A Timely Restorative Drink

An old recipe that will our calm nerves and help us to regroup and more forward.

Dear Readers,

I’ve laid low this week to gather my wits together by looking after the chores I neglected while making campaign calls and driving down a two-lane state road looking for pies. I hung winter curtains of bright materials and heavy weight; went through the closets and pulled out clothes that no longer fit my changing body and taste, including an armful of forgotten good heavy coats for the homeless drive; and, finally, tidied up my unruly garden and put it to bed for the coming winter.

Much tidying and dusting awaits

Last is my desk, strewn with papers, notebooks, and a fairly high tower of books, such an accurate reflection of a befuddled mind.

We’ll get through this and spring into action soon. But, first, a little help from the early nineteenth century which, in itself, was a unruly time for our country.

Next week will surely see us on our feet again!

~ love from your writer.

White Caudle

A caudle is defined as a hot drink with restorative powers. In 1819, Dr. Robert Wallace Johnson advised his patients who were on the upswing from illness or had suffered a recent shock to imbibe the following drink in small sips throughtout the day.

This is how it looks like using white wine. It’s very beautiful when you add red wine or port and, certainly a very bracing hue with stronger stuff.

2 tablespoons Irish oatmeal (other steel-cut oatmeal will do as well)
1 cup water
pinch of mace
3 or 4 cloves
Grated zest from 1 medium lemon
1 cup warmed good-quality full-body white or red wine or, the writer's favorite, port--some have been known to use stronger spirits
pinch of nutmeg (optional)
sugar (optional)

Mix the oatmeal with the water, mace, and clove in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes, stirring often. Add lemon zest and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Be watchful at this point to ensure the oatmeal does not scorch.

Pour about 1/4 cup of the warm oatmeal into a mug. Add about 1/3 cup wine and stir to mix. Add mutmeg and sugar to taste if desired.

Sip leisurely in a comfortable chair or in bed, plump with pillows. 

Makes enough for one serving. 

Note: Increase the proportions to keep on hand or to help additional family members and visiting friends. The oatmeal will stand for a day or two. Warm it up in a gently heated oven or microwave before adding the wine or spirits.