Easy Foods to Make

Many people who face depression and phases of stress and sadness find it very hard to eat during hard times however, when facing sadness, it is vital to find the motivation to eat. By having food, it allows for more energy to fuel the body and boost your mood. Here are some comfort food ideas and recipes that can be made in a short amount of time and give a little sense of positive feelings!

Chocolate Chip Cookies (allrecipes)

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and eggs one at a time. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Finally, mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Remove from baking sheet to cool on wire racks.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ cup chopped onion

• ½ cup chopped celery

• 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth

• ½ pound chopped cooked chicken breast

• 1 ½ cups egg noodles

• 1 cup sliced carrots

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Add chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken, egg noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 pinch white sugar

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 small bunch fresh basil, finely chopped

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion in oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

5. Add cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper.

6. Stir some of the reserved pasta water into sauce and add cooked penne.

7. Remove from the heat and stir in cherry tomatoes, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and basil. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

8. Pour penne mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with remaining mozzarella cheese.

9. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.

   
   

Cooking is definitely a way to get up and do something that has a great reward as well. Some important foods that can help in boosting moods and energy are fruits, eggs, oatmeal, vegetables, leafy greens, and tea!