Chicagoans' go-to comfort foods are coming in to warm the hearts and bellies of our readers during the chilly winter months.
For Carol Bryant, a bowl of French onion soup from two of her favorite spots, Wilde Bar and Lady Gregory's, is the perfect remedy for cold weather. Similarly, Scott Chasen swears by his homemade matzoh ball-kreplach noodle soup to beat the chill. Melissa Jones takes a more indulgent approach with short ribs that are sure to warm even the coldest of bones.
On the other hand, P. Teodo finds solace in the pasta fagioli at La Scarola, declaring it "the best ever." Janet Crawford's homemade chili is another nutritious comfort meal that's full of protein and goodness, while Helen Rogers relies on her dad's secret goulash recipe to get her through the winter.
Dave Kraft takes a culinary trip to Finland with his warming lohikeitto - a salmon, dill, and cream soup that keeps the Finns cozy. Myrna Kar sticks to what she knows best with a hearty bowl of chicken soup, while Jackie Waldhier's potato casserole with cornflakes on top might not be as traditional but certainly provides a warm hug on a cold day.
Last but not least, Franklin Eric Dickerson reveals that 50-cent instant ramen is his go-to comfort food when he needs something fast and filling to get him through the winter chill. Whether it's homemade or store-bought, these dishes are sure to become our new favorite warming up recipes for the winter season.
For Carol Bryant, a bowl of French onion soup from two of her favorite spots, Wilde Bar and Lady Gregory's, is the perfect remedy for cold weather. Similarly, Scott Chasen swears by his homemade matzoh ball-kreplach noodle soup to beat the chill. Melissa Jones takes a more indulgent approach with short ribs that are sure to warm even the coldest of bones.
On the other hand, P. Teodo finds solace in the pasta fagioli at La Scarola, declaring it "the best ever." Janet Crawford's homemade chili is another nutritious comfort meal that's full of protein and goodness, while Helen Rogers relies on her dad's secret goulash recipe to get her through the winter.
Dave Kraft takes a culinary trip to Finland with his warming lohikeitto - a salmon, dill, and cream soup that keeps the Finns cozy. Myrna Kar sticks to what she knows best with a hearty bowl of chicken soup, while Jackie Waldhier's potato casserole with cornflakes on top might not be as traditional but certainly provides a warm hug on a cold day.
Last but not least, Franklin Eric Dickerson reveals that 50-cent instant ramen is his go-to comfort food when he needs something fast and filling to get him through the winter chill. Whether it's homemade or store-bought, these dishes are sure to become our new favorite warming up recipes for the winter season.
For me, something like a good ol' fashioned chicken noodle soup or a hearty beef stew would hit the spot way more. And don't even get me started on the prices at Wilde Bar and Lady Gregory's... I mean, $15 for a bowl of French onion soup is just crazy talk! 
. My kid's been going through this crazy phase where they don't want to eat anything that requires too much effort, you know? 
But honestly, there's something so satisfying about having a warm, comforting bowl of goodness just waiting for them on the table after a long day. I swear, my homemade chili recipe is like magic for our tummies - it's like they forget all about their exhaustion and just devour it up 
. And can we talk about the importance of carbs during winter? Those lohikeitto and potato casserole sound like the perfect pick-me-ups for a cold day 
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. For me, it's all about that rich flavor and comforting texture, whether I opt for a homemade recipe or try out something new from one of my favorite restaurants. The thing is, comfort food isn't just about warming your belly - it's also about feeling cozy and relaxed, like you're wrapping yourself in a blanket on a chilly winter day 
. Give me a warm bowl of goodness any time!
. And 50 cents? That's like a steal 
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. And what's with the reliance on dad's secret goulash recipe? Is that even a thing? Shouldn't we be talking about more diverse, culturally-inspired recipes to warm our hearts and bellies?
. Is there a formal review or taste test that went into determining its greatness? And while we're on the topic of soup, isn't French onion soup just a fancy way of saying beef broth with some onions in it? 
. I've gotta say, I'm a bit surprised by Franklin's 50-cent instant ramen as a go-to - I mean, it's definitely convenient and easy on the wallet 
, but is it really the most comforting option for you? 
I mean, who can resist a good bowl of French onion soup or a warm plate of short ribs? 
And I've gotta say, having a secret goulash recipe is like having your own superpower, Helen Rogers must be so proud to have her dad's recipe! 