Comfort Food to Try This Weekend

Lockdown restrictions may well have been lifted a little, but we still can’t indulge in all the simple pleasures we’re used to: sharing a cup of tea in a friend’s living room; dining out; relaxing in a café with a book and a cappuccino.  

We can still enjoy sitting down to a good meal with those in our household, though – and if your favourite meals and snacks are getting you through lockdown, there’s nothing at all to feel guilty about.

A little bit of what you enjoy never did anyone any harm, so we’re here to share with you some good old comfort food that’s bound to put a smile on your face this weekend – and beyond.

Homemade Pizza

It may be more challenging to make your own pizza bases at the moment, with baking ingredients being in short supply in the shops, but you can probably get your hands on pre-made dough bases and add your own toppings to them.

It’s a fun activity for the whole family, kids included – and it means everyone can enjoy the toppings they like.

The BBC Good Food site has an easy margarita pizza recipe for those who do have enough bread flour to make a base. Or you can just get creative with shop-bought bases and add the meat and salad items you prefer.

You could try making a dessert-based pizza (yes, really), which will satisfy a sweet tooth. The Delish website has loads of inspiration here.

Tear and Share Garlic Bread

If you’re looking for an accompaniment to your pizza, Jamie Oliver has you covered with his recipe for a tear and share garlic bread. He says: “Everyone loves garlic bread, and as you’d expect, this version totally over delivers. Soft, spongy and with the crunchiest backsides you’ve ever seen, as well as being bombed with pungent garlic butter – what’s not to love?”

Give it a go and you’ll soon be shunning shop-bought garlic bread.

Jacket Potatoes

They’re oh so comforting and simple to make. Prepare them for lunch or as an accompaniment to your main meal. They’re also ideal to go alongside your barbecued food – and guess what? The Waitrose site has plenty of filling ideas.

This spicy mackerel baked sweet potato is comforting and healthy, while these Spanish baked potatoes will be a welcome treat on a Saturday night.

‘Chorizo and Manchego work well together’, says the Waitrose team, who add: ‘Try using finely diced chorizo picante for a spicy version.’

The Perfect Homemade Chips

If you’re making your own comfort food – be it a pie or stew or something else entirely – how about some homemade chips to go with it?

Jamie Oliver has come up trumps yet again, sharing this recipe on his website. We’ll certainly be trying it out, as we’re getting pretty fed up of oven chips during lockdown.

Best Ever Macaroni Cheese

We’re all about the carbs here on My Appliances – so here’s another recipe you’ll love. It’s called ‘best ever macaroni cheese’ and there’s a reason for that: it’s absolutely delicious.

Now, all that’s left to do is tuck in and enjoy!