There was this thing Bossy really wanted to do yesterday, an Action Plan as it were, and it was, but when Bossy’s daughter woke up for school, she was sick.
Bossy’s daughter now differs from everyone else in this hemisphere exactly not at all, including the nagging cough that sat near Bossy on the train, and the runny nose behind Bossy in line.
Everyone is sick.
Bossy can’t get sick, so she is trying to preempt illness by preparing a vat of homemade chicken soup, better known by its Latin name, Jewishifera Penicillindula. What follows is the recipe. It’s complicated, so Bossy will wait right here while you grab a pen.
Pot, chicken, carrots, onions, water, cook hell out of it.
And yes, Bossy knows she skipped celery because Bossy has a complicated relationship with celery, where complicated equals she likes hers stuffed with cream cheese and olives but doesn’t always like celery in her soup, because celery is stringy and kind of filmy when cooked for a length of time rivaling the Proterozoic Eon.
Besides, this is Bossy’s mom’s recipe, and she never put celery in her chicken soup, although recently there’s been a bit of revisionist history regarding celery within the family ranks, whistled to the tune of, Oh yes I absolutely did put celery in my soup.
Anyway. Chicken soup. Its regenerative qualities are likely an old wives’ tale they say, where they equals Bossy forgot to write down who said it. While some scientists argue it does boost the immune system, where some scientists equals Bossy is so glad she’s not back in ninth grade English class citing references. The soup’s therapeutic qualities are thought to be the result of an anti-inflammatory effect, while opening nasal passages and soothing the throat. Sort of like every other steamy, savory soup.
Still Bossy has been pounding her liquid prophylactic, which she sprinkles with her favorite heat shield: minced, raw garlic.
Which brings us to today’s Ten-Word Challenge. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about a tradition in your family, food related or otherwise, that you employ when you want to fight off illness?
And don’t forget to check back later today for the most therapeutic comments on the web.
dgm says
February 24, 2009 at 9:54 amUp to 100 mg zinc, neti pot, sleep, repeat, sleep.
Grandma J says
February 24, 2009 at 9:55 amIt’s all about the water, plenty of gallons of water.
darla78 says
February 24, 2009 at 9:58 amjewish penicillin ginger ale and shots of Rock and Rye
Cat says
February 24, 2009 at 10:01 amAsk are you better until worn down into being well.
Birdie23 says
February 24, 2009 at 10:07 amHot Toddy, Lipton’s tea, honey and Whiskey
krg says
February 24, 2009 at 10:12 amwashing down aspirin with a glass wine, repeat 7 days.
BOSSY says
February 24, 2009 at 10:13 amStick tongue out totally far. Blood circulation good for throat.
chocolatechic says
February 24, 2009 at 10:18 amVitamin C in large doses, washing hands, wiping down grocery cart handles with alcohol wipes every. time.
Laurel says
February 24, 2009 at 10:19 amas a kid gingerale and soda crackers as an adult lemon honey cayenne tea, mmm
jp says
February 24, 2009 at 10:22 amGo directly to bed, sleep, sleep, sleep,sleep,sleep, backrubs!
(haven’t been sick in years, hmmmmm)
hollygee says
February 24, 2009 at 10:22 am[Does not count toward ten words: Jeeze I only just had my first cup of coffee. I require more if I have to edit my thoughts so drastically].
Coming cold means a trip down Mexico way. Hot sauce!
Meg says
February 24, 2009 at 10:25 amWhiskey, water, lemon, sugar. Heat, stir,
ingest. Sprawl on bed.
lesliereid says
February 24, 2009 at 10:27 amBlend: orange juice, cranapple juice, frozen banana, blueberries & peaches.
carson says
February 24, 2009 at 10:28 amYet another advantage of being a hermit – never getting sick.
MamaMo says
February 24, 2009 at 10:30 amIn college, lo mein and hot tea cured EVERY thing.
Now, eat all the oranges you can, then 2 more!
Melizzard says
February 24, 2009 at 10:32 amMultiple Glasses Of Large Cold Local Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
junebug says
February 24, 2009 at 10:33 amPotato soup a la mama and crackers on the side.
BH says
February 24, 2009 at 10:33 amGARLIC, Apples, Apple Juice, Hot Peppers, Lemon, Parsley, Hand-wash-don’t-touch-face, Fisherman’s Friend Sugar-Free Refreshing Mint Lozenges, Plenty of Good Food at Every Meal, SLEEP.
(granted, this is a ten concept rather than ten word comment!)
BH
janet says
February 24, 2009 at 10:41 amThe special “sick-a-bed” toy box – only when sick.
MariaV says
February 24, 2009 at 10:44 amNo family traditions other than fend for yourself, good luck
corrie says
February 24, 2009 at 10:49 amGargle with Listerine immediately upon sore throat.
This kills alot of stuff brewing back there and quells the spread to other areas in ears/nose/throat triangle of sickness.
mom2werogers says
February 24, 2009 at 10:53 amsleep jello sleep broth sleep sleep hot hot bath sleep
halfdime says
February 24, 2009 at 10:56 amMore then 10 but when I do this my daughters colds last no more then 2-3 days (it’s been years since I got sick): Massage glands, chest & feet every hour or so w/mix of olive oil/lavender essential oil or olive oil/eucalyptus, lots of C, zinc & H2O. Good luck and little bossy get well!
Patricia says
February 24, 2009 at 10:58 am[HInt: use celery seeds instead of celery – all the taste, none of the strings…)
Campari in orange juice – good for all what ails ya!
Waverly says
February 24, 2009 at 11:00 amChicken & Dumplins as we are Southern plus extra TLC!
MemeGRL says
February 24, 2009 at 11:19 amCampbell’s Beef Boullion (now broth) with white Minute Rice, coke.
~annie says
February 24, 2009 at 11:22 amSpread Vicks VapoRub all over chest, cover with special scarf.
Kristine says
February 24, 2009 at 11:22 amVitamin C, Zinc, and for goodness sake, change your sheets.
TanyaK says
February 24, 2009 at 11:25 amMy dad eats REALLY blue blue cheese. It kills everything!
G says
February 24, 2009 at 11:31 amVernor’s Ginger Ale, no other will do. Dad from Detroit.
Mimi says
February 24, 2009 at 11:39 amHot and Sour soup, afterwards, crawl into bed with full tummy.
Joie says
February 24, 2009 at 11:40 amHit sore throat with Tylenol, orange juice, and hot tea.
David says
February 24, 2009 at 11:44 amMom’s tried and true: Vitamin C, 500 mg, twice a day.
val says
February 24, 2009 at 11:45 amHot Toddy recipe 2: lemon, honey, hot water, whiskey. Yum!
Kristina says
February 24, 2009 at 11:46 amDad gave us shots of Old Crow for strength, courage.
Damsel says
February 24, 2009 at 11:47 amMom says heat Dr Pepper (microwave), top with lemon slice.
Jamie says
February 24, 2009 at 11:50 amSaltine crackers, clear soda, a burrowing dachshund and a blanket.
jen says
February 24, 2009 at 11:53 am“God is the best doctor; sleep is the best medicine.”
I changed it to: George Clooney is the best doctor; hot wine is the best medicine.”
JEM says
February 24, 2009 at 11:54 amHot Whiskey: hot water, whiskey, sugar, lemon slice, cloves
Bridget says
February 24, 2009 at 11:55 ambooze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze
hollygee says
February 24, 2009 at 11:55 am[Back again after more coffee].
Vietnamese Pho for all that ails all men and women.
Elle M says
February 24, 2009 at 12:00 pmOne capsule vitamin C and two Ginseng, twice a day
liza says
February 24, 2009 at 12:00 pmVicks on feet/chest/back, covered, nyquil, hot bath, sleep.
p.j. says
February 24, 2009 at 12:27 pmZinc lozenges, sleep, miso soup, cinnamon raisin toast, V-8 juice.
p.s. Target brand zinc lozenges are way cheaper than the name brand stuff.
The Cheap Chick says
February 24, 2009 at 12:36 pmGlass of Coke, made to go flat by my Mom.
(It was to soothe an upset tummy. My grandma recommended peppermint schnapps, ‘cuz she’s German and that’s how we roll. With the booze.)
So Not Mom-a-licious says
February 24, 2009 at 12:39 pmI’m in desperate need for some of this soup. Or any of these tricks that work. Seriously, if I knew the hot toddy would do the trick, I may just try it. But then, how do I take care of a 2 year old alone? Dang it~
Kelly at The Glass Dragonfly says
February 24, 2009 at 12:42 pmI don’t have one. Maybe that’s my problem. Still sick.
Eliza says
February 24, 2009 at 12:45 pmGargle hydrogen peroixide (diluted). Eat red chilies. Currently not working.
Domestic Goddess (in training) says
February 24, 2009 at 12:48 pmDad always said buck up. Even deathly ill, you bucked.
Helen+ilana=HI says
February 24, 2009 at 12:48 pmBaby food and hot sweet tea. These are the remedies my Daddy employed for every illness. So now when I am ill (or someone I love is) this version of baby food gets made while the tea steeps.
2 pieces of bread torn into a bowl.
1tsp soft butter and salt on top
2 perfect soft boiled eggs mashed into that.
3 tsps of sugar in the tea.
It won’t make you feel better but it will make you feel loved!
Helen+ilana=Hi says
February 24, 2009 at 12:50 pmTo actually speed the germs on their way we gargle salt water. Horrid but effective and cheaper than Buckley’s
Manic Mommy says
February 24, 2009 at 1:02 pmSnuggling on the couch, Disney movies, decaf tea and toast.
kathy in b.c. says
February 24, 2009 at 1:05 pmDad gave us hot lemon, I use ColdFX, works better.
Terri says
February 24, 2009 at 1:09 pmHorehound candy and hot lemonade per Grandpa Weinmeister does it.
swistle says
February 24, 2009 at 1:10 pmOrange juice for under 21; brandy for over 21.
derfina says
February 24, 2009 at 1:16 pmHangover cure: Potato Soup-Taters, Onions, Celery, Milk and Butter.
psjdp says
February 24, 2009 at 1:16 pmHollygee – what does “coming cold” mean?
Gretchen says
February 24, 2009 at 1:22 pmEchinacea three times a day then go back to bed!
Owengirl79 says
February 24, 2009 at 1:23 pmLOTS of Vitamin C, water, sleep, hot and sour soup
K says
February 24, 2009 at 1:25 pmChicken soup is good; hot and sour soup totally rocks.
Reeb says
February 24, 2009 at 1:28 pmHusband sick first: stop kissing. I always get it anyway.
Helen says
February 24, 2009 at 1:29 pmI’m with you with the raw garlic. Also, Miso soup.
Reeb says
February 24, 2009 at 1:31 pmMy celery relationship is less complicated than Bossy’s. Hate it.
Reeb says
February 24, 2009 at 1:32 pmStomach upsets: creamy plain potato soup. No herbs please, Husband!
well read hostess says
February 24, 2009 at 1:32 pmEmergen-C
Neti pot – not for the faint of heart
Alka Seltzer cold
spoonful of honey
family banishment
daytime tv
Enrico says
February 24, 2009 at 1:35 pmAccording to my dad, just sweat, sweat, sweat it out.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
February 24, 2009 at 1:42 pmZicam nasal swabs–whole family swears by them–they work!
karen l says
February 24, 2009 at 1:47 pmI’m trying the campari and OJ – I’ll be happy sick!
Cactus Petunia says
February 24, 2009 at 1:55 pmDad’s remedy: 2000 mg of vitamin C, a Screwdriver chaser.
(Screwdriver = Vodka & OJ)
BOSSY says
February 24, 2009 at 2:04 pmDon’t breathe, and don’t let others breathe anywhere near you.
Dharmamama says
February 24, 2009 at 2:10 pmOrange juice, orange juice, and more orange juice, blanket, couch.
Jen W. says
February 24, 2009 at 2:13 pmZicam gel. You’ll still have a cold, but no snot!
Barbara says
February 24, 2009 at 2:27 pmtea w/ milk and sugar and wheat toast w/ butter
Scottsdale Girl says
February 24, 2009 at 2:28 pmTop Ramen Creamy Chicken and Nyquil
anapestic says
February 24, 2009 at 2:49 pmGargle with salt water, run from the cod liver oil.
Naomi says
February 24, 2009 at 2:51 pmdrink water, sleep, repeat is what my dad always says
Stacey Ball says
February 24, 2009 at 2:57 pmFeed a cold, starve a flu, drink lots of fluids.
Liz in Virginia says
February 24, 2009 at 3:00 pmMom made beef bouillon and crackers;
now — French onion soup!
anne marie in philly says
February 24, 2009 at 3:11 pmcampbell’s tomato soup with pasta (any fancy shape will do)!
rockle says
February 24, 2009 at 3:11 pmCoke syrup. What is it? Dunno, but it works, so …
AmyG says
February 24, 2009 at 3:19 pmI know the feeling – this is day 2 of having all 3 at home!
Here’s my list:
zinc, echinachea,gargle, tea w/ honey,nap, chicken soup, hugs
Lora says
February 24, 2009 at 3:25 pmVick’s on chest and neck. Wrapped in flannel rag, pinned.
ranchgirl says
February 24, 2009 at 3:30 pmFamily traditions to fight off The Yuck?
Whine Until Germs Become Annoyed And Relocate To Next Victim.
My current methods involve the same things everyone else is hailing: hot orange juice, zinc, tea with lemon and honey, hot & sour soup, whatever hard stuff is in the liquor cabinet and a napping competition with the cat.
If all else fails, call Mom and whine.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says
February 24, 2009 at 3:32 pmWe just remember who got sick first and cast blame.
renee in seattle says
February 24, 2009 at 3:47 pmwater water water tea water gargle with salt water hydrate!
Aimee says
February 24, 2009 at 3:50 pmgarlic, drugs, sleep, repeat.
heidi says
February 24, 2009 at 3:53 pmwarsh your hands like the Donald… drink fresh ginger tea.
Tracy says
February 24, 2009 at 3:57 pmChicken noodle soup. Hot tea. Lots of tender loving care.
Liz says
February 24, 2009 at 4:12 pmKorean roommate taught me amazing restorative powers of kimchi soup!
BOSSY says
February 24, 2009 at 4:16 pmGet outside and sweat it out. Or TV. Same difference.
Almudena says
February 24, 2009 at 4:19 pmhalf an orange: heated and honey-drizzled. spoon it. gag me.
Ream0Rama says
February 24, 2009 at 4:30 pmJaegermeister kills the cough, you won’t care about the rest
Bonnie says
February 24, 2009 at 4:48 pmGreen Kombucha Tea daily – across from milk at Whole Foods.
Debby says
February 24, 2009 at 4:59 pmMrs. Grass Soup with the “golden egg” (add extra noodles!)
Jill says
February 24, 2009 at 5:18 pmI drink a glass of wine for the Vitamin C.
Dharmamama says
February 24, 2009 at 5:36 pmMom gave tiny icecubes, ginger ale, cool hand on forehead.
JC says
February 24, 2009 at 5:58 pmSleep on couch w/ Mother’s pale green silk quited throw.
A Novel Woman says
February 24, 2009 at 5:59 pmFlop. Drink tea, watch cartoons, snuggle dog, eat Saltines, repeat.
Dara says
February 24, 2009 at 6:05 pmFlat Coke, liquid jello, Vicks on chest, lovey, cartoons, couch.
Mrs. C. says
February 24, 2009 at 6:12 pmAnnounce,”The next person to get sick does the laundry.”
Stops ’em in their tracks every time.
Andi says
February 24, 2009 at 6:18 pmGrease your chest with LOTS of Vicks. Feel better immediately.
Sparx says
February 24, 2009 at 6:39 pmTake the drugs, drink the toddies, lie the hell down.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
February 24, 2009 at 7:20 pmI’m of the mindset that red wine is a panacea.
Christina says
February 24, 2009 at 8:18 pmstirred ginger ale, hot and sour soup, no kissing.
jandondi says
February 24, 2009 at 8:27 pmchicken broth and pastina. Come on.
and anything with booze.
betsey says
February 24, 2009 at 8:43 pmAlcohol kills germies, so I drink wine or hot toddies..
Deidre says
February 24, 2009 at 8:44 pmHot water, lemon juice, honey – soothes the throat. yipppeee!
kristin says
February 24, 2009 at 9:41 pmGinger ale, chicken soup, echinacea tea, honey, lemon, orange juice.
bethany says
February 24, 2009 at 9:41 pmmom swears by sudafed at first sign of cold. placebo.
Kimi says
February 24, 2009 at 9:45 pmGargling with warm salt water, lots of honey and tea.
The Domestic Goddess says
February 24, 2009 at 9:46 pmHomemade Chicken Soup, Orange Juice and Zinc Tabs. I swear!
Debra says
February 24, 2009 at 10:08 pmhot tea lemon honey bourbon steaming bath bye bye cold
Kate says
February 24, 2009 at 10:16 pmSleep, 7-up, and cinnamon toast. And getting to watch whatever you want on TV.
Kathleen Mary says
February 24, 2009 at 10:31 pmhot water, lemon, cayenne pepper, honey. Old enough? Bit-o-whiskey!
Catherine McP says
February 24, 2009 at 10:52 pmThrow up pan, 7up, toast, daytime TV, felt kinda naughty!
Catherine McP says
February 24, 2009 at 10:55 pmMust have been faking, or I wouldnt have felt naughty!
Franca Bollo says
February 24, 2009 at 11:01 pmI can name that prophylactic in two words: wash hands.
Sondra says
February 24, 2009 at 11:25 pmOreganocillan (caps of oregano & cumin), neti pot, and sleep.
Black Hockey Jesus says
February 24, 2009 at 11:43 pmAck! Throat! Scratchy! Need salt water with which to gargle.
quarterlifeliving says
February 25, 2009 at 12:18 amGargle with warm salt water, rinse, repeat. For everything!
Kate says
February 25, 2009 at 12:55 amAirborne, 3x day
Hot Toddy
Most important: a drink with a bendy straw in it
maggie says
February 25, 2009 at 1:17 ami’ve never been here before, what a great blog! love the layout and your jaunty/pretty profile pic.
Arli says
February 25, 2009 at 1:23 amFresh squeezed lemon juice, honey, boiling water. Stir and drink.
Me says
February 25, 2009 at 9:10 amSore throat: gargle salty water.
Upset stomach: saltines and sprite.
Big Hair Envy says
February 25, 2009 at 10:50 amNyquil and Vick’s Vapor Rub will cure anything.
Unemployed Susan says
February 25, 2009 at 11:01 amLemon juice (antiseptic) + olive oil (coating) + salt (expectorant). Shake, sip.
mommybrain says
February 25, 2009 at 12:24 pmOscillo and ginger tea, then straight to bed for thee.
David says
February 25, 2009 at 5:50 pmGramma always gave me egg custard when I was sick.
Sven says
February 25, 2009 at 7:24 pmHot toddies! Because it turns out nothing survives alcoholic therapy.
Helena Montan says
February 25, 2009 at 7:53 pmFish oil gelcaps & OJ
Molly Wade says
February 26, 2009 at 12:57 pmI only need two words: Ginger Tea.
Bean says
March 1, 2009 at 12:03 amRemember these words: Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg’s brand). Using for 22 years – since 17. Helps colds and more. Get book on Amazon if curious. (For the record, I read the book only just recently) I’m sorry I went over the ten!
Rabbi's Wife says
March 2, 2009 at 9:17 amyour soup looks good, except you forgot the spices (which are what really make you well). this Jerusalem mom uses Turmeric, Cumin and Pepper plus the necessary salt.