On Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:12:57 -0700, Elizabeth Beasley  
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Lynnet, okay, I need that recipe. Is it just chicken, broth, and vinegar  
> and
> ground pepper? Anything else?
Traditionally it is made with a certain set of veggies.  But you could  
change or leave some out.  The "cold remedy" part is the chicken broth,  
vinegar and black pepper.

Here is a recipe.  If you've got a fever, don't add much in the way of veg  
or meat, just
a little.  Your digestive fire is low due to the fever.  If you put all  
the optionals in,
it will be pretty much like what you might find in a restaurant.  Although  
they would thicken it with a little cornstarch too...

Simple Hot and Sour Soup

2 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade
1 cup water
salt to taste
1 cup tree ears (a mushroom) soaked (optional)
6 dried tiger lily buds soaked (optional)
1/4 cup slivered bamboo shoots
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
2 thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup julienned (little matchsticks) chicken or pork (optional)
1/8 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tbs white or rice vinegar, or to taste
1 small egg beaten, optional

Traditional, but not paleo: 1 tsp soy sauce, 2 oz julienned tofu, 1/2 tsp  
toasted sesame oil

If using, put tree ears and lilybuds in a bowl, and pour a little boiling  
water over. Let soak until tender.
Chop meat and veg, and tofu if using.

Bring to boil broth and water, soy sauce if using, salt to taste.
Drain, chop, and add dried veg.
Add chopped veg and meat, and tofu if using.
Add pepper to make the soup hot (spicy).
Add vinegar to make the soup sour.
If using egg, stir egg into soup, stirring until it forms little flakes  
(egg drop).
If using, add sesame oil.
Serve right away.