Hot Comfort

With the arctic vortex causing the world to resemble a meat locker, it nice to know that we can always turn to a hot dish or cup of comfort. This is the time to  bring out all our favorite steaming, homemade faves. They're like a culinary version of a warm fleece blanket.

One of the best cold weather comfort foods is baked mac and cheese.Making it from scratch is relatively easy  and you can customize it to your family's tastes.It could be healthy with lite cheddar and whole wheat macaroni or decadent with the addition of bacon strips under the top coating of cheese.Chili is another comfort food that's perfect for a frigid day.It's an easy mix of tomato sauce, onions, garlic, beans  and chopped meat. If you can stand the heat drop in sliced jalapenos, if not just add the right amount of chili powder for flavor. Serve it over a bowl of either straight from the pot rice or polenta.Another fave is any meat pie. If you have the time to make it from scratch then do so.Luckily there are several different brands of chicken, turkey and beef pot pies to choose from

A hot drink will never go amisswhen temps plummet.If you feel decadent go for a hot buttered rum( although you shouldn;t just be drinking straight alcohol during this time. It only warms you for the second)It's a mix of spices along with  butter and brown sugar and a good helping of rum. A better and more soothing cup is one of hot tea, with honey and lemon. Try an herbal tea , perfect for de-stressing after being out in freezing temps. Everyone likes the classic hot cocoa. You can make it with a mix  or go old school and use real milk and cocoa powder. Droste has the best for this and it produces a rich creamy drink when mixed with real milk.Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and just let the warmth seep through you.

Nothing beats hot , comforting food or drinks during these downright frosty days. Enjoy a hot plate of your favorite comfort food and follow with a steamy cup of your choice. You'll feel toasty inside and out!