It’s getting really cold here in Atlanta and though I don’t usually have good things to say about cold weather, one thing I can say is I really love good old-fashioned comfort food. This is the kind of heavy, yet healthy food that makes a cold day bearable for me.

I’ll share couple of recipes that are easy to make, costs only pennies, and that make me feel really good.  I hope you make one or two for yourself and your family.

Potato Soup

This recipie is one I have been making since I was a single woman living on my own. I graviated toward it because I love potatoes and it is really cheap to make. One thing you should know is I don’t measure my ingredients when I cook so what I am writing are estimates. Some seay it’s a sign of a great cook.  The results are 90% good with this method and my kids never leave food on their plates. 🙂 Modify to fit your tastes.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

To make potato soup follow these directions:

3-4 medium or large potatoes

1 10 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 cup thinly sliced onions (optional)

Salt to taste

Peel and dice potatoes then place in medium pot with onions and salt. Cover with water and cook until tender. Reduce heat then add mushroom soup. Stir to mix soup in well. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!

You can add more seasoning if you like a more spicy taste. Occasionllay I add:

Leftover backed chicken (or any meat)

Steamed cabbage

Seasoned salt

Pepper

Add whatever you have on hand that would taste yummy in this soup.

Eat with rolls, biscuits, or any kind of thick bread. It will definitely satisfy you.

Breakfast Casserole

I cook this around the holidays. I had it at a company brunch one year and decided I wanted to learn how to make it. I’ve seen recipies that are really complicated and has a lot of ingredients, but I prefer keeping my recipes simple so I use fewer ingredients.

Prep Time: 5-7 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

To make a breakfast casserole you need a 9×12 baking dish and the following ingredients:

2 cups Tater Tots

6-8 Eggs

1/2-3/4 cup Milk

3/4- 1 cup Sausage (cooked and chopped)

1/2 cup Cheese (mild)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of casserole dish cooking spray. Layer potatoes and sausage on bottom of dish.  Whip eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Pour mixture over potatoes and sausage. Put in oven and cook until golden brown. Enjoy with toast and a warm beverage!

The Joy of Comfort Food to Warm You on the Inside

Even though it’s cold outside you don’t have to be miserable. Enjoy the comfort foods I gave you above with your family. Don’t forget to get in some kind of exercise 3 or more times a week to keep off the winter bulge. It will keep the blues away and make you feel great.

To save money on these recipes use store brands or purchase ingredients when they are on sale and/or with a coupon. It tastes just as delicious as using brand names. This is the season to stock up on canned soups like cream of mushroom used in the potato soup.

Samantha Gregory

Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.

Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.

She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.