THE BRIGHT CIDER LIFE: FOOD AND DRINK

PICK YOUR FAVORITE HOT COCOA TOPPING; GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA FULLER

A warm cup of hot chocolate after playing in the snow. A steaming bowl of soup while watching the snow fall outside of your window. Whatever warm food or drink it is, it helps warm you up while the coldness of winter sweeps through Iowa. Students and staff members were asked about their favorite foods and drinks to enjoy during the cold season, and the responses ranged from hot chocolate to hot sandwiches. 

To no one’s surprise, hot chocolate is the most popular option for students and staff members. 69.57% of the responses received at the time of writing include hot chocolate. Some students and staff members enjoy regular hot chocolate, while others enjoy white chocolate hot chocolate. Many students and staff members like to customize their hot chocolate with things like candy canes (whole and crushed), marshmallows (big and small), whipped cream, sugar, milk, sprinkles, and chocolate chips. When asked about the best way to enjoy hot chocolate, sophomore Elliott Cisco answered, “I think the best way to enjoy hot chocolate is with one of those mini candy canes in it.” Cisco’s reasoning for this is, “I think that just makes it taste better.” When it comes to toppings, there is no limit to the amount that you can add. For example, some students and staff members like to add extra whipped cream, while others prefer extra marshmallows. Some even like to use extra everything. 

The second most mentioned options are soups and stews. Popular soups include chicken noodle soup and tomato soup, while the most popular stew option by far is chili. Another stew that is included in the responses is calico beans. Students, in addition to soups and stews,  enjoy casseroles, like cheesy ham potato casserole, broccoli rice casserole, and tater tot casserole. 

While hot chocolate and soups are incredibly well liked, tea is also a popular option. Teas like chamomile tea, matcha, orange and spice tea, Earl Grey tea, and chai tea are mentioned in many of the responses. To sweeten or alter their tea, students like to add honey or milk to their tea. Other warm beverages that people enjoy include coffee, warm water, apple cider, eggnog, and warm milk.

Other sought-out warm foods for the winter include hot sandwiches, such as grilled cheese and hamburgers. Warm breads, like beer bread, are also popular options among students and staff members. Ramen and other warm noodle dishes, while not as popular as stews and soups, were also mentioned.

Lastly, warm sweets and bakery items were among some of the most common foods that students and staff members eat during the winter. Cookies, s’mores, and pumpkin muffins are usually made at home by students and their family members, while bagels and apple crisp are usually bought from a store.

Ultimately, students and staff members at Clear Creek Amana High School enjoy a variety of foods and drinks to stay warm during winter, with the most popular being hot chocolate. With all being said, what warm foods and drinks will you be reaching for this winter?