We had a very mild winter last year. It wasn’t that cold, and we didn’t have much snow. I certainly didn’t mind, but I missed the snow days. For me, watching the snow fall, catching on the branches of the trees, and lighting up the landscape to a beautiful white, is a perfect day, especially when I have some freshly baked treats.

When I was younger, I remember wishing for snow days. Cancelling school meant going outside with my friends, building snowmen, and riding the sled down some steep hills near my home. They were happy days for me. I also remember having to shovel, which was definitely not fun. We had elderly neighbors on both sides of the house, so my parents insisted that I shovel our house and theirs too. My parents were very kind, and cared about others. They taught me a great lesson, which I have carried to this day and instilled in my own children. I hated having to be out there in the cold for so long, but I knew I was doing something good, and that inspired me to carry on.

As the years went by I went to college and lived on campus. The college was close to my home. My mother, being very old fashioned, did not believe girls should go far away to school. She wanted me to live at home and commute. I wanted to have more of an independent life. When I told her I wanted to move into the dorms, she was dead set against it. If I wanted to move in the dorms, I would have to get a job and pay for it myself. She thought this would deter me but it did not. I got a job, and moved into a small room in the dormitory. It was my first taste of being independent and I loved every minute of it.

But, being the youngest child (and the closest one to home as my parents got older), I felt responsible for them. My dad was much older than my mom and when it snowed, I would worry about him being out there shoveling the heavy snow for our house, and for the neighbors as well. So whenever I heard it was going to snow, I would sleep at home so I could be there to shovel for my dad. Those were the days when I truly dreaded the snow.

But now, I feel at peace when it snows. When my kids were growing up, after they were out sledding, I loved to make them hot chocolate, and a sweet treat to go with it. I loved seeing their little red faces light up with joy when they would come in to get their treats. Snow falling silently through the day and night gives me time to catch up with my thoughts and calm myself. Even during our most stressful moments, especially during this pandemic, the snow has the power to calm us down.

What to do when you are home on a snow day? There are tons of choices, but of course, I cook. Again, Ina Garten comes through for me. This is a side dish that she makes in the summer, when she gets fresh corn from the farmsteads near her home in the Hamptons. Now, I know this is not the season for corn, so I used frozen corn and believe me, it was still terrific. The sweet kernels are combined with savory shallots that adds even more deliciousness to this dish. The chili powder gives it a nice spicy kick. I also love the lime. The tangy flavor adds a whole new dimension and the creamy Parmesan makes this dish perfect for a cold, snowy day.

This recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten and will serve 6 to 8 people who will be thrilled to come in from the snow to this inviting dish.

Ingredients for Chipotle Parmesan Sweet Corn:

6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter
1 cup shallots, halved lengthwise, peeled, and thinly sliced crosswise (3 shallots)
8 cups white or yellow corn kernels (8 to 12 ears)
¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese

Heat the butter in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, add the shallots, and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender and fragrant.

Add the corn, chipotle powder, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Raise the heat to medium high and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the corn to brown lightly, until the corn is tender but still firm.

Off the heat, stir in the lime juice and Parmesan.

Taste for seasonings and transfer to a large shallow serving bowl.

Serve hot.

It’s that simple!