Anyone else feeling the darkness these days? And I’m not just talking about the weather or the season. What brings you comfort; what brings you joy when the world is out of control? Snuggling with my minions usually brings me joy. Unfortunately I can’t do that all day since everyone goes to school and work, or out chasing bunnies if you’re the dog. Plus, my kids are stinky, so cuddling 24/7 might kill the comfort factor.

Words bring me joy, usually. There are days when I’m even sick of words, of the writing that helps me make sense of the world, of the reading that normally sweeps me away. When that happens I cook and bake and make things. I get lost in activities I can control, mostly.

Here are some of the scrumptious items I’ve been obsessed with these past few weeks.

Lily and I made the best lemon bars ever, from Sally’s Baking Addition. So easy, so tart, so amazing! Here’s the thing. I almost always try to make things gluten-free in our house for my celiac husband. So I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour in place of regular all-purpose flour. They still turned out perfectly gooey & tart, but I had to bake the crust almost 15 minutes longer than the recipe calls for, so if you’re playing with other flours, be mindful. Also these have a dense shortbread crust. If delicate is more your style, these might not be the lemon bars for you.

Usually I make ganache when I’m making macaron filling or truffles. But lately I’ve been making it for no good reason, or rather to lick the spoon or drizzle on ice cream when we have too many bananas and decide to make banana splits for dinner. Totally gluten free too. Ha! This recipe from Chowhound does not disappoint, and again is super easy!

I’ve also been making bread with ALL THE GLUTEN!!! The No-Knead style is so easy and delicious. I use Pinch of Yum’s recipe, (because I drool over everything Pinch of Yum) but you can find No Knead Bread all over the internet. It was created by Jim Lahey. Homemade bread is cheap and wonderful. The scent of fresh bread baking in your oven is priceless.

Here’s a decadent idea, slather ganache onto your no-knead bread for a perfectly amazing snack that might also become dinner! Here’s the recipe: Bread + butter + chocolate = Enjoy!

Another simple thing I like to do in the kitchen that might seem ridiculous, but reminds me I won’t be stuck in the monotonous gray days forever, is dry citrus peel in the oven at a low temperature. Peel, chop, place on cookie sheet, then dry for 30 minutes in a 200F degree oven. Once dried, I use it in bitters and amaros, but the initial bake will have your kitchen bursting with aromatics. You can add some to your own tea bags or put a bit in your coffee grinder to give your brew a hint of orange. Mmm. My recipe for Homemade Orange Bitters is still available on my blog Lemons & Roses.

I hope you are able to find joy and comfort and gratitude and compassion and peace in the darkness.