We’ve been feeling pretty anxious ever since One Direction gave us a heart attack and announced that they were going to take a year off in 2016. Thankfully, these British comfort foods will at least partially fill the hole the boys left in our hearts when they decided to pull a Zayn and abandon us. After all, where do broken hearts go? To the kitchen.
#SpoonTip: The first reader to accurately count how many 1-D puns we’ve made throughout this article gets a prize*.
*: The prize is just the self satisfaction of winning.
Scones
Photo by Alia Wilhelm
As the quintessential treat to pair with your high tea, scones pack an intense flavorful punch that will distract you from the pain of your favorite lads’ temporary disintegration. Try these scrumptious pumpkin scones or these lemon cranberry ones for some classy comfort even the Queen would approve of.
Traditional English Breakfast
Photo by Alison Weissbrot
If you’re seeking some comfort that’s Made In The A.M., forget about your typical boring waffles or scrambled eggs tomorrow morning and try a traditional English breakfast instead. Consisting of fried eggs, beans, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast, this breakfast will keep you full until One Direction’s hiatus is over.
Bread Pudding
Photo courtesy of bakerita.com
Although bread pudding isn’t as popular over here as it is across the pond, it probably should be. It is super versatile, as evidenced by these scrumptious bread pudding recipes, and it’s almost as unique as most of Harry’s fashion choices.
Nando’s Style Roasted Chicken
Photo by Alexis Aumiller
Most Americans probably haven’t eaten at this grilled chicken hotspot, which is a staple of the British youth experience. Banter your way through this Red Bull Roasted Chicken wing recipe for a similar flavor; add some Siracha if you wanna turn the heat up a la Harry and Taylor circa 2013.
Tea
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Tea is probably the world’s oldest comfort food, and the Brits sure know their way around a mean cuppa’. Earl Grey, Yorkshire, English Breakfast — all warm and energizing enough to propel you through the hiatus. If you’ve been struck with 1-D fever, or if the hiatus has left you feeling queasy over the future of the band, try these teas to cure what’s ailin’ ya.
Porridge
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Just like how everything from England sounds better than everything in the U.S. (I think their accents might have something to do with that), porridge is pretty much just a posh name for oatmeal. These 9 different flavor combinations are perfect to start your morning.
Bananas
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
OK, so this obviously isn’t a uniquely British cuisine — but his proclivity for chowing down on them on stage proves that Harry Styles is a bonafide banana fanatic. Seriously, the kid has no control when it comes to them. Bananas can be pretty comforting, particularly in sweet treats. We recommend this banana bread recipe for a treat that’s as sweet as the lyrics to “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Irish Soda Bread
Photo by Helena Lin
Even if this food isn’t technically British, we have to include it to honor our favorite Irishman. This delicious Irish soda bread recipe is the perfect temporary fix for the Niall-sized hole in your heart.
Bailey’s Irish Cream
Photo by Jessica Payne
Again, we’re branching out into the greater UK area here, but Bailey’s Irish cream is too comforting not to include. It’s the the perfect drink if you want to feel like infinity and make some midnight memories. It can be used in a variety of ways, like topping off an ice cream sundae for a treat that truly has the X-factor.
Mincemeat Pies
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Mince or mincemeat pies are a classic English dish perfect for the holiday season. The name is a little white lie and the pie isn’t actually fully meat; it’s fruit-based and happens to be quite sweet. Try something new and get into the holiday spirit with this tasty recipe from everyone’s favorite culinary Brit Jamie Oliver.
Fish N Chips
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Fish and chips could possibly be one of God’s gifts to the world (in addition to One Direction). We have no control when it comes to eating fish and chips, and honestly, one piece is just never enough. If you’re ever in the UK, make sure to stop by one of the 20 best fish and chip shops in Britain. Who knows, you might even spot one of the boys there while they’re on their break… We can only wish.