Saké-Nog: Cure for a Cold?

Seems like so many people I talk to right now have a cold or the flu. Winter time, and time for various illnesses. I have been lucky so far, having avoided being sick. I certainly hope that I can avoid being sick all winter.

If I did catch a cold, there are lots of medications I could take to try to stave off the worst part of it. Or I could try some more natural solutions. What do you use to stave off your colds? And have you ever considered Saké as a cold remedy?

In Japan, tamagozake is a traditional home remedy for the cold. Tamagozake, which translates as "egg Saké," is a drink made from Saké, sugar and raw eggs. Outside of Japan, this may also be called Saké-Nog because of its resemblance to egg nog. Tamagozake is given to both adults and children.

There are a number of different recipes to make tamagozake though they generally share the basics. Traditionally, tamagozake should also be eaten using chopsticks. It is supposed to be eaten when you first feel a cold coming on. Are you willing to give it a try?

Here are a couple recipes for tamagozake.

Recipe #1: (This is a very simple recipe)

Ingredients---
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar
3/4 cup Saké

Mix the egg and sugar in a small bowl. Heat the Saké in a microwave until warm. Then add the warm Saké to the egg/sugar mixture and mix well. Makes one serving.

Recipe #2: (This is just a different preparation)

Ingredients---
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar
3/4 cup Saké

In a saucepan, heat the Saké and let it cook for a bit to evaporate the alcohol. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes to let it cool. Add beaten egg to Saké little by little, stirring constantly. Then add the sugar and place back on a very low heat, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Makes one serving.

Recipe #3: (A slight variation)

Ingredients---
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon of honey
3/4 cup Saké

In a small saucepan, heat the Saké over medium until hot but not boiling. In a small bowl, mix a beaten egg and honey until completely combined. Add the Saké to the egg/honey mixture and mix well. Makes one serving.