13 comfort foods for this long winter

The idea that we look to a groundhog for meteorological predictions is endearingly naïve — as is the fact that, at the tip-top of February, we would expect anything less than 6 more dark, chilly weeks. One of the great mistakes of the Western world: vesting a rodent with such power, never once questioning his timing in mid-winter purgatory.

If Punxsutawney Phil's prophesy hit you hard — or even if you knew it all along and hibernated straight through his forecast — you deserve the kind of food that will meet you right where you are. Comfort food was made for this. From the best mashed potatoes to gooey chocolate cake, here are 13 exemplars that will be your strength and give you hope through this winter's homestretch.

Parker & Otis' pimento cheese (plus grilled sandwiches with bacon and tomato) by Genius Recipes

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Barbara Lynch's spicy tomato soup by Genius Recipes

The best roast chicken with garlic and herb pan sauce by Merrill Stubbs

Mr. L's mashed potatoes by La452

Martha Stewart's macaroni and cheese by Genius Recipes

Joan Nathan's chosen matzo ball soup by Joan Nathan

Almost flourless chocolate cake with Meyer lemon whipped cream by Kenzi Wilbur

Crispy salt and pepper french toast by aliyaleekong

Aristotelian rice and peas, or the whole is greater than the sum of its parts by Nicholas

Hand-formed parmesan Tater Tots by CamillaMMann

Birthday lasagna by Merrill Stubbs

Michael Ruhlman's rosemary-brined, buttermilk fried chicken by Genius Recipes

Warm & gooey citrus pudding by thefood

More from Food52...

• Marta Stewart's macaroni and cheese
• Chicken stoup
• How to make the perfect grilled cheese

This article was originally published on Food52.com: 13 comfort foods for a long winter.