SIMPLE RECIPES FOR COLD DAYS (AND NIGHTS) AT HOME

Among the joys of winter is sharing homemade comfort foods. Here are a few proven recipes that are hot, delicious, reasonably healthy, and simple enough that your children can have fun making them with you.

Homemade Vegetable Soup
Made from scratch, this vegetable soup is much tastier (and healthier) than pre-mixed canned versions.

For every 2 servings desired, pour 1 can of chicken broth (or other soup broth) into a pot or large mixing bowl.
Assemble any desired combination of fresh or frozen vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, tomatoes, cauliflower, spinach, etc.) Cut to spoon size. Saute in olive oil or use as is.
Stir vegetables into broth. Season to taste with pepper, curry powder, or any spice(s) of your preference.
Heat on stovetop, stirring occasionally, until liquid is boiling and vegetables are tender. (You can opt for microwave heating if you prefer, but the stovetop method creates a cozier atmosphere.)
Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Basic Corn Bread
Serve with hot soup, beans, or chili. Add steamed vegetables or salad to make a full meal.

Pre-heat a baking oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sift together 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (For a sweeter corn bread, add 1/8 to 1/4 cup sugar.)
Beat in 1 whole egg; 1 cup milk; and 1/4 cup shortening, butter, or corn oil.
Pour batter into an 8-inch-square pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Slice and serve warm.

Hot Lemonade

Who says lemonade is for summer days only? This winter version warms up citrus lovers of all ages, and provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

For each serving, stir together 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed or bottled lemon juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup (or mug’s worth of) water.
Microwave each cup for 60–90 seconds (or heat on stove).
Serve steaming hot in favorite mugs.

Hot Vanilla

For kids (and adults) who have chocolate allergies, or just feel like a twist on traditional cocoa. You can also add crushed peppermint, cinnamon, caramel, or any flavor extract.

In a microwave or on a stovetop, heat 1 cup of milk per serving to near-simmering temperature.
For each cup of milk, stir in 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon sugar. Blend until smooth.
Pour into mugs. Add toppings (whipped cream or yogurt, berries, nutmeg, etc.) if desired.
Serve while hot. Drink up!

You can enjoy any of the above as part of a regular meal; during a story night around the fireplace; with a holiday DVD or CD; as part of a family game night; or in any other home setting that calls for warm feelings on a cold day. Have a joyful and blessed holiday season—and rest-of-winter!