Feeling down from the winter blues and tired of pandemic lockdowns? Looking for comfort foods to warm your body and lift your spirits? I've got a few suggestions here that are not only comforting, but also delicious and healthy! Perfect for re-energizing after shovelling the snow or playing in the snow with your kids.

The first is a baked salmon fillet served with two veggie sides - one side is red cabbage with carrot and burdock strips, while the second side is chickpeas and lentils with onion, carrots and cauliflower, flavoured with curry and turmeric powder. The salmon fillet was the perfect size for dividing the 2 colourful halves visually!

Another comforting dish is lemon chicken with risotto. Admittedly, it was my first try at making risotto - I used an artichoke risotto package mix and added in green peas, marinated artichokes and oyster mushrooms. I'm a huge fan of mushrooms... they always take pasta and risotto dishes to another level with their umami flavour! As for plating, the lemon and mushroom slices are arranged in a triangular shape, which takes the viewer's eyes around the photo, allowing them to savour the taste ;-).

And last but not least, is an avocado smoked salmon toast with chips. Although not as hot (temperature wise) as the 2 dishes above, it is definitely a comfort food for me. I love the combination of avocado and smoked salmon (both in texture and in flavour), topped with crunchy toasted sesame seeds. The spicy-flavoured chips added a kick too! 

Comfort foods are meals that warm your heart. Stay well and enjoy your favourite comfort foods this winter season!