3 cold-weather comfort foods to banish the winter blues

Whether you're stuck indoors due to a snowstorm or getting cozy next to an inviting fire, winter is all about yummy comfort food. Here are some easy-to-make comfort food ideas prepared in a variety of ways to give winter the cold shoulder.

Hot chocolate is the traditional winter beverage choice for cold, snowy days. Although you can always opt for the powdered version available in grocery stores, why not make your own?

• First take a bar of chocolate (around 6 ounces), chop it up and slowly blend in milk as you heat the mixture over low to medium heat.
• Next, add a pinch of vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavourful treat.
• Finally, to enhance the luscious sweetness of the drink, throw in some marshmallows.

For a totally indulgent drink, whip some cream to crown your creation, then sit back, sip and enjoy.

Nothing says comfort food like the humble yet oh-so-versatile potato.

• Try yummy, chunky cut fries served with loads of ketchup, or finish off a perfect winter meal with a bowl of steaming mashed potatoes blended with milk and butter.
• Spice up potatoes with a little garlic.
• For a tasty zing, add some sharp cheddar cheese. Top the potato with parsley, and you're all set.

If you're looking or something different, try a sturdy twice-baked potato. It's easy.

• To begin, rub olive oil over the potato and bake it for about an hour in a 205°C (400°F) oven.
• Then cut the potato in two, scoop out the insides and blend with sour cream.
• Throw in some chopped bacon, green onions and cheddar cheese for a zesty treat.
• Add blue cheese and chives for a little extra zing.
• Once assembled, bake the potato for another 10 minutes and enjoy!

The easiest pasta recipes are sometimes the best ones to make and enjoy.

• As your favourite pasta cooks, mince a clove of garlic and toss it into a frying pan with a little butter.
• After it browns, add enough butter to blend with the pasta.
• When the pasta is done, drain it and add the butter mixture.
• Add minced Asiago cheese for extra flavour.

Try pesto for an extra twist...

• For a makeshift pasta pesto, pour warmed olive over the pasta, toss in some pine nuts, a little minced basil and lots of Parmesan cheese.
• Eat it while it's hot.

Whether you're stuck inside because of the weather or by choice, warm satisfying comfort food can transform a cold winter day from one that's wasted into well-spent with just a few simple ingredients and a little effort.

--------------------

Discover the smarter way to save time and money

Ready to start saving more on your groceries and pharmacy purchases? Download the FREE YP Grocery app today! It lets you create shareable shopping lists, automatically finds all the best deals and coupons, then delivers them right to you. No more manually scrolling through hundreds of flyers to find what you’re looking for!

Download the YP Grocery app now!