of brandy
1 liter ( 4 cups) of red wine
1/2 cup of water
4 tbsp of honey or to taste
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp of grated ginger
1/8 tsp of each cloves, nutmeg and anise
This is a twist on my friend Piotr’s Polish mulled wine recipe, it’s sure to clear the sinuses and put you straight into a nice long nap.
In a small pot, on medium heat, bring water, spices and 2 cups of water to a simmer. Let simmer for 5 mins, add the remaining wine and honey and keep simmering for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and add brandy just before serving.
GRANNIE’S HOT TODDY
5 tbsp of grated ginger
4 cups of lemonade
1 cup of water
2 tbsp of honey
4 oz of rum or brandy
Make the vitamin C intake a little more interesting with my grandma’s recipe for cold/flu, the ginger will boost your immune system, while the rum/brandy will clear up the sinuses and the honey will soothe that sore throat.
In a pot, bring the lemonade, water and ginger to a slow simmer, keep simmering for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add honey and rum/brandy before serving.