Mom's Cough and Cold Remedies

My son complained of a sore throat two weeks ago.  I made him a sore throat remedy that my mother used to make for me. He is still requesting it daily, with no sign of a sore throat.  It really is yummy, and very soothing for a sore throat.


Mom's Cough Remedy
Makes 3 Tblsp (about 3 doses)

2 Tblsp butter
2 Tblsp brown sugar
2 tsp lemon juice

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.  Add the brown sugar and cook until well combined, about 2 minutes.  (The sugar and the butter will not be well combined yet.)  Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice.  Stir until a soft, runny caramel forms.  Serve in one tablespoon doses to the afflicted.


Another remedy my mother used to give us is this red wine toddy.  This is akin to homemade Nyquil.  Although the cooking process kills off some of the alcohol, there is still enough to send a kid with a bad, bad cold to sleep for the whole night.  This is not as pleasant to drink, but it does the job without all those bad chemicals.

Mom's Cold Remedy
Makes about 1 cup (1-2 doses)

1 cup red wine
2-3 Tblsp brown sugar
2 tsp lemon juice

Bring the wine to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.  Remove pan from heat and add lemon juice.  Serve in a mug.