This weekend my head was so thoroughly congested that my teeth hurt, my voice echoed around in my head and I couldn’t taste anything. It drove me to Extreme Measures. I’ve been hearing lots of talk lately about the wonders of apple cider vinegar, so I Googled ” ‘sinusitis’ and ‘apple cider vinegar,’ ” and I found a number of recipes for hot beverages that were supposed to ease the symptoms of a sinus infection rather miraculously.

So I grated some ginger, added a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a little cinnamon and a whole lot of honey and then poured some hot water over it and let it steep for a bit. I must’ve been wildly powerful, because I could taste it. It was a sharp and not necessarily a good taste, but it was a taste after a day and a half of tasting nothing at all. By all accounts it smelled rather hideous, too.

But did it work? I sipped it slowly — I can’t take big sips, because then I can’t breathe — while watching “Downton Abbey” (speaking of which: Tears. Big, ugly tears. That’s all I’ll say about that,) and by bedtime there was no noticeable difference. I’ll let you know later if it turns out that the vinegar concoction is indeed a wonderment. I hope it is, because I’d like to be able to taste some of this week’s meals, which shall be as follows.

Monday: Chicken with Cider and Bacon Sauce

My fascination with Chicken and a Pan Sauce continues.

Tuesday: Baked potato soup

I’ve also been making soup once a week for the past several. It’s been so cold and rainy lately, this one sounded like it would hit the spot.

Wednesday: Cheeseburgers

I think cheeseburgers have become Pete’s favorite food.

Thursday: Leftovers

I don’t think I’ll want a leftover cheeseburger, but leftover soup will be just fine.

Friday: Pizza