Feb 24, 2009

Ten-Word Tuesday. Chicken Soup For The Droll.

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.

permanent link to post

133 comments

1. 1
   on February 24th, 2009 at 9:54 am
   dgm said:

   Up to 100 mg zinc, neti pot, sleep, repeat, sleep.


2. 2
   on February 24th, 2009 at 9:55 am
   Grandma J said:

   It’s all about the water, plenty of gallons of water.


3. 3
   on February 24th, 2009 at 9:58 am
   darla78 said:

   jewish penicillin ginger ale and shots of Rock and Rye


4. 4
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:01 am
   Cat said:

   Ask are you better until worn down into being well.


5. 5
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:07 am
   Birdie23 said:

   Hot Toddy, Lipton’s tea, honey and Whiskey


6. 6
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:12 am
   krg said:

   washing down aspirin with a glass wine, repeat 7 days.


7. 7
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:13 am
   BOSSY said:

   Stick tongue out totally far. Blood circulation good for throat.


8. 8
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:18 am
   chocolatechic said:

   Vitamin C in large doses, washing hands, wiping down grocery cart handles with alcohol wipes every. time.


9. 9
   on February 24th, 2009 at 10:19 am
   Laurel said:

   as a kid gingerale and soda crackers as an adult lemon honey cayenne tea, mmm


10. 10
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:22 am
    jp said:

    Go directly to bed, sleep, sleep, sleep,sleep,sleep, backrubs!

    (haven’t been sick in years, hmmmmm)


11. 11
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:22 am
    hollygee said:

    [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!


12. 12
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:25 am
    Meg said:

    Whiskey, water, lemon, sugar. Heat, stir,
    ingest. Sprawl on bed.


13. 13
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:27 am
    lesliereid said:

    Blend: orange juice, cranapple juice, frozen banana, blueberries & peaches.


14. 14
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:28 am
    carson said:

    Yet another advantage of being a hermit – never getting sick.


15. 15
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:30 am
    MamaMo said:

    In college, lo mein and hot tea cured EVERY thing.

    Now, eat all the oranges you can, then 2 more!


16. 16
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:32 am
    Melizzard said:

    Multiple Glasses Of Large Cold Local Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice


17. 17
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:33 am
    junebug said:

    Potato soup a la mama and crackers on the side.


18. 18
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:33 am
    BH said:

    GARLIC, 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


19. 19
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
    janet said:

    The special “sick-a-bed” toy box – only when sick.


20. 20
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:44 am
    MariaV said:

    No family traditions other than fend for yourself, good luck


21. 21
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:49 am
    corrie said:

    Gargle 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.


22. 22
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
    mom2werogers said:

    sleep jello sleep broth sleep sleep hot hot bath sleep


23. 23
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:56 am
    halfdime said:

    More 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!


24. 24
    on February 24th, 2009 at 10:58 am
    Patricia said:

    [HInt: use celery seeds instead of celery - all the taste, none of the strings...)
    Campari in orange juice - good for all what ails ya!


25. 25
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:00 am
    Waverly said:

    Chicken & Dumplins as we are Southern plus extra TLC!


26. 26
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:19 am
    MemeGRL said:

    Campbell’s Beef Boullion (now broth) with white Minute Rice, coke.


27. 27
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
    ~annie said:

    Spread Vicks VapoRub all over chest, cover with special scarf.


28. 28
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
    Kristine said:

    Vitamin C, Zinc, and for goodness sake, change your sheets.


29. 29
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:25 am
    TanyaK said:

    My dad eats REALLY blue blue cheese. It kills everything!


30. 30
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:31 am
    G said:

    Vernor’s Ginger Ale, no other will do. Dad from Detroit.


31. 31
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:39 am
    Mimi said:

    Hot and Sour soup, afterwards, crawl into bed with full tummy.


32. 32
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:40 am
    Joie said:

    Hit sore throat with Tylenol, orange juice, and hot tea.


33. 33
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:44 am
    David said:

    Mom’s tried and true: Vitamin C, 500 mg, twice a day.


34. 34
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:45 am
    val said:

    Hot Toddy recipe 2: lemon, honey, hot water, whiskey. Yum!


35. 35
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:46 am
    Kristina said:

    Dad gave us shots of Old Crow for strength, courage.


36. 36
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am
    Damsel said:

    Mom says heat Dr Pepper (microwave), top with lemon slice.


37. 37
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:50 am
    Jamie said:

    Saltine crackers, clear soda, a burrowing dachshund and a blanket.


38. 38
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:53 am
    jen said:

    “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.”


39. 39
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
    JEM said:

    Hot Whiskey: hot water, whiskey, sugar, lemon slice, cloves


40. 40
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:55 am
    Bridget said:

    booze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze booze


41. 41
    on February 24th, 2009 at 11:55 am
    hollygee said:

    [Back again after more coffee].
    Vietnamese Pho for all that ails all men and women.


42. 42
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
    Elle M said:

    One capsule vitamin C and two Ginseng, twice a day


43. 43
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
    liza said:

    Vicks on feet/chest/back, covered, nyquil, hot bath, sleep.


44. 44
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
    p.j. said:

    Zinc lozenges, sleep, miso soup, cinnamon raisin toast, V-8 juice.

    p.s. Target brand zinc lozenges are way cheaper than the name brand stuff.


45. 45
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
    The Cheap Chick said:

    Glass 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.)


46. 46
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
    So Not Mom-a-licious said:

    I’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~


47. 47
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
    Kelly at The Glass Dragonfly said:

    I don’t have one. Maybe that’s my problem. Still sick.


48. 48
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
    Eliza said:

    Gargle hydrogen peroixide (diluted). Eat red chilies. Currently not working.


49. 49
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
    Domestic Goddess (in training) said:

    Dad always said buck up. Even deathly ill, you bucked.


50. 50
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
    Helen+ilana=HI said:

    Baby 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!


51. 51
    on February 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
    Helen+ilana=Hi said:

    To actually speed the germs on their way we gargle salt water. Horrid but effective and cheaper than Buckley’s


52. 52
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
    Manic Mommy said:

    Snuggling on the couch, Disney movies, decaf tea and toast.


53. 53
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
    kathy in b.c. said:

    Dad gave us hot lemon, I use ColdFX, works better.


54. 54
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
    Terri said:

    Horehound candy and hot lemonade per Grandpa Weinmeister does it.


55. 55
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
    swistle said:

    Orange juice for under 21; brandy for over 21.


56. 56
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
    derfina said:

    Hangover cure: Potato Soup-Taters, Onions, Celery, Milk and Butter.


57. 57
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
    psjdp said:

    Hollygee – what does “coming cold” mean?


58. 58
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
    Gretchen said:

    Echinacea three times a day then go back to bed!


59. 59
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
    Owengirl79 said:

    LOTS of Vitamin C, water, sleep, hot and sour soup


60. 60
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
    K said:

    Chicken soup is good; hot and sour soup totally rocks.


61. 61
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
    Reeb said:

    Husband sick first: stop kissing. I always get it anyway.


62. 62
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
    Helen said:

    I’m with you with the raw garlic. Also, Miso soup.


63. 63
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
    Reeb said:

    My celery relationship is less complicated than Bossy’s. Hate it.


64. 64
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
    Reeb said:

    Stomach upsets: creamy plain potato soup. No herbs please, Husband!


65. 65
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
    well read hostess said:

    Emergen-C
    Neti pot – not for the faint of heart
    Alka Seltzer cold
    spoonful of honey
    family banishment
    daytime tv


66. 66
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
    Enrico said:

    According to my dad, just sweat, sweat, sweat it out.


67. 67
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Zicam nasal swabs–whole family swears by them–they work!


68. 68
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
    karen l said:

    I’m trying the campari and OJ – I’ll be happy sick!


69. 69
    on February 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
    Cactus Petunia said:

    Dad’s remedy: 2000 mg of vitamin C, a Screwdriver chaser.

    (Screwdriver = Vodka & OJ)


70. 70
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
    BOSSY said:

    Don’t breathe, and don’t let others breathe anywhere near you.


71. 71
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
    Dharmamama said:

    Orange juice, orange juice, and more orange juice, blanket, couch.


72. 72
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
    Jen W. said:

    Zicam gel. You’ll still have a cold, but no snot!


73. 73
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
    Barbara said:

    tea w/ milk and sugar and wheat toast w/ butter


74. 74
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
    Scottsdale Girl said:

    Top Ramen Creamy Chicken and Nyquil


75. 75
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
    anapestic said:

    Gargle with salt water, run from the cod liver oil.


76. 76
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
    Naomi said:

    drink water, sleep, repeat is what my dad always says


77. 77
    on February 24th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
    Stacey Ball said:

    Feed a cold, starve a flu, drink lots of fluids.


78. 78
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
    Liz in Virginia said:

    Mom made beef bouillon and crackers;
    now — French onion soup!


79. 79
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
    anne marie in philly said:

    campbell’s tomato soup with pasta (any fancy shape will do)!


80. 80
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
    rockle said:

    Coke syrup. What is it? Dunno, but it works, so …


81. 81
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
    AmyG said:

    I 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


82. 82
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
    Lora said:

    Vick’s on chest and neck. Wrapped in flannel rag, pinned.


83. 83
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
    ranchgirl said:

    Family 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.


84. 84
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
    Cheri @ Blog This Mom! said:

    We just remember who got sick first and cast blame.


85. 85
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
    renee in seattle said:

    water water water tea water gargle with salt water hydrate!


86. 86
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
    Aimee said:

    garlic, drugs, sleep, repeat.


87. 87
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
    heidi said:

    warsh your hands like the Donald… drink fresh ginger tea.


88. 88
    on February 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
    Tracy said:

    Chicken noodle soup. Hot tea. Lots of tender loving care.


89. 89
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
    Liz said:

    Korean roommate taught me amazing restorative powers of kimchi soup!


90. 90
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
    BOSSY said:

    Get outside and sweat it out. Or TV. Same difference.


91. 91
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
    Almudena said:

    half an orange: heated and honey-drizzled. spoon it. gag me.


92. 92
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
    Ream0Rama said:

    Jaegermeister kills the cough, you won’t care about the rest


93. 93
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
    Bonnie said:

    Green Kombucha Tea daily – across from milk at Whole Foods.


94. 94
    on February 24th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
    Debby said:

    Mrs. Grass Soup with the “golden egg” (add extra noodles!)


95. 95
    on February 24th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
    Jill said:

    I drink a glass of wine for the Vitamin C.


96. 96
    on February 24th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
    Dharmamama said:

    Mom gave tiny icecubes, ginger ale, cool hand on forehead.


97. 97
    on February 24th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
    JC said:

    Sleep on couch w/ Mother’s pale green silk quited throw.


98. 98
    on February 24th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
    A Novel Woman said:

    Flop. Drink tea, watch cartoons, snuggle dog, eat Saltines, repeat.


99. 99
    on February 24th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
    Dara said:

    Flat Coke, liquid jello, Vicks on chest, lovey, cartoons, couch.


100. 100
     on February 24th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
     Mrs. C. said:

     Announce,”The next person to get sick does the laundry.”

     Stops ‘em in their tracks every time.


101. 101
     on February 24th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
     Andi said:

     Grease your chest with LOTS of Vicks. Feel better immediately.


102. 102
     on February 24th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
     Sparx said:

     Take the drugs, drink the toddies, lie the hell down.


103. 103
     on February 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
     Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

     I’m of the mindset that red wine is a panacea.


104. 104
     on February 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
     Christina said:

     stirred ginger ale, hot and sour soup, no kissing.


105. 105
     on February 24th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
     jandondi said:

     chicken broth and pastina. Come on.
     and anything with booze.


106. 106
     on February 24th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
     betsey said:

     Alcohol kills germies, so I drink wine or hot toddies..


107. 107
     on February 24th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
     Deidre said:

     Hot water, lemon juice, honey – soothes the throat. yipppeee!


108. 108
     on February 24th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
     kristin said:

     Ginger ale, chicken soup, echinacea tea, honey, lemon, orange juice.


109. 109
     on February 24th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
     bethany said:

     mom swears by sudafed at first sign of cold. placebo.


110. 110
     on February 24th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
     Kimi said:

     Gargling with warm salt water, lots of honey and tea.


111. 111
     on February 24th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
     The Domestic Goddess said:

     Homemade Chicken Soup, Orange Juice and Zinc Tabs. I swear!


112. 112
     on February 24th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
     Debra said:

     hot tea lemon honey bourbon steaming bath bye bye cold


113. 113
     on February 24th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
     Kate said:

     Sleep, 7-up, and cinnamon toast. And getting to watch whatever you want on TV.


114. 114
     on February 24th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
     Kathleen Mary said:

     hot water, lemon, cayenne pepper, honey. Old enough? Bit-o-whiskey!


115. 115
     on February 24th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
     Catherine McP said:

     Throw up pan, 7up, toast, daytime TV, felt kinda naughty!


116. 116
     on February 24th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
     Catherine McP said:

     Must have been faking, or I wouldnt have felt naughty!


117. 117
     on February 24th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
     Franca Bollo said:

     I can name that prophylactic in two words: wash hands.


118. 118
     on February 24th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
     Sondra said:

     Oreganocillan (caps of oregano & cumin), neti pot, and sleep.


119. 119
     on February 24th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
     Black Hockey Jesus said:

     Ack! Throat! Scratchy! Need salt water with which to gargle.


120. 120
     on February 25th, 2009 at 12:18 am
     quarterlifeliving said:

     Gargle with warm salt water, rinse, repeat. For everything!


121. 121
     on February 25th, 2009 at 12:55 am
     Kate said:

     Airborne, 3x day
     Hot Toddy
     Most important: a drink with a bendy straw in it


122. 122
     on February 25th, 2009 at 1:17 am
     maggie said:

     i’ve never been here before, what a great blog! love the layout and your jaunty/pretty profile pic.


123. 123
     on February 25th, 2009 at 1:23 am
     Arli said:

     Fresh squeezed lemon juice, honey, boiling water. Stir and drink.


124. 124
     on February 25th, 2009 at 9:10 am
     Me said:

     Sore throat: gargle salty water.
     Upset stomach: saltines and sprite.


125. 125
     on February 25th, 2009 at 10:50 am
     Big Hair Envy said:

     Nyquil and Vick’s Vapor Rub will cure anything.


126. 126
     on February 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
     Unemployed Susan said:

     Lemon juice (antiseptic) + olive oil (coating) + salt (expectorant). Shake, sip.


127. 127
     on February 25th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
     mommybrain said:

     Oscillo and ginger tea, then straight to bed for thee.


128. 128
     on February 25th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
     David said:

     Gramma always gave me egg custard when I was sick.


129. 129
     on February 25th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
     Sven said:

     Hot toddies! Because it turns out nothing survives alcoholic therapy.


130. 130
     on February 25th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
     Helena Montan said:

     Fish oil gelcaps & OJ


131. 131
     on February 26th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
     Molly Wade said:

     I only need two words: Ginger Tea.


132. 132
     on March 1st, 2009 at 12:03 am
     Bean said:

     Remember 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!


133. 133
     on March 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
     Rabbi's Wife said:

     your 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.