Piper Lehr
Staff writer
The winter season is almost upon us, and students may be wondering if there are ways to keep warm besides layering up. Warm comfort foods are a great way to accomplish this. Here are five easy-to-prepare food items that one may want to consider this holiday season.
1. Speciality Coffees and Teas.
Coffee and tea are go-tos for many when they want to keep warm. But there are many ways to spice things up a bit using some extra ingredients from around the house, if one is in the mood for a cheap Starbucks type specialty drink. Common methods include this Food Network coffee recipe, which combines cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla extract, and this mocha coffee recipe from All Recipes, which utilizes cocoa and white sugar.
2. Hot Chocolate.
Hot chocolate is another great way to keep warm. It can be made instant or stove-top, with or without spices. For two simple stove-top recipes, check out this one from Bon Appetit, and this one from Hershey’s.
3. Instant Oatmeal.
Instant oatmeal is a great way to keep warm in the morning, whether it is prepared with hot water or steamed milk. The great thing about oatmeal is its versatility—it can be made vegan or gluten free, and anything can be added on top of it. Some online recipes kick it up a notch, like this holiday-themed one from Minimalist Baker, which includes pumpkin pie oats topped with whipped cream and maple-cinnamon pecans.
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.
Soup is a comforting food for many during the holiday season. Much like oatmeal, it can be made in many different ways. One frequently overlooked preparation is the southern classic grilled cheese and tomato soup. Canned soup can do, though some online recipes will give you options with a little more flavor, like this one from Bon Appetit.
5. Mug Cakes.
Microwavable mug cakes are another easy dessert recipe. It’s exactly what it sounds like: take a typical cake recipe, like this one from All Recipes, mix it together in a mug, and throw it in the microwave to cook. The heat from the microwave-prepared cake is sure to keep one warm.