Comfort Food That Is Perfect For Cold Weather | Includes Recipes

Before we know it the cold weather of winter will be settling in. I can imagine it now, having a warm fire crackling as I gaze wondrously out the window. The squirrels are all gone now and the birds have found refuge somewhere outside of my back yard. On the days where the cold seeps in through every crack in the weather stripping of the house, I want something warm to reverse the inevitable coldness.

Those are definitely the days that I dread getting out from my warm blankets that my body has kept toasty all night and drag my unenthusiastic body to the shower only to eventually step outside in the cold.

One thing that will not change is winter will unavoidably come. But to fight back at those days that chill you to the bone, try warming yourself from the inside with some great winter body warming goodies.

Many of the foods below will tantalize your tastebuds and can be enjoyed at home in front of the popping fire, at a ballgame or an early morning at camp.

Depending on where you live the winter may bring more indoor days than not. Cooking is one way to bring families together and to help forget about the frigid air beyond the walls that they gaze upon. Joining forces on an early Sunday morning for breakfast or to prepare lunch with all hands on deck help to stay entertained and are the grounds for some great memories. Many of the recipes contained can be altered into family greats to be passed down through the generations to carry on those cold Sunday mornings with joy and flavorful aromas.

Enjoy the traditions in my home and what I hope will continue to bring them home every time. I have included my favorites that only feel right preparing during the winter. As it is coming upon us the kids are already bouncing around hoping for chicken and dumplings.

A great way to battle those frigid days that keep more than your insides warm. Holding a cup of warm soup can soothe freezing hands as well as your body. Soup recipes are versatile and can be cooked in less than thirty minutes or warm the house and ready in over six hours. Decide whether you want to crack open a can of Campbell’s chicken noodle or if you have the time to make your homemade version.

Soup Ideas

• Clam chowder
• Tomato soup
• Chicken and dumplings
• Gumbo
• Chicken and rice

Chicken

Chicken broth or bullion

Bay leaf

Favorite veggies – either frozen or fresh

Salt and pepper to taste

Grands biscuits cut in quarters or smaller

Corn starch (optional)

Directions

Cut up 3 chicken breasts and place in stockpot with 6 cups of chicken broth (or 6 cups of water and chicken bullion) and one to two bay leafs. Bring to boil and cook on medium-high heat for about 2 hours. Add veggies and salt and pepper to taste. While waiting for veggies to cook open cans of biscuits and cut into small cubes – either 4 or 6 pieces per biscuit. Once veggies are cooked start dropping biscuits in one by one making sure they are not sticking to each other or the pot. Cook for another 10 to 20 minutes then remove from heat.

**If you would like to thicken the broth add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to 1/4 cup of cool water in a measuring cup and then stir into soup. Allow a few minutes to thicken.

Warm foods can certainly be easily created as a main dish. Making casseroles and other one-dish meals are a perfect way to settle into a chilly winter’s day. Get into the kitchen and begin throwing your favorite ingredients together a make a signature dish that your family will surely continue coming home for.

Main Dish Ideas

• Beans and cornbread
• Chicken, rice and broccoli casserole
• Roast with potatoes and carrots
• Chicken potpie
• Quiche

Chicken breast

Onion

Rice (white or brown)

Cream of chicken soup

milk

Broccoli (frozen)

Cheese

Directions

Cut 3 chicken breasts into cubes. Dice one half an onion. In a casserole dish combine chicken, onion, 3 cups of rice, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of shredded cheese and broccoli. Put in oven at 350 degrees for one hour. When rice is cooked add ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.

Now down to the yummy stuff. Who doesn’t like desserts and especially on a cold day. Warm the body with a tasty treat. Another great way to fill the house with warmth mixed with the combination of great aromas the nose is attracted to as fruity pleasures bake.

Dessert Ideas

• Apple pie
• Peach cobbler
• Berry crisp
• Cherry turnovers
• Empanadas

Can of pie filling –black berry, raspberry, or blueberry (tastes good to mix them too)

Sugar

Cinnamon

Rolled oats

Butter

Directions

Grease the bottom or a cake pan then add one can of pie filling. In a separate bowl mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and ¼ cup of butter. Spread that mixture over the pie filling covering completely. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Great when topped with vanilla ice cream.

Drink Ideas

Infuse your throat with simultaneous warmth and deliciousness. When the temperature drops outside I run toward warm drinks for many reasons. First holding the cup it warms the hands and then on down the hatchet it goes tracking a warming path from head to toe.

Apple cider

• Hot chocolate
• Flavored teas
• Specialty coffees
• Chai Latte

Chai tea bag

Water

Sugar

Cinnamon (optional)

Milk

Directions

Boil two chai tea bags with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of sugar for 5 minutes. Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional). Turn off heat and add 1 cup of milk. Enjoy!!

Relax at home on those days that the dog won’t even go outside to do his business. Better yet relax at home with one or many of these body-warming indulgences.