Holidays are normally a time of year for people to gather with their loved ones and spend some quality time together. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic many people might not be able to spend the holidays with their families.

Here are some of my comfort food recipes to make if you’re spending the holidays by yourself.

BAKED SALMON DINNER

Start to Finish: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Serving: 1

Fresh salmon filet

2 scoops of butter

2 garlic cloves

2 orange slices

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 cup white rice

Aluminum foil 

Oven safe baking pan

Pot to cook the rice

Cutting board

All these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store for under twenty dollars. I recommend getting the salmon filet from Jewel. It’s usually $5-6 a pound. 

First, prepare the baking pan by placing a large enough sheet of aluminum foil in the pan and to have excess foil to cover the salmon before putting it in the oven. Then, preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

While using a cutting board, check the filet for any bones that may have been left behind. Mix the salt, pepper and chili powder in a separate dish to taste the seasoning and decide if you like it before adding it to the salmon. 

Cover the top and sides of the fish with seasoning mix. 

Put the scoops of butter on each side of the filet. Place a peeled garlic clove on top of the scoop of butter, then a thin slice of orange on top of the garlic and butter. 

Cover the salmon with the excess aluminum foil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Put the sauce pan on medium heat for the white rice, and bring one cup of water to a boil, for a single serving. After the water comes to a boil, add in the rice and take the pot off the heat and cover it to let the rice cook. 

By the time the salmon has finished, cooking the rice should be done as well, allowing you to plate everything all at once.

MUG BROWNIE 

Start to Finish: 10 minutes

Serving: 1

¼ cup flour

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (natural, unsweetened)

2 tablespoons of melted butter

¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Table salt

Cinnamon

1 scoop of ice cream

Microwave safe mug

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

First add the ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar,  2 tablespoons cocoa, a small pinch of salt and a small pinch of cinnamon to the mug. Stir the mix well and break up any clumps.

After melting the butter in the microwave for about 40 seconds, add it to the mug with the ¼ cup water and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together. The brownie mix should be smooth. 

Put the mug in the microwave and bake on high heat for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If the brownie isn’t cooked enough for you after 2 minutes, put it back in the microwave for 25 second intervals until it’s cooked to your liking. 

Once the brownie is done baking let it cool down before adding a scoop of ice cream on top.