Even wonderwomen catch a cold sometimes

Every autumn/winter I invariably find myself in rather - how to describe it - deluded state at some point or another. People on the train sneeze and blow their noses, someone can't stop coughing at work but I think that I am so fit and that I will never get ill. I don't actively think it but subconsciously I probably see myself as some kind of wonderwoman, immune to all the bacteria whizzing around (see this post, clearly written in that state of mind). I should know better. Whenever I'm having thoughts about how all these colds can't get me, I usually catch one within days. This year was no exception. Last week on sunday my throat felt a little sore and on wednesday I had to go home early because just sitting at my desk was too much of an effort. At least I got over it quite quickly so I could leave the pasta-with-a-little-cheese-only phase behind me on thursday night already. I felt that not-so-wonderwoman needed a serious vitamin boost and made a

Crunchy winter salad (serves one)

• a handfull of rocket leaves
• some fennel, cut into very thin slices
• some radish, cut equally thinly
• one button mushroom, sliced
• some raw beetroot, sliced thinly
• half a pear, cut into smallish pieces
• a little chili, finely chopped
• some parsley or other herbs, chopped
• a little feta cheese, crumbled
• mustard, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the dressing

Stir the mustard (I used moutarde au miel from La Maille), salt, pepper, vinegar and oil together. Place all the ingredients in a bowl, add the dressing and stir. Tuck in and feel instantly revived - well, almost...