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