Winter Comfort Foods
Once the holidays come to an end, it can seem as if winter is a never-ending season of coldness and nights on couch. Luckily, one of the most effective methods of cheering yourself up on chilly evenings is a warm meal that soothes the soul. Here are some comfort foods to exercise your culinary academy education and keep you in tip top shape this winter season:
Casseroles
Casseroles have gotten a bad rap for being boring, but there are so many different varieties, it would be crazy to not embrace at least one for your cooking arsenal. This chicken and wild rice casserole from Food and Wine is the perfect one to start with – hearty but not overwhelmingly cheesy like many casseroles. Complete with veggies, chicken, rice, herbs and mushroom gravy, you can make this on a Sunday night and enjoy it all week!
“Some find comfort in sweets.”
Bread pudding
Some people find comfort in savory dishes, while others enjoy something sweeter. If you’re looking for something to bake this winter – seriously, those Christmas cookies can’t still be good – look no further than this chocolate bread pudding from Bon Appetit. This recipe strays from the norm, using chocolate bread, topped with homemade custard and powdered sugar. While you won’t finish this in a single sitting, nothing beats piping hot bread pudding, straight out of the oven.
Chili
If you haven’t made chili yet this winter, what are you waiting for? Maybe you haven’t found the perfect recipe yet, or maybe you’re tired of the one you’ve grown accustomed to. No matter the reason, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this braised short rib chili from Delish. Complete with a lager, jalapenos, and sweet potatoes to balance the sweetness and spiciness, there’s something for everyone to love.
Macaroni and cheese
Not all mac and cheese is child’s play! In fact, you can even give it a bit of a healthy twist, if you’re into that kind of thing. This recipe for mac and cheese from Real Simple incorporates cauliflower and multigrain bread into the mix. It’s more flavorful than your typical mac and cheese, too, with a cheese sauce made from Dijon mustard, sour cream, extra-sharp cheddar and your favorite herbs. This dish can be served all on its own, or as a side!
