We all know that February 29th hardly even counts as a day. I mean it just decides to happen every fourth year? Clearly it thinks it’s better than all of the other 365 days, and honestly I have to agree with this. Let’s think about this logically. If this day only comes along every four years, then we have to eat four times as much on that day.
Say the average person eats 2,000 calories a day, which isn’t accurate. Multiply 2,000 by four, and that makes for a whopping 8,000 calories that you have to consume in order to make up for the three years that you won’t be eating on February 29th. Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how it works.
However, if you trust my logic and math skills and feel inclined to take on those 8,000 calories (or maybe just want a reason to eat cool foods), then here’s a list of 29 awesome foods you just gotta try.
1. Rainbow Bagels
Photo by Angela Pizzimenti
This isn’t a mind trick. Make your own here.
2. Chai Pancakes
Photo by Alex Furuya
Four ingredients of pure deliciousness.
3. Everything Bagel Pull-Apart Bread
Photo by Elena Besser
Satisfy yourself and your hangry friends this leap year with some more bagel action.
4. Rice Cooker Pancake
Photo by Tiare Brown
Got a rice cooker? Great, now you can eat a pancake big enough for a large family.
5. Secret Ingredient Oatmeal
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
Add some sweetened condensed milk to your oatmeal with this killer recipe.
6. Sushi Burrito
Photo by Judy Holtz
If you aren’t in Oregon to get the Sushirito itself from Unami Sushi & Asian Grill, then buy some seaweed and DIY.
7. Dragon Bowl
Photo by Raiselle Swick
A little bit different from an açaí bowl, this guy is blended with pure dragon fruit, or pitaya. Pick one of these up from Raw Juce, or as always, blend your own.
8. Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza
Photo by Audrey Mirabito
In case you were drinking on a Sunday and now need major hangover food on a Monday (I won’t judge). This crazy breakfast pizza will definitely put a hefty dent in your 8000 cals.
9. Macadamia Milk Latte
Photo by Raiselle Swick
For all you beverage-loving folks out there, I present the macadamia nut latte. This right here is the almond milk latte’s creamier, less-basic, leap year worthy cousin, and it’s totally delicious. Ask the barista if they have macadamia milk behind the bar, or froth your own at home (in the microwave).
10. Deconstructed Sushi in a Jar
Photo by Gabby Phi
Sushi with a spoon? Fine, if I have to.
11. Pumpkin and Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Photo by Julia Wilson
In case you still haven’t reached your 8,000 calorie goal, these 11-layer bars are sure to top it off. Consume slowly while contently rubbing your leap year food baby.
12. Chocolate Oatmeal
Photo by Raiselle Swick
Simply add dark chocolate, raisins, banana, and your favorite nut butter for a healthy, chocolatey, photogenic breakfast.
13. Greek Quinoa Salad
Photo by Raiselle Swick
If you’re still full from breakfast and need a lighter lunch, head to a local smoothie and juice bar, such as Kale Me Crazy, to snatch one of these. Or do it yourself with a recipe like this.
14. Loaded Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Photo courtesy of foodbeast.com
Regular mashed potatoes are so February 28th. Make these instead.
15. Dosa
Photo by Raiselle Swick
One bite into this traditional southern Indian pancake and you will be in love. The fermented lentil and rice batter gives it an insane cheesy flavor. Having attempted to make these on my own once, I would suggest you head to your local Indian restaurant and let them show you how it’s done.
16. Sausage and Artichoke Penne
Photo by Emma Danbury
This easy homemade pasta dish is both comforting and edgy, kinda like February 29th. Dig in.
17. Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce
Photo by Becca Miller
This day only comes once every four years, make yourself something nice.
18. Not-so Pesto Pasta
Photo by Raiselle Swick
Quite possibly the easiest pasta topping ever, this pesto is healthy and delicious.
19. Pancake Sundae
Photo by Lucy Rubin
Remember, 8,000 calories is hard to achieve. Get one step closer by drowning yourself in this breakfast sundae.
20. Cheese-Encrusted Grilled Cheese
Photo by Kylie Kinder
Okay, seriously why do normal grilled cheeses exist? Who cares if it’s a leap year or not, you should probably eat this sandwich for every meal, every day.
21. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Who needs to dip their bread in soup when the soup is already in the bread, amirite? Recipe here.
22. Pizza Mac ‘N Cheese
Photo by Tiare Brown
*Heavy breathing.* It doesn’t get any better than this.
23. Korean Tacos
Photo by Benjamin Martin
Tacos and it ain’t even Tuesday.
24. Nutella Wontons
Photo by Jacob Kerbel
Just heat up some oil and get going with this insane recipe.
25. Braided Nutella Bread
Photo by Eileen Wang
More Nutella, more Nutella.
26. Maple Syrup Snow Candy
Photo by Louise Ferrall
Fun to make, but even more fun to eat.
27. Frozen Custard
Photo by Raiselle Swick
This delicious custardy take on a DQ Blizzard is totally the new thing. It may be a little difficult to make at home, so head over to a Whit’s or Goodberry’s to get your frozen fix.
28. Deconstructed Sushi in a Bowl
Photo by Katherine Baker
Just stick your sushi in a bowl if you need some more room.
26. Nutella Brownies
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Okay, I’m done. But seriously, this recipe only has three ingredients.