5 Wintertime Comfort Foods That Are Surprisingly Easy to Prepare
As the temperature drops, it’s natural for many people to spend more time enjoying indulgent, comforting foods. Cold salads and fresh fruit hold plenty of appeal in the summer, but winter calls for dishes that warm you up from the inside out.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up a variety of tasty wintertime favorites.
1. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a perennial favorite, but adding cauliflower gives it an extra boost of nutrition and staying power. When you boil the elbow noodles, add in some diced cauliflower. When it is all cooked, drain and add your favorite cheese sauce.
If you don’t have a standard recipe, whip up one made with one cup of sour cream, one tablespoon of mustard, one to two cups of grated cheddar cheese, one cup of milk, salt and pepper. No roux required, as the ingredients just need to be mixed together and added to the pasta and cauliflower mixture.
2. Everyone’s Favorite Meat Loaf
Meat loaf is hearty, warm and perfect for cold days. As a bonus, it can also be very easy to make. Simply mix together with your hands one chopped onion, two eggs, half a cup of milk, half a cup of ketchup, 1 cup of bread crumbs and two pounds of ground meat.
Then, place in a loaf pan and bake. You can customize this dish by varying the ground meat, cooking the onions first or adding in flavors like extra salt and pepper, cumin, nutmeg or even fresh diced jalepeno peppers.
3. Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Comfort foods are often high in carbohydrates, which is what makes them so appealing when you’re in need of a warm and delicious winter meal. Stuffed baked potatoes are a simple way to enjoy a variety of flavors, and they can be customized for every diner’s preferences. Start by cleaning and baking large potatoes for just under an hour in a hot oven.
Then, cut in half and top with your favorite ingredients. For a traditional approach, try shredded cheese, chives and bacon bits. For an unusual and hearty twist, scoop out some of each half potato’s center and crack an egg into it. Then, top with shredded cheese and put back into the oven until the egg white is set.
4. Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Using the slow-cooker to make classic recipes is a smart way to spend less time at the oven and more time relaxing during a lazy winter day. For a hearty lasagna that never has to get near an oven, cook one pound of ground beef with diced garlic and onion.
Then, layer the meat mixture into a slow-cooker with lasagna noodles, a tomato sauce and a mixture of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Repeat to use all ingredients, and then turn on low for four hours.
5. Easy Hot Spinach Dip
Dig into an indulgent winter appetizer with hot spinach dip. To make, just thaw two blocks of frozen spinach and blend with cream cheese, cream and shredded cheese. Add salt, pepper and garlic power to taste. Top with extra shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes until brown, then serve with chips, pita bread or sliced vegetables.
Making warm, delicious and comforting wintertime dishes can be a breeze thanks to this range of simple and tasty recipe ideas.
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