Comfort Food for Cold Days

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Jan 2009 11:22 AM

Unless you live in Hawaii or the Southwest portion of the United States, then you are likely dealing with frigid temperatures right now. In some parts of the Midwest school has been cancelled for the second straight day because of dangerous windchills.

In my opinion, there is nothing positive about this wicked winter weather save for the fact that it inspires me to dig through my recipes books to find the warmest, homiest dishes to make for my family.

If you are looking for classic comfort foods to help warm up your home and soul, consider the following recipes:

QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN POT PIE

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 to 2 tablespoon chicken soup base (Start with 1 tablespoon, add more if needed)

1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken

1 1/2 to 2 cups vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, potatoes)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Puff pastry shells

Directions:

In a large pan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, whisking often until sauce thickens. Add soup base. Turn down heat to low and add cream, chicken, and vegetables. Heat until warm. Stir in chopped parsley. Spoon over baked, warm split, puff pastry shells.

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE

Ingredients:

1/2 pound elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dry mustard

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Dash of hot sauce

Salt and pepper

1 beaten egg

Ingredients for Topping:

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large pan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, whisking often until sauce thickens.

Turn off heat and add cream, 2 cups cheese, mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Temper in the egg. Add the macaroni and pour into a greased 2 -quart casserole dish.

Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serves 4 to 6.

Related Articles:

C is for Comfort Food

Deep-Fried Pork Chops

Comfort Food Recipes

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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