Perhaps the one silver lining of staying home is having more time for hobbies. Remember hobbies? Those activities you did just for fun — not because you were trying to start a side hustle, become an influencer, or get a promotion at work.

Now that many of our calendars are looking a bit more empty, we’ve had time to rediscover the crafts and activities that really bring us joy. That’s something worth celebrating, and what better way than with a delectable meal? Read on for the ideal easy recipe pairing for your favorite hobby.

Cross-Stitch + Chicken and Roasted Garlic Risotto

Whether you choose a classic floral design or something a bit more tongue-in-cheek, cross-stitching is a deliciously meditative way to spend an afternoon. Pulling a needle and thread through a piece of fabric over and over is incredibly satisfying — and there’s nothing like the feeling of finally seeing your creation take shape.

A new-school take on an old-fashioned craft could only be matched with an equally beloved comfort food. Delightfully creamy Chicken and Roasted Garlic Risotto certainly fits the bill.

Gardening + Santa Fe Chicken Sauté

When faced with so much uncertainty, it’s only natural that so many of us are gravitating towards things we can control — like gardening. Whether you’re planting a modern-day victory garden full of veggies or just regrowing your scallions on the kitchen windowsill, flexing your green thumb feels awesome.

Watercolor Painting + One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara

Travel might be off the menu for the moment, but you can still use your hobbies to transport you to a far-flung locale in your mind. Take watercolor painting: one swipe of aqua blue evokes the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, while a sunny yellow might make you think of an Italian lemon orchard.

Food can be similarly transportive. Once you twirl some One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara around a fork, you can almost forget you’re sitting at home instead of dining outdoors in an Italian piazza.

Puzzles + Swedish Meatballs

Jigsaw puzzles are finally getting their long-overdue moment in the spotlight. It’s so easy to get absorbed in finding the next piece, then the next, then the next . . . until you glance at the clock and realize an hour has passed. Throw in a silky robe and comfy slippers, and you’ve described the perfect quiet afternoon.

If you do get so absorbed in puzzling that you almost forget to eat dinner, rely on a quick and easy recipe, like Swedish Meatballs. This warm, homey dish comes together in just 30 minutes using common pantry staples.

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