Warm up this winter with these hot recipes

With colder days keeping everyone indoors, it can be hard to find creative ways to enjoy winter. But the kitchen can serve as both an escape from the chilly weather and as a form of self-care.

It's important to set aside time to make quality food for ourselves, no matter how busy school gets. During these last few days of the semester, take a break from finals with The Daily Targum's list of the best warm recipes for the season.

French Onion Soup

Fans of the classic grilled cheese and soup combo are sure to like French Onion Soup, as it combines soup, bread and cheese all together in one bowl. The soup itself is simple, but the timeless combination never gets old.

To start, thinly slice yellow onions (for two servings, use 1-2) and caramelize them by melting butter in a skillet and stirring on low heat until the onions are soft and brown.

Heat beef broth in a separate pot, then season your onions with salt and pepper. While not necessary, adding 1 tablespoon of dry sherry or white wine to the onions can enhance the flavor. Mix in a tablespoon of flour to thicken the mixture, then add in the warm broth. Allow the soup to come to a simmer.

While French onion soup can be enjoyed on its own, the bread and cheese take it to the next level. Typically, French onion soup is prepared in an oven, with a slice of toasted baguette and cheese placed on top of the bowl. But, the same effect can be produced by putting the toast and cheese in the oven on a pan and then adding it to the soup once it's melted. 

While Gruyère is the usual, Mozzarella, Swiss and Parmesan cheese will also get the job done. 

Be sure to eat your soup soon after it's done, as French onion soup is best enjoyed immediately when the cheese is perfectly melted and before the bread gets too soggy.

Apple Crumble

A fall staple, a good apple crumble is like an easier apple pie but just as warming and sweet. This cozy dessert is simple to make and is perfect for a cozy indoor winter day.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, then begin by peeling and slicing three apples. Of course, this is only a recommendation. An apple crumble is simple since the baking ratios aren't super important. If you want more apples or more cinnamon, just make it to your own taste.

Mix together one cup of flour, 1/2 a cup of sugar, 1/2 a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Next, cut in one stick of butter with a blender or by hand. That's all you need for the crumble, but additional toppings like walnuts or oats can be added at your own discretion.

Place the apples in a baking dish, then cover evenly with crumble. Bake until the topping is golden brown, for approximately 45 minutes.

Apple crumble is best eaten warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a pinch of cinnamon on top.

Hot Chocolate

If nothing else can get rid of the winter chill, a cup of homemade hot chocolate is sure to do the trick.

In a pan, heat 4 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat. Be sure to mix frequently, and keep the milk warm but not boiling. 

Next, add 1/4 of a cup of bittersweet chocolate chips or a broken-up chocolate bar. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully combined, then add 1/8 of a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

While the classic hot chocolate is delicious in its own right, additional flavors can be added for some fun variations.

For a peppermint hot cocoa, mix in 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract and add whipped cream with sprinkled candy cane pieces on top.

Add in a shot of espresso for a coffee-flavored hot chocolate or regular coffee with a little less milk.

To make a festive spiked hot chocolate, add 1/2 a cup of Bailey's Irish Cream. Kahlua, chocolate liqueur or vanilla vodka also work.

Pour the hot cocoa into two mugs, and enjoy with whipped cream and marshmallows on top!

Baking and cooking require focus but aren't high-pressure or stressful. This makes the kitchen a good way to unwind and distract yourself from schoolwork, relieving some of the stress of finals season.

These recipes help remind us of the joys of winter, something that can easily be forgotten in college. Especially in the midst of finals, be sure to set aside some time for yourself and consider making any of these warm recipes.