Bleh, I have caught the plague that’s been going around. I even had a flu shot. Weeks ago. This must be a different strain. I haven’t been incapacitated, just feeling generally gross for 4-5 days. I’m hoping that by tomorrow this thing will be gone for good so I can function properly again. I even stayed home a day last week, hoping that working from home would be a pathway to kicking the cold early. Nope.

The upside of working from home, though, was that I got to cook for myself. I made myself chicken soup for lunch, and for breakfast I made this delicious smoothie. Now, I want to be clear that I am not making any medical/scientific claims about this recipe. But here’s what I do have: The tangy, fruity flavors woke up my groggy senses and the ginger was soothing on my sore throat. This thing has almost 200% of the daily value of Vitamin C – I counted. And it’s a whole bunch of fruit, which can’t ever be bad for you, but is especially good when your body is fighting off crap. Those are all of the claims that I’ll make. I felt pretty energized after drinking it, and I’m 100% positive it was better for me than the 17 handfuls of cereal that were my other consideration for breakfast.

Oh, and it was delicious. And I’m sure it would be if I didn’t have a cold and could actually smell things.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 ripe banana, cut into rough chunks
• 2 apples, cubed
• 8 oz orange juice
• 1 Tbsp. local, raw honey
• 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger (DO NOT USE POWDER).

Add all items to blender and puree! I like it best cold, so you may want to stick it in the fridge for half an hour before serving.

And also, be well, people! Wash your hands. Stay home from work if you are sick. No dying. That’s an order!