The cold months after Christmas break is never a time that I look forward to. I lack productivity and motivation, because I just can’t dig on this weather. This week I thought a lot about what I would write my column on, but my current lack of passion for most things resulted in all flat ideas.

I asked my foodie friends and family what they thought I could write about and writing about gluten-free diets or yogurt just seemed a little dry for my first article after break.

However, as a past performer, I knew that the show must go on! I decided to put actual pants on, sat in front of the laptop, and tried to work through this food-block.  The only type of decision I could make about anything was what I could make for dinner that night. When all else fails, my kitchen will always conquer.

At that moment, I felt like my entire state of happiness and sanity could be based on how delicious this meal would be–though I had little doubt about whether it would be or not.

I decided to make baked eggs in thick baguette slices with spicy gouda cheese sauce over top.  I got so excited that I made sure my favorite knives were sharp and clean, and that my cooking playlist was indeed playing (welcoming John Frusciante as a new addition and keeping my old friends such as Depeche Mode and Stevie Nicks).

If you wish to try this “ winter blues killing” recipe, then you will need a baguette, eggs (and any other filling to put in such as veggies or bacon), smoked gouda shredded, heavy cream, cayenne pepper and butter.

You’re going to cut the baguette into thick slices and take out most of the insides, but leave enough at the bottom so that the egg can be dropped in without it falling through.  Spread some butter on the inside of the bread and then crack one egg into each of the hollowed out slices of bread. After this, I sprinkled bacon on my boyfriend’s egg since he eats meat.

Pop this into the oven on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for about five minutes. After that, cut the heat to 350 degrees and cook for about 10 minutes. Make sure that the egg white at the top is solid white and not clear. Use salt and pepper to add flavor.

As for the sauce, you are simply going to heat up the butter and cream and cayenne pepper in a saucepan, constantly stirring while you add the shredded gouda. Keep at a low heat and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted into the cream. Immediately serve onto the baked eggs. Voila! We have one of the most decadent things I have ever created.

Now this would not be a staple dinner in my household–what with the overload of dairy and carbs–but this will totally perk you up after a harsh day/week/life. I can say with confidence that this meal will put a little skip in your step and get you to finally throw out your Christmas tree…well I at least thought about it. Best of luck to everyone on surviving the rest of winter and thank you for reading!