Hi Reader,

After an unusually warm October, the temperature has finally dropped - a lot! This means that satisfying, cozy recipes for comfort foods are in order - actually, a must in our book (we love comfort food😋).

Comfort foods are undeniably delicious, but let's face it, they are not always the healthiest option. Many are fried or loaded with high calories, sugar and carbs. So we compiled a few hacks to lighten and nourish your favorite comfort foods.

As always, hope you find something you like!

Cheryl and Jenna

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Feature

Best Shepherd’s Pie (With Plant-Based Beef)

This unique vegetarian shepherd’s pie is made with plant-based beef and topped with a root vegetable mash. Same rich flavors and textures as a traditional shepherd's pie – and just as delicious and comforting. You can, of course, use regular ground beef if you’re not a vegetarian. 1 hour.

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Comfort Food Recipes

Ina Garten Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food. I can assure you this individual-serving chicken pot pie is a zillion times better than the frozen pot pies some of us admit to loving back in the day. We have some great shortcuts too if you're interested. 2 hours.

Best Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots

Buttery, herby, garlicky, oniony potatoes and carrots. The instant pot does a great job with this easy comfort food side dish. Not fancy. Just delish. 24 minutes.

Sous Vide Beef Ribs (Mouthwatering!)

If you are the one who reaches for the bones when eating a prime rib of beef, these sous vide beef ribs are for you. Rich, succulent, tender meat with incredible flavor. They take little effort to make and a long time to cook (and worth it!). 20 hours.

Healthy Creamed Spinach (15 Minutes)

Creamed spinach, laced with onion and garlic, is one of the yummiest comfort side dishes ever. Keep it light or make it rich. It’s up to you. (One of Jenna's fave's). 15 minutes.

Best Vegan Bolognese (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

I’m pretty sure you couldn’t tell the difference between a traditional steaming bowl of pasta with meat sauce (classic Bolognese) and our quicker Bolognese made with plant-based ground beef. 53 minutes (instant pot) 75 minutes (stovetop).

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Spinach

Mac & cheese might be old school but there’s no denying it’s an all-time favorite comfort food. Creamy, cheesy and delicious, made a tad healthier with spinach😉. 40 minutes.

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Hacks to lighten and nourish your favorite comfort foods

Here are a few ideas to make comfort foods lighter or more nutritious - and still get that comfort factor.

1. Load up on veggies in stews, soups, pasta dishes and stir fries. Those who follow Two Kooks, will know we put baby spinach in everything!
2. Bake instead of fry. We’re talking fish, chicken, potatoes, even eggplant parmesan​
3. Swap heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt in soups, casseroles and sauces. I often use half and half cream (10%) instead.
4. Use lower-fat cheese in mac and cheese (we add spinach too), pizza, lasagna.
5. Cut down the calories in cakes and quick breads. If a cake calls for 1 cup of sugar, you can cut it to 2/3 or 3/4 cup. And substitute unsweetened applesauce for oil (1:1) in baked goods to keep them moist without all the added saturated fats.
6. Use oats instead of bread crumbs. This is perfect for meatloaf or meatballs.
7. Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash to cut down on carbs.
8. Swap in whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour in recipes to add fiber.
9. Use quinoa instead of rice. It can even replace bread for a quinoa stuffing.
10. Eat less of those indulgent comfort foods🤣. This is my personal favorite. Enjoy your favorite comfort foods in smaller portions (this is my big advice to my husband!)

What You're Saying...

I tried this recipe a week ago. Man, when I tell you it’s easy to make, it is. I enjoyed the flavor (I did add just 1 tsp of sugar). All and all, the color was great, it was the right consistency for my chicken thighs. What a wonderful recipe this is. KCSILC

​Chicken Gravy (Without Drippings, 8 Min)​

More comfort food can be on the way... Click the button below for our HOMEMADE SOUP SERIES which will be sent straight to your email over the next several days.

Have a great week!

Cheryl and Jenna

jenna-cheryl@twokooksinthekitchen.com

Website: https://twokooksinthekitchen.com/​

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