Hi friends.

Five things to share with you this morning.

1. I finally caved and bought the iPhone.  Haven’t bought any other Christmas gifts yet, but I bought myself the iPhone.  Still can’t figure out how to use it.
2. I hate the sound of someone slurping.  Is there anything more annoying?
3. Why are Christmas tree skirts so darn expensive everywhere?!  If only I knew someone who can sew one for me…
4. I really like Swiss Chard.  Nutrient powerhouse.
5. I have been fighting off a stupid cold all week long.   My rule of thumb in terms of exercising when I’m sick is that if the sickness is above the neck, it’s okay to try and sweat it out, just being mindful that I may not be able to push as hard as I normally would.  But if the sickness is below the neck, aka in my chest/lunges or a stomach bug, I’m down for the count.  That being said, I did take Kix and teach class yesterday after spending the day working from home with a box of tissues, a blanket, cough drops, eye drops, tea, and soup.

Homemade soup, that is! I guess I’m sharing six things if you count this recipe.

Swiss Chard White Bean Soup 

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cans (15.5 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic (4 minced, 1 whole)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley
• 2 bunches Swiss chard, leaves chopped
• 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper
• 1 tsp red Thai chili paste
• 1/4 cup white wine
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, and cook until translucent, about five minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for another minute. Add the celery and season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Swiss chard and the white wine, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the broth, chili flakes, roasted red pepper, and Thai chili paste. Stir, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add cilantro or parsley and beans, re-season if necessary, and cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Add the beans and broth, bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
6. Enjoy!

This has been helping my sore throat all week since it started hurting on Monday night.

Let’s chat! What helps you feel better when you’re sick? Or tell me some random things. 

Then go have a great Wednesday, and I hope everyone is feeling better than I am!