Comfort food staples, homemade bread, and spicy ginger shots

In February our readers were all about the comfort foods: chicken parm, homemade bread, meatloaf, and congee were among the most searched-for recipes on The Spruce Eats. And no wonder! February is a short month that feels like the longest and is often the coldest. Cooking up a hearty dinner isn't just a coping mechanism to take your mind off crappy weather and seasonal affective disorder. It's a way of getting warm down to your bones, nourishing yourself and the people you care about, and taking a beat to slow down.

How do you like to cook this time of year? Do you lean into the cold weather and enjoy long-cooking stews, braises, and other brown foods (my favorite), or do you pile on the fresh green veggies in defiance? Either way, we've got you covered.

Easy Chicken Parmesan

For a dish that delivers such a hefty dose of comfort, this easy chicken parmesan couldn't be quicker or easier to whip up. This recipe uses your favorite jarred red sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, and melty mozzarella for an extra cozy main that just needs a salad or simple veggie side to warm up your weeknight.

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Eat your heart out, Chipotle! These satisfying homemade bowls are meal prep gold, and they're more affordable than eating out. All the components can be prepped and kept in separate containers, and you can mix and match them to your heart's content.

Ginger Shot

This time of year, even if you're not suffering from an interminable runny nose or some other ailment you probably feel like you need a zesty pick-me-up. This ginger shot recipe fits the bill perfectly, and the best part? You don't need a juicer for this juice bar-worthy shot of liquid sunshine.

Galette des Rois

Mardi Gras has come and gone but galette des rois is forever. Our version of this French pastry is made quicker and easier with a food processor frangipane (almond paste) and store-bought puff pastry. It's traditionally served on Epiphany, but it makes an outstanding brunch pastry or memorable dessert any time of year.

Onion Soup Meatloaf

This six-ingredient meatloaf gets big flavor from a little packet of onion soup mix. Brush a little ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce over the top for the last 15 minutes of baking for a delicious glaze, and serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Mango Sticky Rice

Eating a perfectly ripe, fragrant mango in February is almost enough to make you forget that it's...well...February. Thai mango sticky rice pairs fresh mango chunks with sticky rice and a sweet coconut sauce for a super simple dessert that is more than the sum of its parts.

Easy Homemade Gyros

Traditional gyros are made by shaving spit-cooked seasoned meat onto pita bread with fresh veggies and tzatziki. That method is almost impossible to pull off at home, but this gyro recipe gives you all the flavors of the real thing with a much easier method using ground lamb.

Microwave Poached Eggs

If you thought poached eggs were weekend fare, think again! This recipe uses the microwave to make the easiest poached eggs you've ever had. They're so straightforward you can make them before you've finished your first cup of coffee. Serve simply over toast or an English muffin and start the day like a boss.

Congee

While congee is perfect sick-day food, it's also outstanding served for breakfast with a poached egg (see above), chili crisp, and scallions. Perhaps the best thing about congee? It's incredibly versatile. Serve it topped with shredded chicken or pork, julienned ginger, fried garlic, or Chinese sausage.

Super Easy Bread for Beginners

Winter and early spring is the perfect time to start baking bread. It warms up the kitchen and makes the whole house smell like a bakery. We haven't even gotten to the part where you eat the bread yet! Baking bread for the first time can be intimidating, but this easy recipe guides you through the process step by step and yields results that make breakfast more delicious and give your sandwiches a lift.