There is no denying we are in the depths of winter. You know, the dreaded “cold and flu” season. Even here in California, the night air is getting nippier, the days a bit shorter, and more than one person in my life is miserable and sniffly.

Gone are lazy afternoons drifting into sultry evenings– sipping tall glasses of iced tea, lemonade, or even frosty margaritas. Cool weather sees us choosing steamy mugs of coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, and dare I say–  hot toddies? 

I want you to know that the hot toddy is more than just a beverage with a funny name. You probably associate it with ski lodges. Hot toddies and ski lodges are indeed a good combination. But more likely, when winter rolls around, you consider the hot toddy as the original nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine. Of course, I don’t know how much actual medical science is behind that theory, but I’ll admit a hot toddy can even make the flu seem more fun.

Basically a hot toddy is made with a spirit (typically some sort of whiskey) sweetened  with honey, and balanced with fresh lemon juice. This combination is then warmed with a dose of tea, coffee, apple cider, or just plain hot water.

My favorite version is made with honey, lemon, black tea, and bourbon. But rum and brandy are good choices too. Simple enough, right?

I am so lucky. Not just 'cuz I am old enough to drink bourbon (and smart enough to mix it with tea and blueberries). Nope, I am lucky to be involved with The Table Set Podcast. It's been a real gift in my life. One of those things that comes out of nowhere, like a great big penguin just begging to sit on my lap. Completely out of it's element, but strangely cute. Once it settled in, I had to wonder why everyone doesn't have a penguin sitting on their lap.

My good fortune comes courtesy of Joy the Baker. She sent me an email one day out of nowhere asking if I had any interest in being involved with her new Podcast Network, HomeFries. Podcast? Network? Me?

Of course I said yes. I always say yes. I am a yes man and for good reason. Yes is word that opens doors.

The door that opened led to The Table Set and 2 people who have become very important in my life. Nathan & Andy. Two guys, younger than me. Hipper than me. Smarter than me. Better looking than me. Ok, ok... maybe I am taking this too far. But you get my point. As bloggers these guys were certainly on my radar (The Chocolate of Meats and The Wind Attack). But that's where it ended, right? After all we had so little in common, seemingly.