This week, our Odyssey team made a decision to write on the theme "favorite food." While I am, in fact, the one who brainstormed the topic, I found myself looking at a blinking cursor on my computer screen for some time, unable to conjure up some idea to write about. While I could give you some of my favorite recipes from home or tell you what my favorite foods to make for myself are, I thought I might instead share with all of you my favorite foods for the heart. You know the ones. They make you feel happy on the inside and smile on the outside. They make you feel warm and cozy. They make you love those you share it with.
When you need a pick me up, quality time with a friend or family member, or just want to feel incredible, remember these nine foods for the heart recommended by yours truly. (If all else fails, order a pizza or grab a pint of ice cream. It's all you, man.)
Desserts
1. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug
Coming out of the gate strong with this one. A nice, warm chocolate chip cookie in a mug is arguably my go-to comfort food. It's easy to make, takes five minutes of your time, and is incredibly worth it. Less mess and more gooey, chocolatey bliss. It doesn't get any better. Try this recipe here.
2. Brownie in a Mug
"Same-same, but different, but still same." -James Franco
No, not all of these recipes will be mug recipes (although that is a fabulous idea). They're just the perfect size for one person, and while I could always go for a chocolate chip cookie, sometimes you just have a hankering for chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Oh, did I mention chocolate?
Cakey and moist, making a brownie in a mug is a treat. Try adding whipped cream or ice cream to top it off. Like a little crunch? Add walnuts. Still lacking enough chocolate? Add chocolate chips. Christmas time? Add Andes chocolate mint pieces. You do you! Try this recipe here.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Toast
Ever since I can remember, my family has been making cinnamon sugar toast. My father is in charge of mixing the perfect ratio of cinnamon and sugar into the shaker we have reserved just for the special, sprinkly mixture. I like to slather mine in butter and then drown it in cinnamon sugar. Also very easy to make and doesn't take very much time at all. You'll have visions of rainbows and sunshine for days if you eat it. (Not really, but you'll never know until you try it!) Try this cinnamon sugar ratio here.
Entres
4. Scrambled Eggs
Come on, who doesn't love a good scrambled egg? (Other than the people who don't like eggs. I respect that.) As a child, I'm sure we all had quite a lot of whisked eggs. Maybe your parents added some pepper for a mild kick. Maybe you asked for cheesy eggs. Maybe you smothered your scrambled eggs in ketchup. (Don't hate.) Whatever the case, scrambled eggs never fail to put a smile on your face. Why not go make some now? Try this recipe here.
5. Grilled Chicken Salad with Your Choice of Toppings
Just as good for your body as it is for your heart, a grilled chicken salad is lean and can be crafted for whatever mood or flavor palate you're feeling. Like fruity salads? Try a Fuji Apple Chicken Salad like this one. Want more of a savory salad? Try this one with peppers and basil, which are just a few of the hearty ingredients. Add on as many fruits and veggies as you desire and lay on the dressing (or don't!).
6. Lasagna
My grandmother makes what is possibly the best lasagna there is on the face of the earth, and yes, I will fight you on that. (I acknowledge that it's not very hard to make good lasagna, but that's beside the point.) I'm not even a huge fan of Italian food (I know, I'm crazy.), but I LOVE lasagna. Something about the layers of noodle, cheese, and ground meat (or not if you're a vegan or vegetarian) makes me just feel so comforted and full physically and emotionally. Try this recipe here and you'll see what I mean. It might not be as good as grandma's, but it'll get the job done.
Beverages
7. Homemade Hot Chocolate
I love Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix just as much as the next person, but there's something to be said for homemade hot chocolate mix. My mother one year for Christmas found a bombin' recipe for hot chocolate that my family has been concocting and gifting to friends, family, and teachers for years. I highly recommend it. Ours is one you make using water, but feel free to find other recipes that use milk instead. Hot chocolate is an all-year drink. Anyone who tells you any different hates fun.
See if this recipe tickles your fancy!
8. Smoothies
There are no doubt thousands of smoothie recipes out there. Some may be healthier than others. (Think spinach smoothies versus chocolate peanut butter.) Regardless of your smoothie preference, it is my opinion that smoothies just scream fun. It's exciting choosing the ingredients you want to blend all together into one pretty drink. Add a fancy swirly straw and I guarantee you'll feel giddier for the rest of the day. Try one of these recipes!
9. Sparkling Juice
This is a bubbly, flirty, classy drink you don't even have to make yourself (although you could if you wanted to). My family has been buying sparkling juice at the holidays for my sister and me ever since we proved ourselves stubborn enough to stay awake until the ball drops on New Year's Eve. Not only will you feel classy as heck drinking something sparkling from a fancy glass, you'll feel like a grown-up. (I like to pretend that while I'm drinking it, I have my life together.)
Although plain ol' sparkling apple cider or white grape is no doubt incredible, I would recommend Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Peach. I may or may not have drank most of an entire bottle myself over the course of three days during winter break... Interested? You can buy it here.
Have any personal recommendations? Comment below to share them with the world! Happy eating!
