Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (January 31 – February 6)

We love preparing trendy, elegant dishes just as much as the next home cook. But sometimes, all we want is food that tastes like what Mom used to make. To combat the winter blues (and everything else that’s got the world down), we’re cooking seven nostalgic dinners this week that hit us right in the childhood. While they’re inspired by classics that we couldn’t get enough of us as kids, each recipe features a grown-up twist that makes them that much more delicious.

Proof that sometimes, simpler just tastes better. The secret to better pizza bagels is no doubt double-layering the cheese and pepperoni (aka the best parts).

Were you team Velveeta or Kraft as a kid? No matter where you stand, we’re sure you’ll agree this creamy, dreamy version of mac and cheese trumps them both. (The key is stirring in a touch of cream cheese with the cheddar.)

Instead of being doused in a retro crimson glaze, the ketchup (and a slew of other flavorful pantry staples) are mixed right into the meat. Might we suggest serving it with mashed potatoes?

Your kids will be positively blown away when they realize what a difference a pat of butter and a hot skillet can make.

Sure, you can bake these dunkable gems in a 400°F oven until they’re crisp and golden, but nothing compares to frying them. Have Thai sweet chili sauce, honey mustard and ketchup at the ready for dipping.

One bite will transport you back to Nonna’s Sunday feasts. (We don’t think she’d mind too much that we swapped pasta for thin-sliced zucchini.)