Snowy Days and Comfort Food

I love New England and I love having all the seasons but having just had our third snow storm of the month after a winter essentially without snow, winter is hanging on just a little too long in my opinion. This has never really been my favorite time of year. I’m anxious for spring while knowing it’s still going to be a few months until it really feels warm here. And for various reasons March is a crazy month at our house so something quick, easy and soothing is often the answer to the chilly days and the buzzing house. My mom is visiting as she has done in March the last few years and one of her go to’s is Sally’s Baking Addiction Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins. Mom is the master muffin maker in the family and these never disappoint. The cinnamon is warming and the moist muffin is perfectly complimented by the crunchy crumb topping.

My other favorite go to is Kim’s Hash Brown Bake. A recipe from the Victorian Manner Bed and Breakfast in Franklin, Ohio. I have no idea how I originally found this recipe years ago but everyone in my family loves it and it’s super easy. This is also a great recipe for a brunch party or holiday.

Ingredients:

4 cups frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups diced ham or bacon

1 small onion diced

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cups shredded cheese

1 cup milk

8 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Put potatoes in a 9x13 sprayed pan; sprinkle with garlic, pour on melted butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Refrigerate overnight or let cool. Cover with shredded cheese. Mix together milk and eggs and pour over hashbrowns. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Note: I often just do the second step immediately after cooking the potatoes without letting it cool or refrigerate it.

Hopefully this is the last of the snow for the year and with any luck it will be warm enough these next few days that most of the snow will melt. I know spring officially arrives next week with the Equinox but until the weather reflects that change I hope these dishes bring some coziness to your homes.