Five Recipes to Try During an Ice Storm
Power outages due to an ice storm can leave many people stuck indoors and looking for activities to pass the time. If you’re one of those people, why not try your hand at some cooking? In this blog, we’ll provide you with five recipes you can try during the ice storm that you can make using ingredients you should already have in your pantry. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Recipe 1: One Pot Mac and Cheese
Nothing is more comforting than a creamy bowl of mac and cheese! This version is made with a combination of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese all cooked in one pot. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients needed:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions on how to prepare it:
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and dry mustard, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes.
Add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted.
Add cooked macaroni and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Recipe 2: Hearty Soup
This hearty soup is made with a combination of ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and green beans - perfect for keeping you warm during the cold weather!
Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (14-ounce) can green beans, drained
Instructions on how to prepare it:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pot if necessary. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add potatoes, tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot; stir to combine everything together. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover pot with a lid and let soup simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Remove lid from the pot and stir in green beans; simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.
Recipe 3: Rice Bowls
These flavorful rice bowls are sure to be a hit with everyone! They’re made with brown rice and a variety of toppings such as beans, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese - perfect for when you’re stuck indoors because of an ice storm!
Ingredients needed:
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (choose any combination):
Black beans
Avocado slices
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Instructions on how to prepare it:
In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper; set aside.
Divide cooked brown rice among four bowls; top each bowl with desired toppings (beans, avocado slices, tomatoes, cheese). Drizzle each bowl with reserved garlic oil mixture. Serve warm or cold.
Recipe 4: Baked Potato Skins
These crunchy potato skins are topped with bacon bits and melted cheese - perfect for sharing during an ice storm!
Ingredients needed:
4 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
Bacon bits
Shredded cheese
Instructions on how to prepare it:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
Clean baking potatoes then cut them lengthwise into quarters; discard any remaining potato pieces from center of potato skins. Place potato skins onto prepared baking sheet then drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper as desired. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove baking sheet from oven then sprinkle potato skins with bacon bits and shredded cheese; bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm or at room temperature with desired dip or condiment of choice (sour cream, ranch dressing).
Recipe 5: No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
These no-bake oat bars are packed full of chocolate chips for a delicious snack during an ice storm!
Ingredients needed: *1 cup rolled oats *1/2 cup peanut butter *1/4 cup honey *1/4 cup chocolate chips *1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions on how to prepare it: 1. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper; set aside. 2. In a medium bowl combine rolled oats, peanut butter, honey; stir until combined 3. Pour oat mixture into prepared baking pan then spread into an even layer; sprinkle chocolate chips over top then press down lightly into oat mixture 4. Cover baking pan with plastic wrap then place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until oat mixture is firm; remove from refrigerator then cut into bars 5. Sprinkle bars with chopped peanuts (optional). Serve chilled or at room temperature with desired dip or condiment of choice (e.g., caramel sauce).
Conclusion
We hope these five recipes will help make your time indoors during the ice storm more enjoyable! We’ve provided you with one-pot mac & cheese; hearty soup; rice bowls; baked potato skins; no-bake chocolate oat bars - all recipes that you should be able to make using ingredients you should already have in your pantry! So grab your ingredients and get cooking!