The departure of wintery holidays certainly doesn’t pack up and take the cold weather with them! Instead, now is the perfect time for a deep breath, filling up on cozy reflections and warmth from the inside out! Spring doesn’t arrive until March so until then, fuzzy feelings and comfort foods are still an “in” thing!

As we reminisce about thoughts of the past, both recent and deep into our memories, they become a part of our dinner tables that melt the heart with nostalgia. Those times combined with food and family have a way of bringing the feeling of contentment all over, in both mind and body. From a main entrée to dessert, let’s plunge into delicious options that are as cozy as a fluffy throw by the crackling fire!

Cornbread Taco Bake-Main Dish

When holiday casseroles have run their course, this hearty dish adds the post-holiday flavor we crave, the warmth we still need, and is loaded with indulgent comfort!

Ingredients

• One 7-ounce packet of cornbread mix
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 tablespoons McCormick taco seasoning or one packet
• ⅓ cup water
• 11-ounce can Mexicorn, drained
• 10-ounce can Rotel
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use)
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• Shredded lettuce, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and taco sauce as optional toppings

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a 9″ x 9″ (or 2 ½ quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine cornbread mix with milk and egg. Stir well.
• Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
• Crumble and cook ground beef until no longer pink, drain excess grease.
• Stir in taco seasoning and ⅓ cup water, combining well.
• Add Mexicorn and Rotel. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes,
• When cornbread is cooked, remove from oven and cover with ground beef mixture
• Combine sour cream, ONE cup of shredded cheese and green onions in a bowl.
• Gently spread the sour cream mixture on top of the ground beef mixture.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
• Add desired toppings.

Indian Fry Bread-Side

Regardless of your entree, this unique side will fill the gap and the tummy with a taste to sink your teeth into! It’s the perfect partner for a hot bowl of chili, soup, stew or will add warmth to a chilled salad!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons powdered milk
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 cup shortening
• Extra flour for your hands

Instructions

• Put flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered milk in a large mixing bowl.
• Mix in warm water to form dough.
• Cover hands in flour.
• Knead dough by hand until soft but not sticky.
• Cover with a cloth and let stand for 15 minutes.
• Shape dough into balls that are about 2 inches across.
• Flatten dough balls by patting and stretching the dough.
• Melt shortening about an inch deep in a frying pan until hot.
• Fry one side of dough until golden brown, then turn and fry the other side. 
• Serve plain with a meal or top with honey, powdered sugar, etc. You can also make it savory by topping with cooked sausage or a fried egg etc.

Apple Crisp-Dessert

Nothing is more American than apple pie, but this apple crisp adds the “mmmmm” that sets it apart and warms the soul!

Ingredients

Topping:

• 1/2 cup SR flour
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup butter, cold and cubed

Filling:

• 2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 3 Tbsp butter, melted
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce if desired

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees with oven rack one level below the center.
• Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl whisk together 1/2 cup flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
• Add diced butter and cut butter into dry mixture until it forms small crumbles.
• Place in refrigerator to chill.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour until well blended.
• Mix in water, lemon juice, and vanilla.
• Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
• Place apples in a large bowl and pour butter mixture over apples, tossing to evenly coat.
• Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
• Remove topping from refrigerator and sprinkle crumbles evenly over apples.
• Bake approximately 35 minutes, until top is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced. 
• Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, optional.

Related: How to Put Together an Epic Picnic for 2 under $40