Let's Feel Better broth

2 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

1 TBSP thingly sliced garlic (3-4 medium cloves)

2 medium garlic cloves, pressed (or more to taste)

1 medium carrot, peeled and grated

One 1 1/5 inch piece (3/4 oz) fresh ginger, peeled, cut lengthwise into 6 thin strips and julienned (cut into thinner strips still)

1/4 cup orange juice

1 TBSP fresh lime or lemon juice

1/8 to 1/4 tsp tabasco sauce (or more to taste)

1/2 tsp salt, preferably Kosher, or more to taste

2 tsp sugar (optional - I didn't use this)

In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, tomatoes with juice, sliced garlic, pressed garlic, carrot and ginger over mediumhigh heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in orange juice, lime juice and tabasco, beginning with 1/8 tsp and adding more to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, sugar and tabasco.

Garlic has antibiotic properties. Ginger and tabasco work as expectorants. Chicken broth contains drug-like agents similar to those found in modern cold medicines. Tomatoes, orange juice and carrots contain Vit C and A, which boost the immune system.

Chicken breast and/or sweet peas (or any other fresh veggies you like) can be added to make this heartier. It also can be strained to make this acceptable for the Clear liquids phase.

yummy! Makes me want some right now!

It is wonderfully savory.

This sounds soooo good. But, I am only 12 days out, am I allowed to have acidic things like tomato and orange juice yet, or will that irritate?

The best person to ask that would be your doctor, but my postop diet says vegetable juices are perfectly fine, including V8, so I would think this isn't any worse than that.