It’s 2018, football is winding down, your inbox is flooded with Martin Luther King Jr. Day bargains, and your New Year’s resolutions are a work-in-progress. After a long holiday break you are motivated to take on the day, the new year even. You reach for your outfit of choice when reality sets in. It’s January and it’s COLD!
A joy for some, a nuisance for many, but no matter how you feel about the season, winter is here!
There’s no better time to gather the team around for a feel-good, melt in your mouth meal with foods that warm the body. Foods that have a special place in all of our hearts. Foods most people pass on during the summer months but give them a reason to crave colder weather. But most importantly, group favorites that nourish the body and inspire meaningful connections with each bite.
From fall to spring, most people just can’t resist the temptation to devour their favorite comfort foods. But why? CNN claims that in order to qualify as a true comfort food, “a dish must fulfill at least two of three requirements; it has restorative properties, it has sentimental appeal, and it’s insanely delicious.” Whether for a much-needed trip down memory lane or because frigid months call for something a little bit more substantial, don’t settle for the standard version of your beloved comfort foods, satisfy everyone’s hunger with a custom option. These delicious classics in a Build-Your-Own layout is guaranteed to get your office through March.
Build-Your-Own Oatmeal Bar
There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Break the traditional office routine by starting the day with a Build-Your-Own Oatmeal Bar, with choices like nuts, dried and fresh fruit, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a nutritious, hearty, and tasty team breakfast.
Build-Your-Own Mac & Cheese Bar
A sweater weather staple, macaroni and cheese warms the body and soul. Additional toppings like bacon, jalapenos, chicken, broccoli, or even an array of extra cheeses makes for one heck of a Build-Your-Own Mac & Cheese Bar that will have your colleagues buzzing about their over-the-top creations in no time.
Build-Your-Own Chili Bar
Don’t let the name fool ya’! Chili will take the winter chills away. This comfort food classic is easy to customize with garnishes like diced onion, grated cheddar, avocado, and even tater tots. And it’s no challenge opting for healthier alternatives like vegetarian or turkey chili….
Build-Your-Own Mashed Potato Bar
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? A unique spin turns this popular side dish into a tailor-made main course everyone can enjoy. However your mash is prepared, adding herbed butter, toasted bread crumbs, gravy, chives, or even BBQ pulled pork to the buffet will have the office asking for a Build-Your-Own Mashed Potato Bar every month!
Build-Your-Own Ramen Bar
More than just the instant noodles you survived on during college, this Japanese icon of wheat noodles, broth, and assorted toppings can be personalized to appease any palate. Try adding shoyu tamago, bamboo, scallions, bean sprouts, and nori sheets to your bar for a more authentic ramen experience.
Before you know it spring will be here and you’ll be searching for lighter salads and smoothies in no time. Until then, put on your favorite cardigan and prepare to get cozy with some of our prized Build-Your-Own meal options this winter.
Which Build-Your-Own concepts will you try this sweater weather season?
