The Best Comfort Foods For An Extreme Cold Warning Weekend
Brace yourselves, fellow humans. The weather gods have spoken. An extreme cold warning is upon us. The kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze mid-booger. The kind of cold where stepping outside feels like a dare. So, what’s the best course of action when Mother Nature decides to channel her inner ice queen? You guessed it. Comfort food. Lots of it. Forget your kale smoothies and your chia seed puddings. This weekend is about embracing the deliciously unhealthy. It’s about giving your taste buds a warm hug.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “But what about healthy options?” To those brave souls, I say, bless your hearts. You can have your quinoa when the sun is shining. This is an emergency situation. We need sustenance that fights off the shivers from the inside out. We need edible blankets. We need food that whispers sweet nothings of warmth and contentment.
My personal go-to for such frigid times? A steaming bowl of macaroni and cheese. Not the fancy stuff with truffle oil, mind you. I’m talking about the classic, unapologetic, made-from-a-box kind. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, the homemade version with a ridiculously cheesy sauce. The kind where the cheese stretches longer than your motivation to leave the couch. Add a little extra butter. No one’s judging. This is survival, people.
And speaking of survival, let’s not forget the humble yet mighty grilled cheese sandwich. Paired with a thick, velvety tomato soup? It’s a culinary masterpiece. The gooey cheese, the slightly crispy bread… it’s pure bliss. You can dunk it, bite it, or just stare at it lovingly. The choice is yours. Just make sure there’s enough cheese. Seriously. There’s no such thing as too much cheese when the temperature drops below your personal dignity threshold.
Then there’s the king of all comfort foods, in my humble opinion: chocolate. Any kind. Dark, milk, white, or a combination thereof. A warm mug of hot chocolate, topped with a mountain of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder? That’s a hug in a mug. Or a chocolate bar, melted slightly by the warmth of your hand as you clutch it for dear life. It’s a delicious distraction from the fact that your toes have likely gone numb.
Some might call this a guilty pleasure. I call it a necessary evil. Or, more accurately, a necessary good. It's the edible equivalent of a fuzzy blanket and a roaring fireplace.
For those who crave something more substantial, may I present the glorious shepherd’s pie. The savory meat filling, topped with a fluffy cloud of mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty hug that sticks to your ribs. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you can conquer anything. Even the walk to the mailbox to retrieve your frozen socks.
And let’s not overlook the power of soup. Not just any soup, though. We’re talking about thick, chunky soups. A hearty lentil soup, a creamy potato leek, or a robust beef stew. These are the soups that warm you from the inside out. They’re the edible equivalent of a thick, woolly scarf. They prevent internal frostbite. And maybe, just maybe, they make you feel a little bit like a pioneer, ready to face the wild, frozen frontier.
Now, I understand this might be a controversial stance. Some of you might be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Or that bikini you want to fit into in July. To you, I offer a gentle, but firm, “later.” This weekend is for embracing the immediate gratification. It’s for self-care, the delicious, carb-laden kind. It’s about survival and a little bit of joy.
Think about it. The wind is howling. The snow is falling (or perhaps just threatening to freeze your eyelashes off). You’re curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket that’s seen better days. What’s missing? A steaming plate of something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Something that whispers, “Everything is going to be okay.”
So, dig out those recipes. Embrace the cheese. Stock up on butter. And for goodness sake, make yourself a big ol’ bowl of something that makes your soul sing. Because when the mercury plummets, your stomach should be doing a happy dance. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing a warm, delicious rebellion against the cold. It’s about celebrating the simple, yet profound, joy of a good meal. And trust me, when it’s this cold, there’s nothing better than that.
So go forth, my friends. Conquer the cold with carbs. Defeat the chill with cheese. And remember, this is not a diet weekend. This is a warmth weekend. Embrace it. Savor it. And maybe, just maybe, share a little bit of that comfort food with the person next to you. Unless, of course, it’s your last piece of chocolate fudge brownie. Then, you’re on your own. Happy (and warm) eating!