Snowed In? Here Are 5 Recipes That You Can Make with the Basics

The weather outside (and the lack of ingredients in your refrigerator) may be frightful, but what you eat can still be delightful.

Food Network Kitchen’s OnePot Cacio e Pepe as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s OnePot Cacio e Pepe as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

For some of us, snow-topped trees and roads too wintry to be traveled mean a peaceful day at home to bake bread from scratch and curl up with a good book. For others, the words ‘snow day’ spell disaster: cabin fever here we come!

Regardless of how you feel about the weather, cooking is a great way to pass the time (and treat yourself to the comforting foods that we all crave when the weather gets cold) even if you didn’t have time to go to the grocery store and stock up on ingredients before the big storm. If you’ve got a few basics on-hand you can eat well – and have a project to keep you busy – all day long.

LEVI_BROWN_FN1121131_POTATOES 04_HIRES.tif

Photo by: Levi Brown

Levi Brown

Potatoes stay fresh for months if they’re stored in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight – which is why most of us have a bag handy during the fall and winter months. Use them to make a warm and satisfying, bacon-and-egg-filled breakfast. Don’t have fresh scallions or parsley in your refrigerator? Try adding a pinch of onion powder to the filling instead.

Food Network Kitchen’s OnePot Cacio e Pepe as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s OnePot Cacio e Pepe as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

Need to warm up after shoveling (or playing in the snow)? Fill up on spaghetti tossed with a simple, creamy sauce made from butter, olive oil, salt, pepper and cheese.

Host Geoffrey Zakarian's White Bean Dip, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen, Season 11.

Host Geoffrey Zakarian's White Bean Dip, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen, Season 11.

Photo by: Chris Amaral ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Chris Amaral, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

When you’re craving a quick snack, reach for a can of cannellini beans. A quick spin in the food processor (along with olive oil and a few dried spices) and you’ve got a tasty, hummus-style dip that’s perfect with pita chips, pretzels, crackers or cut-up veggies.

Photo by: Armando Rafael Moutela ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved

Armando Rafael Moutela, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved

It doesn’t take much to transform that chicken breast in your refrigerator (or freezer) into something crave-worthy. Pound it to an even thickness across, coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs and fry until crispy and golden. Serve with frozen veggies, rice pilaf or a simple salad for a quick (winner, winner) chicken dinner.

FROM THE PANTRY: CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CORN CHIP CHOW
Food Network Kitchen
Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, Unsalted Butter, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder,
Corn Chips, Confectioners’ Sugar

FROM THE PANTRY: CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CORN CHIP CHOW Food Network Kitchen Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, Unsalted Butter, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Corn Chips, Confectioners’ Sugar

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

No snow day would be complete without something sweet. This chocolate-peanut butter treat makes the perfect snack when you’re watching a movie – no baking required!

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