Beat the Blizzard: 5 Warm-Up Favorites From Alton

By: Debra Puchalla

Connecticut friends stuck in Los Angeles. Manhattan friends stuck in Texas. My three kids, my mom, my husband and I (or is it me? delirious, clearly), very much stuck at home. Warning, Florida, Arizona and other sunny outposts--this post may not be for you.

Here in New York City, a snowball fight is sounding like a good idea, if you know what I mean. Maybe some fresh air will make quality time in the family room seem more appealing. Meantime, what can I run out to the neighborhood store for, so that, as winter becomes a wonderland outside, we can warm things up inside? I'm dreaming of a ski vacation and the comfy-cozy lodge food that goes with it. Alton Brown recipes, to the rescue:

  1. Alton's Hot Wings Butter and garlic makes these Food Network Magazine wings even better, and not only in snowy Buffalo.
  2. Hot Cocoa His secret? Confectioners' sugar. Sweet memories in the making. Will use extra marshmallows to keep the kids' energy up, so to speak.
  3. Cheese Fondue Alton uses a double dose of cheeses (smoked Gouda and Gruyere) and a double shot of spikes (hard cider and brandy) to make your heart melt.
  4. Alton's Pressure Cooker Chili No pressure, all ease. Spicy and meaty and soul-warming, and without much effort. Bonus: When else will I put that pressure cooker I got last Christmas to use?
  5. Ultimate Nachos Corn tortillas, jalapenos, guac, cheese, sour cream and salsa. Six servings, so there's enough to share.

How will you be cooking your way through the snow?

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