Happy Thanksgiving To Everyone! What am I most thankful for this year? My health and that of my husband's, my bounteous garden, my grandmother reaching the age of 94, the steadily increasing sales of my many authored natural health books, year-round employment, and the fact that my nephew, Joshua, is thriving in his first year of college - those are the things that I'm thankful for (plus many more)! What are you thankful for? Make sure to give thanks for the bounties, whatever they may be - emotional, physical, spiritual, or financial - that have been bestowed upon you this year . . . and be sure to give back to others . . . ensures "good karma"! Today, I'm going to share one of my favorite, energizing morning hot beverages with you. I'm sure you'll find it enlivens your senses while being most delicious and good for you, too! Perfect for those cold, winter, spring, or fall mornings when you just can't seem to wake up, get going and warm. Morning Power Shot This is my version of a spicy, ginger-flavored lemonade. Gingerroot is a pungent, moderately hot herb that enhances energy by literally increasing circulation throughout the body. Combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper powder and vitamin C-rich lemon juice, this blend enlivens the senses, provides a rosy glow to the complexion, warms the body from head to toe, helps relieve indigestion, constipation, and motion sickness, freshens breath, diminishes appetite, and clears sinus and respiratory congestion. Whew! My Morning Power Shot will give you a bigger energy boost than you'd get from a shot of espresso - guaranteed! And with no caffeine jitters! Ingredients: - 1/2 cup purified water - juice of 1 medium lemon (1/4 - 1/3 cup) - 2 teaspoons gingerroot, peeled, very finely minced - 2 teaspoons raw honey - pinch of cayenne pepper powder Method: 1. Heat the water to just shy of a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. 2. Put the lemon juice, gingerroot, honey, and cayenne in a medium mug and then pour in the hot water. Stir to blend and allow the mixture to steep for 4-5 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more potent the ginger becomes. 3. Drink quickly (or sip slowly - whatever you desire), ginger bits and all, when juice blend is comfortably warm. Chew the gingerbits before swallowing. Feel the hot energy coursing through your veins. Raring to go now, aren't you? Yield: 1 serving NOTE: This article was written by Stephanie Tourles and adapted from her book, "Raw Energy", Storey Publishing, 2009. The information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. Ms. Tourles disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.