Sometimes, when it’s really chilly, no sweater or pair of wool socks can comfort you. To combat the bone-chilling cold, it never hurts to warm up from the inside out. Although tea and hot chocolate are the standards, there is a whole array of scrumptious warmers that will bring you right through the winter and even sneak into your spring menu, too. Retro S’mores, fluffy Belgian waffles, spiced popcorn, cotton candy and tangy, dripping fondue, can all take your mind off the cold and kindle a little warmth in your belly.

Of course, in order to make these molten confections, you will need the proper equipment. My favorite tool for warming up on cold winter’s nights is the S’mores maker. Far from a fondue pot, there is actually a little grill in the center of the partitioned plate that runs on chafing fuel. Simply fire it up, prick your marshmallow with the special tongs and roast it to perfection, or just let it burst into flames and blow it out, whichever you prefer. You can carefully hold your graham cracker and chocolate over the grill to make a meltingly spectacular treat anytime, even for breakfast! If you are more of a traditionalist when it comes to breaking the fast, the perfect Belgian waffle can be just what you need to coax you out of bed and into your slippers. Stock up on good-quality seltzer water and all-natural waffle mix. Mixes that do not require additional oil and eggs are lightest and the seltzer water will ensure that your waffle ends up tasting more like a buttery cloud than a syrup-soaked frisbee from a diner. Waffle irons come in many shapes and sizes, but those that dub themselves “Waffle Baker” or “Waffler” are generally of higher quality than the standard “Waffle Maker,” though they can be on the pricey side. Once your waffle is perfect, try dusting it with cinnamon and drizzling real Vermont Maple syrup on top or, better yet, pour your syrup into a little dipping cup so as to preserve the fluffiness of your waffle from the first bite to the last.

For a warm blast from the past, resurrect that old Fondue set, or purchase one of the new luxe models available at most fine food stores. For winter fondue, nothing but cheese and crusty bread will do, so splurge to find a smoky, rich cheese that makes you smile as soon as the first drop touches your lips. Don’t even think of using your fondue pot for melting chocolate, though – chocolate fountains are the only way to keep the consistency of melted chocolate perfectly smooth and they look fabulous, too. My personal favorite fountain is the Sephra CF18M-RED Elite 6 lb.-capacity model. The Sephra fountains have an excellent reputation and what could be more warm and romantic than a towering red fountain with sheets of chocolate cascading down each tier? Pair the chocolate with anything you choose, from candies and marshmallows to pretzels, cookies and chunks of bread. If the chocolate fountain sounds a little bit too serious, then whip out your biggest wok, skillet or pot and get popping. Yes, you can make popcorn in a microwavable bag, but it never tastes quite as warm and fresh as the real thing and it always has more fat and less flavor. For wintertime popcorn, pop one layer of kernels in a light layer of olive oil for a rich flavor. Cover the vessel with punctured foil and shake vigorously until every kernel is popped. Then add warm spices to your corn, such as cinnamon and sugar or rosemary and thyme, with a pinch of sea salt.

For something sweet that even little kids will love to make, try whipping up some homemade cotton candy. You can either invest in a traditional cotton candy machine or purchase one of the inexpensive electric cotton candy makers. Either way, once those warm frothy webs start to form, all thoughts of winter will be banished as you try to figure out how to lick an errant fiber from the tip of your nose.

Of course, there’s always hot chocolate and a nice, steaming cup of tea. But if you’re snowed in, or wake up with a chill on Sunday morning, slip into your robe and slippers and give one of these recipes a try. Better yet, convince someone else to sneak out of bed and make it for you and call you when it’s ready.

Warm Up From The Inside Out