For the past two weeks, the Bay Area has been pretty rainy. As an international student, I always ask this question: “Is this the usual weather in Berkeley?” My friends always shake their heads and answer no. So, this is unusual. When it rains, it’s difficult to do outdoor activities, go downtown and photosynthesize by lying down in the Memorial Glade! Rainy season is gloomy, for sure. The best way to get rid of this “melancholic” feeling is to enjoy the time indoors by eating yummy foods. Here are three recipes that you should try making on rainy days to bring your energy back. 

Kimchi pancake

On rainy days, this is a common thing to eat in Korea: Korean pancakes with Makgeolli (rice wine). My mouth is watering by even thinking of this combination. The reason for eating this during rainy days is because the sound of rain trickling is similar to the sizzling sound when frying the pancakes. Indeed, scientifically, flour helps us to temporarily increase the happy hormone. 

Ingredients

• ½ pound kimchi, chopped into small pieces
• 3 chopped scallions
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup water
• 4 spoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Combine the kimchi, scallions, sugar, flour, and water in a bowl and mix well with spoon
2. Add 2 spoon of the vegetable oil and coat the bottom of the pan
3. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it to make a large circle
4. Cook until the bottom is ‘golden brown’ and crisp (3-5 minutes) 
5. Turn the pancake over
6. Add the remaining 2 spoon oil around the edge, then lift the pancake slightly 
7. Cook until the bottom is ‘golden brown’ and crisp (3-5 minutes)
8. Flip it one more time (1 minute) and serve warm!

Baked potato with cheese 

A hot baked potato is definitely a comfort food. Hot steam from the potato makes both your mouth and yourself warm. Instead of sour cream, this recipe includes cheese, which makes the food extra melty and comforting. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 russet potatoes 
• 4 spoons olive oil
• 4 spoons salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Use a fork to poke a few holes into the potatoes and place it on the baking sheet
3. Add olive oil and sprinkle salt all over
4. Bake to 45 to 60 minutes
5. Slice open each potato
6. Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese
7. Return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and serve warm!

Roasted tomato soup

Soup is definitely the best food to make you feel warm. It’s the best heater for cold, rainy days. Once you take a sip of soup, you can feel the warmness in your stomach. This recipe uses tomato, an easily accessible ingredient. 

Ingredients

• 5 large tomatoes, cut into slices 
• 1 onion, cut into slices
• Olive oil
• ½ butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon pepper 
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese 

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat
2. Add onions and cook gently about 20 minutes
3. Add flour and stir about 3 minutes
4. Stir in tomatoes, their juices, salt, and pepper. Raise heat to medium until the liquid bubbles, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes, scraping it frequently
5. Add parmesan cheese and serve warm!

When you come back home all wet and cold, craving for warmth, go to the kitchen and enjoy making these comforting and warm food. You’ll soon recover happiness.