It’s Cold, so I'm Digging into Comfort Foods
When it gets cold, I retreat into my own space – my own cocoon. Only going out when I have to, choosing to enjoy a warm apartment over the frigid outdoors. A good book and a comforting meal can ease some of the anxieties, frustrations, headaches, heartaches, and sadness of the outside world.
Here are some of the meals I’ve enjoyed over the past couple of weeks. What’s your go-to comfort food?
BREAKFAST
If you feel like you need a hug, have warm oatmeal with maple syrup, vanilla, sauteed cinnamon apples, milk, and . . . a touch of salt. Don’t be put off by the salt, it adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the apples and syrup. This one is part of my regular breakfast rotation because it’s quick and easy to make.
Maybe you need a little pick me up. Might I suggest eggs over easy with sauteed kale and mushrooms and a side of bacon. Tip: season the kale with citrusy garlic seasoning from Trader Joe’s. The citrus gives the bitter kale a nice kick.
LUNCH
In the mood for more than just a boring chicken sandwich? Try a fried chicken sandwich with pickles (I recommend Grillo’s) and a salad of cabbage and apples. I suggest using boneless chicken thighs, they come out a bit juicer than thin chicken breasts. Mix the cabbage and apples with lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey. This little salad/slaw is great on its own but offers a nice crunch to this sandwich.
In the mood for something a little lighter? Prosciutto toast with Boursin cheese (or cream cheese or Ricotta) topped with a salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. Drizzle a little honey at the end to cut the saltiness. I also recommend toasting the prosciutto. I just like crispy meat. This combo might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it.
Thanks to the movie It’s Complicated for this one, Croque Monsieur (without egg) / Croque Madame (with egg). I like both sandwiches. Basically, it’s a fancy ham and cheese, topped with a bechamel sauce, and if you’re so inclined a fried egg. I also like to top mine with some chives. Food is a big component of It’s Complicated and there’s a scene where this sandwich is made. Don’t watch this movie when you’re hungry.
DINNER
Most Sundays I want something hearty, something that might knock me out for a few hours. Come on, who doesn’t like a Sunday nap? For this how about something simple? Slow cooker chicken legs, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli fits the bill.
Feeling a bit fancy or longing for an outing to a fancy restaurant?
How about shrimp with rice and mango salsa?
Or honey garlic salmon with rice and snap peas?
Maybe a sauteed lamb steak (I don’t do beef, not for 20 years) with twice-baked potatoes and roasted carrots?
I don’t have any comfort desserts in my repertoire. As much as I love sweets, this is where my culinary skills are lacking. Baking from scratch is still a lot of trial and error—mostly error—for me. But I’m determined to change that. I recently made the mistake of going down the #LemonTok rabbit hole of TikTok. I saw many videos of lemon tiramisu. I LOVE lemon desserts, and the tiramisu caught my eye. I must make it soon (and maybe will film it). What are some of your favorite comfort foods?
Upcoming posts
Thursday: Lost recaps for episodes nineteen and twenty
Monday: My Super Bowl Plate…and How Many Shots of Taylor Swift Did We Get
Wednesday: Special post for Valentine’s Day, with a book review of My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding
Am I a vegan who can barely eat anything you wrote about? Yes. Did I read this whole post and eat it up? Also yes
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