FOOD

FOOD Comfort Foods for a Warm Winter

Comfort food is anything that holds a sentimental value for someone besides, maybe, being high-calorie or high in carbs.

A recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll indicated America's favorite comfort food is... PIZZA! Pizza is also the food Americans consider most addictive and is the world’s mostInstagrammed food, beating out burgers nearly 10 to 1.

EASY SKILLET PIZZA • REE DRUMMOND

• 1 pound frozen store-bought pizza dough, thawed and risen • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce • 1/2 cup pepperoni • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls • 1/4 cup torn fresh basil

DIRECTIONS

Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500° F. Meanwhile, roll or stretch the dough into a 14-inch circle. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven.

Drizzle two thirds of the olive oil into the skillet, then carefully transfer the dough to the skillet, pressing the dough up the edges. Spread the sauce over the dough, making sure to get all the way to the edges. Shingle the pepperoni over the sauce and top with the mozzarella pearls. Brush the exposed dough with the remaining olive oil. Bake on the bottom rack until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board, top with torn basil, cut into slices and serve.

JALAPEÑO POPPER DIP ERIN MERHAR

• 8 strips bacon, chopped • 2 cloves garlic • 2 fresh jalapenos, chopped, plus more for garnish • 16 oz. block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 c. mayonnaise • 1/3 c. sour cream • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper • 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese • Sliced, toasted baguette, for serving • 1 c. crushed, thick yellow corn tortilla chips, plus more for serving

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat a 10” cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Remove from the heat and transfer the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Remove all but a thin layer of bacon grease from the skillet (about 2 tablespoons remaining). Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the garlic and jalapeno. Cook 2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the heat. Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir or whisk until smooth. Stir in about two-thirds of the bacon. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese all over the top of the dip, followed by the crushed chips. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted all over. Top with the remaining cooked bacon and extra slices of jalapeno. Serve with more tortilla chips and toasted baguette.

AIR FRYER BROWNIES IN 15 MINUTES TANYA HARRIS MY LIFE BLOG

If using a mix, cut recipe in half and reduce temperature and time for baking in the Air Fryer. The general rule of thumb for air fryers is to reduce by 30 degrees and cut time by 20 percent. • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 6 T unsweetened cocoa powder • ¾ cup sugar • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted • 2 large eggs • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼` teaspoon baking powder

DIRECTIONS

Prepare 7-inch baking pan by generously greasing with butter on the bottom and all sides. Set aside.

Preheat Air Fryer by setting the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit and allowing it to run for about 5 minutes while preparing batter. Add all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder into a large bowl and stir until thoroughly combined. Add to prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Place in preheated Air Fryer and bake 15 minutes or until a toothpick entered in the center comes out mostly clean. Remove and allow to cool in the pan before removing and cutting.