Make the most of the miserable weather outside with these comforting recipes that hit the spot.
It’s time to face the facts; the Irish summer isn’t always as glorious as we’d like it to be. Yes, it's the middle of May – and yes, it's cold, wet and windy outside. The thing is when the weather is miserable during the Winter months, it's not as bad. It's normal to light the fire, put on your warmest pair of pyjamas, load up a Christmas film on Netflix and eat your way through a tin of roses.
But in Summer?
Summer is meant to be spent outdoors. Walking in parks, going for picnics, having barbecues with family out the back garden, enjoying cocktails in beer gardens with friends – the list goes on. So naturally, when you're restricted to staying inside because of the weather, the rainy day blues are bound to set in. Rather than let yourself feel as miserable as the weather outside, there are some fun things you can do at home on a wet and cold summer day.
Baking has long been known to be the ultimate rainy day mood lifter. Not only does it pass the time but the very act of baking serves as a delicious distraction from all the cancelled plans you now have as a result of the weather. So, with that in mind, we've decided to dig through the vast FOOD&WINE archives to bring you ten tasty recipes that are just perfect to bake on a rainy day.
Flourless lemon meringue cupcakes
These light, fluffy flourless cakes are filled with sweet lemon curd and topped with delicate meringue and an extra drizzle of curd to evoke all the classic flavours of a lemon meringue pie. So good it's impossible to have just one! Try the recipe, here.
French apple tart
Although the flavours are similar, this is not a quick-and-easy throw together American style apple pie. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with sugar and a little bit of cinnamon, and then attractively layered in a sweet pastry shell lined with creme patisserie. It takes a little more work and requires some planning in advance but oh, is it worth it! Try the recipe, here.
Flourless chocolate fudge cookies
No flour? No problem! These flourless chocolate cookies are rich, chocolaty, chewy on the inside and slightly crispy around the edges aka the perfect bake. What's more, you won’t believe how easy it is to make them. No mixer is required, they come together in one bowl and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Try the recipe, here.
Tear and share flower bread
What should you do when the sun is nowhere to be found? Bake your own! This sunshine inspired tear and share loaf uses a combination of wholemeal and white flour and is then sprinkled with poppy seeds. Try the recipe, here.
Espresso martini cupcakes
What's better than an espresso martini? An espresso martini cupcake. Unlike the cocktail, you can enjoy these morning, noon and night! The prep does take a bit of time but trust us, it is truly worth it. Try the recipe, here.
New York baked cheesecake
Travel may be off the menu at the monument but at least this baked cheesecake with butterscotch sauce is a real slice of New York. Try the recipe, here.
Raspberry & coconut traybake
Pretty, plump raspberries are the heroes in this moist cake. Despite their delicate nature, they stay largely intact, releasing their juicy flavour with each moreish mouthful. Try the recipe, here.
Mint chocolate cheesecake brownies
Mint chocolate is one of those divisive flavour combinations: you love it or you hate it. Here at FOOD&WINE HQ, we love it! That's why we're going to be baking these delicious mint chocolate cheesecake brownies today. Try the recipe, here.
Gluten-free carrot cake with orange cream cheese frosting
Cake for breakfast? Sign us up! This plant-based carrot cake is healthy enough to eat for breakfast and sweet enough to enjoy as a treat with a good coffee. It's a moist flavourful loaf that keeps well for days, but also freezes well, slice it up and enjoy all week! Try the recipe, here.
Giant sharing cookie
It's time to supersize your bakes with this giant chocolate chip cookie recipe. Instead of rolling individual bakes, simply press the cookie dough into one large dough studded with an irresistible combination of melting milk, dark and white chocolate for a crowd-pleasing treat. To serve, slice into pieces or simply break into generous shards! Try the recipe, here.
READ MORE: What we're cooking this week
