REMEDIAL RECIPES

Hot Toddy
As with the origins of its name,the recipe for hot toddy isn’t clear. The drink is,however,generally made by using a hot liquid (water,tea or coffee),a spirit (usually brandy or whisky),a sweetener (honey preferably) and optionally spices (usually cinnamon or cloves). One can also optionally add citrus (lemon or orange). The alcohol itself does calm you down but excessive intake can cause dehydration,which is counter-productive. Topson Pires,a bartender,adds his own twist by adding a dash of apple juice.

Ukada
Since this is a Gujarati recipe,it might be called Ukado as well. Take equal parts dry ginger,cardamom,cinnamon,cloves and pepper (all powdered),and boil with water till the mixture is concentrated. Once this is done,add milk and boil again and serve. You can optionally add sugar,green tea,lemongrass or mint.

Tamagozake
Translated into egg-sake,this Japanese home remedy for the common cold isn’t likely to be served in any Japanese restaurant,but is simple to make. Take a whole or a 3/4th cup of sake,an egg and a tablespoon of either honey or sugar. This can be either boiled with water or heated over a low flame. If you choose the latter,whisk regularly and ensure it doesn’t heat up enough to make a scrambled egg. This simple recipe is pretty much the Japanese equivalent of chicken soup or hot toddy.

Ginger and Cinnamon extract
Chef Sudhir Nair,Sous Chef at the ITC Grand Central,offers this Ayurvedic antidote. “Mash 200 grams ginger in a mortar and pestle and blend it with as little water as possible. Squeeze out the juice through a muslin cloth and then mix with 10 grams cinnamon powder to make a paste. Add to hot water and stir well before consuming,” he says. Chef Nair also mentions that mucus-inducing ingredients such as cabbage,cauliflower,rice,tomatoes and avocado should be avoided.