8 Fun Recipes for the Stir-Crazy, Dog Days of Winter

Fight the winter blues with bright, flavorful dishes that inject some life into your usual routine.
Watercress Salad

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Jonny Valiant ©2010

Jonny Valiant , 2010

It’s that time of year when winter just isn’t a novelty anymore. The buzz of the holidays is long gone, first-snow excitement has given way to the agony of filthy and slushy puddles, and, frankly, we’re just cold. You could tough out the coming weeks with a blanket and a slow cooker (a totally valid choice), or you could combat the lingering chill with some fun in the kitchen. These recipes are a great antidote for even the grayest day.

True, we’re still a few months away from enjoying warm days spent sipping lemonade on the porch. But citrus actually shines brightest in winter, and a tangy salad can make a dull day feel downright tropical.

Berry Smoothie

If you’re craving farmers market produce, frozen fruit (typically picked at its peak) is your winter savior. Sip your smoothie through a striped straw to help convince yourself that you’re sitting poolside (and not, well, snowbank-side).

Peach Granola

FNK PEACH COBBLER GRANOLA Food Network Kitchen Food Network Unsalted Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Peach Preserves, Vanilla Extract, Rolled Oats, Pecans, Dried Peaches, White Chocolate Chips

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

Waking up to clouds, sleet and snow gets pretty old by the time March rolls around. So switch up your morning yogurt topper with a granola that mimics a summery dessert (and try another one of our indulgent mix-ins next week).

Breakfast Pizza

Food Network's Breakfast Pizza

Photo by: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Tara Donne, FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Breakfast for dinner is the perfect cure for a weekday slump, and individual servings mean everyone has a blast building their own pizza. Or, if you dare, challenge the kids to assemble pies for the whole family.

Waffled Grilled Cheese

Stir-crazy days call for playfulness in the kitchen. Sure, grilled cheese with tomato will always satisfy, but your family is sure to perk up at the sight of sandwiches being pressed and crisped to perfection in the waffle maker.

Fish Tacos

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2008, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved. 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2008, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved. 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Everyone knows that taco night = party night, whether it’s the weekend or a Wednesday. Tyler Florence’s “ultimate” fish tacos are a good place to start. Follow the recipe for his accompanying Mango-Radish Salsa, or raid your fridge for whatever toppings strike you in the moment.

Grasshopper Pie

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Food Network Kitchen’s Grasshopper Pie for Year of Oats/Drunk Pies/Diners, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It’s a pretty, pale-green pie modeled after a classic minty cocktail — need we say more? (OK, a little more: We’ve got five more boozy pies here, if you prefer, say, a mudslide or margarita.)

Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe from Claire Robinson is a classic crowd-pleaser for all the right reasons: You can count the number of ingredients on one hand (and probably already have them all), kids can help mix and shape the cookies, and (hello!) they’re made with peanut butter!

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