My boyfriend, next to me, was creating a pyramid of used tissues, escalating with each blow, and my roommate on the other side was desperately trying to control her hacking cough. Seeing as I was the only healthy one in the room, I decided to take matters into my own hands (after I washed them, of course!).

Gathering various items from the kitchen, I came up with an immune-boosting soup that is both easy to digest and packed with vitamins.

Jody's immune-boosting soup
• Butternut squash
• Red pepper
• 5-6 cloves of garlic
• Small onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and place the halves on a lightly oiled tray. Roast in the oven at 350 F until the squash is almost soft (45-60min), then add thick slices of red pepper and onion to the tray, along with the garlic and roast for another 15-20 min. Meanwhile, you may want to go out to the video store to find a good flick to help entertain the sick ones.

When the squash is soft, remove the tray from the oven and carefully scoop the "meat" of the squash (discard the skin) into a blender or food processor and add the roasted red pepper, onion, and peeled garlic. Blend in enough water, milk, or soymilk for your preferred consistency. For some added protein you may blend in soft tofu or protein powder. Transfer to a pot, heat to a simmer and enjoy!

• Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium, iron and fibre.

• Red pepper is also anti-oxidant-rich, with betacarotene and vitamin C.

• Onion contains the antioxidant quercetin, flavonoids and several other micronutrients which help to reduce blood clotting and raise healthy cholesterol (high density lipoproteins).

• Garlic is a known anti-bacterial/anti-viral.

So sip on this immune-boosting soup with a vengeance and look forward to a strong pathway to optimal health!

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