What's the best way to warm up cold fingers and frozen toes? Well, if you can't head to the beach to soak up some sun, then some serious comfort food is required. For starters a mug of hot cocoa can do wonders, especially if it's enjoyed in front of a roaring fire. But choices abound because the South is good at doing comfort food. Soups, stews, roasted veggies, chili, chicken and dumplings…the choices are endless…here's a few to get you started.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 can chicken broth

1/3 cup flour

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, chopped

9 oz pkg frozen veggies

½ cup milk

3 tablespoons butter

For Dumplings:

1-1/2 cup self-rising flour

6 tablespoons butter

½ cup milk

In crockpot combine potatoes, onion, garlic, mushrooms, frozen veggies and chicken. Mix together broth, flour and seasoning. Pour into crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender. Stir together flour and butter, add milk and stir just until combined. (Don't overmix) Drop by tablespoons onto hot chicken mixture in crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 25-30 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.

Corn Chowder with Chicken

4 slices bacon, cooked

1 bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons oil

4 cups whole kernel corn

2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

3 cups chicken broth

1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into pieces

6 green onions or 1 red onion, diced

2 ½ cups cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Saute bell pepper and onion in oil, add corn and potatoes. Add broth and bring to a boil, add chicken, cover and cook on medium heat until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes). Add cream and cook on low for 5-8 minutes or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with bacon.

5 Ingredient Chili

1 can (48 oz) Great Northern Beans (undrained)

1 jar (16 oz) salsa

4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

2 –pkg (8 oz each) cheese cubed ( cheddar and Jalapeno work well but use your favorites)

1 cup water if desired for thinner consistency

Mix all ingredients except water together and heat over medium heat until the cheese is melted completely. Add water in small amounts until desired consistency is reached.