Pear-Tea for the Lingering Cough

Chinese rock sugar, easy to find at any Chinese grocery store.

This Winter has not been great for many who caught the nasty cold or flu. Not to mention the cough that usually lingers long after the cold is gone.  I think you'll find this recipe to be helpful, simple and tasty, as I do.

Recipe: Pear-Tea for dry cough 

• 2 pears

• Rock sugar (found at any Chinese grocery store) Alternatives to rock sugar: raw unsalted almonds (soak 2 or more hours), or honey (not for children under 1 year)

• 3 cups of water
  

Make: 
Place all the ingredients in a small pot, bring to boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes. If you can't find rock sugar, you can substitute with raw unsalted almonds. 

Note: The almond substitute was suggested from my colleague Dave Stokke.  I usually use rock sugar and had never tried it with almonds, and I must say, it is just as good if not better!

Results:
You will yield 1 to 2 cups.  Divide into 2 servings and drink while it is hot or warm.  It really nourishes the throat and relieves the dry cough.

Don't waste the remainder of the good stuff, you can do a second boil.  Add 2 cups of water to the pot and boil it again for 20-25 minute.  You should yield about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of liquid.  Strain and drink it hot to warm.

Use this recipe until your cough is gone, and hold on to it, you can also use this recipe to lubricate a dry throat.