Goodbye to Seasonal Kitchen Doldrums

Nothing is easier than emptying a bag of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, decorating them with various toppings and running under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. That's all it takes to create the most beloved of comfort foods at Cafe Drake, but the variations remain infinite and limited only by your imagination (or laziness). Above we prepared our favorite version, perfect for vegetarian guests who aren't scared of a little (well, alot of) saturated fat. Here's how: throw a bag of blue corn chips on a baking sheet, spreading out evenly. Also evenly, distribute the following over top in this order - 1/2 can of black beans, 2-3 minced chipotle peppers with their sauce, ALOT of grated cheddar cheese (Cafe Drake uses Cabot's Sharp Cheddar with Habaneros for extra heat), diced onion and bell peppers and a few green olives. Run under a hot broiler for 5 minutes, being careful not to burn (a little charring is divine though). Serve topped with salsa, sour cream and either sliced avocadoes or guacomole.

If you have more time and want to get gourmet, stew 1 can of black beans with 1/2 cup of red wine, a bay leaf, cumin powder and a few slices of onion over low heat for 20 minutes. Pour all (including liquid) over chips and top with grated smoked Gouda and chunks of goat cheese (Montrachet works well here). Broil as above and top with diced tomatoes, jalapenos and sour cream.

Have the gray skies, wet and cold weather and perpetual gloom of this seasonal transition got you down? Nothing sounds good for dinner after a long day's work and even less motivation to put in some serious effort at the stove? Read on.

With tomatoes at their bleakest, try this remedy: quarter each of a big bag of plum tomatoes and toss with liberal amounts of olive oil, black pepper, kosher salt and herbs de Provence. Place on a baking sheet and roast in a very hot oven for approximately 20 minutes, turning once or twice during the process. A deep, rich flavor - call it the Essence of Tomato - will emerge from pallid storebought specimens. Add to a pasta (as seen above, along with chunks of good goat cheese and asparagus spears), sandwiches (early Spring/late Winter BLT?) or breathe interest into a boring green salad.