Create a Winter Escape at Home
Often the best way to contend with winter is to escape it. Create an oasis at home by surrounding yourself with your favorite simple things, delightful entertainment, good company, and comforting foods. By embracing self-care and focusing on relaxation and downtime, we’re allowing ourselves to slow down and recharge during the last dreary days of winter.
Make the Most of Time Spent Inside
So maybe the weather isn't perfect for a long walk, but there are plenty of indoor activities that can keep you energized. Catch up on the newest streaming sensation. Read your way through the bestsellers' list or dust off one of your favorite literary classics. You could even pick up a new hobby. Baking warms up the house and gives you delicious treats to share with family and friends. Doing what you love or trying something new is a great way to spend long winter evenings.
Plan Time with Others
Time with family and friends is good for your mood and health. Reach out with dinner invitations. Go the movies, invite an old friend to lunch, or go back to a jazz club you’ve been meaning to return to for ages. Game nights are a great way to connect with a group of friends with a healthy side of competition to liven things up.
No matter the season or the weather, we’re all looking for connection.
Foods and Drinks to Warm You Up
A critical component to maximum coziness is something hot to warm your hands and your insides. Get creative with warm winter drinks, or use the Café induction cooktop to make Simple Miso Ramen. With a few basic ingredients you can have a beautiful and filling meal.
Simple Miso Ramen
Cook Time 25 minutes | Servings 4
Authentic ramen can take several days and a trip to a specialty market, but our Simple Miso Ramen recipe will have a bowl of umami goodness on your table in about 25 minutes
Ingredients
12 ounces dried ramen noodles
8 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons instant dashi granules
1 tablespoon soy sauce or to taste
4 tablespoons white miso paste
4 soy sauce eggs
How to make it
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
In a large pot, combine the stock, instant dashi granules and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the miso.
Divide the noodles, soy sauce eggs and any additional toppings among 4 large serving bowls. Ladle soup into each bowl.
Chef's Notes
Additional toppings for Miso Ramen include:
- Fresh blanched spinach (squeeze out the water)
- Green onions, thinly sliced on the bias
- Bamboo shoots, canned or fresh
- Dried seaweed
- Tofu (drained and cut into cubes)
- Snow peas (blanched)
- Enoki mushrooms
- Fresh bean sprouts
Soy Sauce Eggs
Cook Time 6 hours | Servings 3
Make these eggs ahead of time to complement your homemade ramen or serve atop an Asian-inspired salad.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
¾ cup soy sauce
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon grated ginger
6 large eggs
How to make it
In a medium bowl, whisk together water, sugar, sherry vinegar and soy sauce. Whisk to dissolve sugar. Stir in scallions and ginger.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully put the eggs into the boiling water and cook for 7 minutes. While eggs are cooking, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. When the eggs are done, transfer them to the ice bath.
Once the eggs are cool (and the water isn't uncomfortably icy), peel them (in the water—this will help them keep a perfect exterior). Transfer the eggs to the soy sauce mixture and marinate in the fridge for at least 2, and up to 6, hours, making sure they are completely submerged. If necessary, top the eggs with a small plate to ensure submersion.
Remove the eggs from the sweet and salty solution. The eggs will keep, refrigerated in a tightly sealed container, for up to a month.
To serve, cut the eggs in half lengthwise and season with salt and pepper.