Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe It is November, and almost winter, which means less daylight, sluggish moods, and bleak weather that chills our insides. While winter may feel like it lasts forever when the months drag on, thankfully we have hearty comfort food that sticks to our ribs and helps us get through. And, if I am talking about comfort food, how can I forget the iconic Coq Au Vin? Quintessentially French, Coq Au Vin (literally “rooster in red wine”) is an iconic dish from the rustic cooking repertoire of France. It is a savory, robust and hearty stew of braised chicken in a luscious, glossy red wine sauce with mushroom and pearl onions. The result is a dish full of fall-apart chicken and the most succulent sauce. Absolutely divine! Sounds fancy, right? In reality, it is a simple, one-pot wonder full of layered, rich flavors that is elegant and impressive enough to serve while entertaining guests, yet comforting enough for a cozy ...

Skip to Recipe Ever since Starbucks developed the special winter- time treat, Cinnamon Dolce Latte, way back in 2006, it quickly became a customer favorite. And, now it is hard to imagine the arrival of autumn without the cozy comfort of this seasonal treat. There’s no denying the deliciousness of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte of Starbucks and it is perfectly fine to indulge once in a while. However, I’m much more partial to making it at home as it is lower in calories, budget-friendly and is as good as Starbucks if not better! And, the best of all, is that you can customize this recipe endlessly to your taste as well. For those craving a Cinnamon Dolce Latte, pass on Starbucks and make this homemade version instead! The Cinnamon Dolce Latte combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, with shot of espresso and freshly steamed milk, all topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. HOW DOES THIS DRINK TASTE LIKE? ...

Skip to Recipe When the temperature drastically drops or when you are feeling under the weather, what food do you turn to for comfort? For a lot of us, the answer is soup. Every country in the world has its own signature soup that represents a fascinating story of the local produce and the culinary traditions of the region. From the meaty broths of Europe to the more spicy and aromatic soups of Asia, soups are more than just a comforting bowl. They are a reflection of the region’s history and culture simmered in a pot. Experience the magic of Vietnamese cuisine with this Bò Kho or Spicy Beef Stew. Bò Kho is a hearty, one-pot stew of succulent beef, sweet, tender carrots and lemongrass that is slow-cooked in a broth infused with Oriental warm spices. The meat is slow cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, deeply infused with the aromatics, and your home will be filled with tantalizing smell. WHAT IS BO KHO? ...

Skip to Recipe Hello October! As the weather turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, nothing feels cozier than snuggling up with a blanket and a cozy bowl of soup. Ring in the Fall season with a hearty and comforting Vegetable Soup. It is guaranteed to satisfy your soup cravings on busy fall and winter nights. A warm bowl of Vegetable Soup filled with an array of colorful veggies, a good pinch of seasoning and a finishing touch of fresh herbs is sure to hit the spot on a chilly night. Packed with nutrients, this soup is a great way to increase your veggie intake that your whole family will love! WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS VEGETABLE SOUP? Enjoy this delicious soup on its own or pair it with some crusty bread and a salad for a wholesome meal. HOW TO SERVE THE LEFTOVERS? Make a big pot of this Vegetable soup and have it for lunch the next day. It keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator ...

Skip to Recipe Italy, a country renowned for its culinary mastery, offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey. But, what sets Italian cuisine apart is the celebration of simplicity. Instead of overwhelming the palate with complex flavor profiles, traditional Italian dishes focus on the beauty of just a handful of high-quality ingredients. It's about allowing those natural flavors to shine through and creating an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you straight to the heart of the country. If you thought Italy was all about pasta and pizza, prepare yourself to know the country’s other famous starchy food intimately. This Tomato & Chorizo Risotto is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the traditional Italian flavors with a Spanish twist. Savory, smoky sausages, bright tomatoes, white wine , Parmesan and Arborio rice combine to create a creamy, velvety Risotto. WHAT IS RISOTTO? ...

Skip to Recipe It has been raining for the last few days, the temperature has drastically dropped, and the dreadful winter is on its way! It is weather like this that makes me crave comfort food. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken is the very definition of comfort food and is perfect to ward off the winter chill. Tender and juicy chicken that is smothered in a thick and creamy white wine mushroom sauce-this is so addictive! Why You Will Love this Recipe Hearty, robust and satisfying, this recipe is the example of an easy and comforting meal that appeals to the whole family! This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes that is easy enough for busy weeknights. You will be amazed at how humble, pantry-friendly ingredients transform into something so spectacular. Though this sounds so fancy, it is a simple dish that is made in...

Skip to Recipe Does anything sound better than a steaming hot mug of luscious Homemade Hot Chocolate when the cold weather hits? I don’t think so! It’s a constant during the colder months, and I can’t imagine the holiday season with it. Couple it with a fireplace and a fluffy blanket, and you've got the cure for even the coldest of winter nights. While you can stir cocoa powder into warm milk and call it a day, nothing compares to the rich, comforting goodness of a cup of homemade hot chocolate. Hot, simmering milk melds with semi-sweet chocolate, cacao powder, and a dash of maple syrup, all in one pot. It’s luscious and unapologetically decadent and feels like a hug! Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate Most people mistakenly identify hot chocolate and cocoa as the same beverage. However, they differ in the ingredients that is used to make them. Traditionally, hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar and milk. On ...

Skip to Recipe As autumn begins to make its way into the picture, it is natural to feel depressed at the thought of losing those extra hours of sunlight, cold gloomy weather, and dark mornings and evenings. If you are already plotting how to escape the frigid drudgery of Winter, it is the best time to embrace the Danish lifestyle of Hygge. At its core, the Scandinavian term Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) cannot be translated to a single word in English but encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. The warm and cozy lifestyle that hygge promotes has been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s and has over the years been adapted by rest of the world. For me, fall hygge is all about taking the time to slow down, enjoying the company of loved ones and creating my own cozy haven. This Hot Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect companion to celebrate the apple season and...

Skip to Recipe As the days start to cool and the wind stirs the leaves, nothing feels cozier than snuggling up with a blanket and a mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Ever since Starbucks developed the seasonal beverage way back in 2003, the world has fallen head over heels in love with it. And, now it is hard to imagine the arrival of autumn without the cozy comfort of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. There’s no denying the deliciousness of a Pumpkin Spice Latte of Starbucks and it is perfectly fine to indulge once in a while. However, I’m much more partial to making it at home as it is lower in calories, budget-friendly and is as good as Starbucks if not better! And, the best of all, is that you can customize this recipe endlessly to your taste as well. Creamy, mildly spiced, full of pumpkin flavors and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this Pumpkin Spice Latte warms your body and soul on a cool crisp autumn afternoon. What is a PSL? ...