Okay, so yesterday was one of those days where I just craved some serious comfort food, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, I decided to try out a few “quick and easy” recipes I’d been seeing online. Here’s how it all went down:
First Up: Creamy Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Croutons
I started with the tomato soup. I grabbed a can of crushed tomatoes – the kind with basil and oregano already mixed in. Then, I sautéed some garlic and onion in a pot with a little olive oil. I just tossed them in and let them cook ’til they were soft, you know? Next, I dumped in the crushed tomatoes, a splash of chicken broth, and a spoonful of sugar (to cut the acidity). Simmered that for like, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. I wanted it to be thick and flavorful. I hit it with the immersion blender ’til it was smooth, and then stirred in some heavy cream. Boom, tomato soup, done!
Now for the grilled cheese croutons. This was the fun part. I made a regular grilled cheese sandwich with some cheddar. Then, I cut it into small squares and threw them into the soup. It was cheesy and crunchy, so good.
Next: One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies
This one was super simple. I got a whole chicken from the store (already cleaned, thankfully!). I patted it dry with paper towels, then rubbed it down with olive oil, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Just kinda massaged it all in there. I chopped up some potatoes, carrots, and onions and tossed them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Put the veggies in a roasting pan, plopped the chicken on top, and stuck it in the oven at 400°F (about 200°C). It took about an hour and fifteen minutes, until the chicken was cooked through, with crispy skin and the veggies were tender. Easy peasy.
Finally: Microwave Mug Cake
I have a serious sweet tooth, so I had to end with dessert. This mug cake recipe was a lifesaver. I mixed flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mug. Then, I added milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stirred it all up ’til it was smooth. Nuked it in the microwave for about a minute and a half. It puffed right up! Topped it with some whipped cream. It wasn’t pretty, but it hit the spot.
The Verdict:
- Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Croutons: Definitely a winner! Quick, easy, and comforting.
- One-Pan Chicken & Veggies: Also a success! Minimal cleanup is always a plus.
- Mug Cake: Good for a quick fix, but not the most amazing dessert ever.
All in all, it was a pretty successful comfort food experiment. I’d definitely make all of these again. Especially the tomato soup. Give ’em a try!