The midwinter lull provides an opportunity for busy families and home cooks alike to embrace the quiet and enjoy comforting, flavorful meals at home.

Robin Miller, host of Food Network's "Quick Fix Meals," says, "Whether home is cold and snowy, cool and rainy or mild and temperate, shorter days inspire cravings for comfort-style cooking. Warming favorites are the antidote for anyone burned out on heavy fare and special occasion meals."

Comforting dishes don't require time-consuming preparations or heavy ingredients to warm from within. "Chicken soup with ranch dumplings is a hearty, comforting, one-dish meal that's simple to prepare anytime. I save time by making the soup ahead and using rotisserie chicken and frozen or salad bar vegetables," says Miller.

To make old classics new again, Miller reinvents recipes through creative use of pantry staples. "My secret for personalizing warming dishes is a packet of ranch dressing and seasoning mix. The blend of herbs and spices lends depth of flavor and tangy zip to dips, entrees and sides," says Miller.

Following are several additional tips on adding comfort to meals:

• Stock the Pantry for Easy Hibernation — To avoid a trip into the elements, map out meals in advance. Stock the pantry with the ingredients for several make-ahead meals.

• Don't Deprive Yourself — Indulging in comforting meals doesn't have to derail resolutions for healthful eating. Focus on enjoying favorite flavors in moderation and savoring each delicious mouthful.

• Celebrate One-Stop Comfort — One-dish meals are the ultimate comfort food and a home cook's best friend. Skip the sides and select all-in-one recipes that offer convenient preparation and warming flavors.

<b>1 tablespoon olive oil2 cloves garlic, minced1 onion, chopped2 carrots, chopped2 celery stalks, chopped1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces8 cups chicken broth1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1 cup all-purpose flour11/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 packet buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix1/2 cup milk1 tablespoon olive oil </b>Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, carrots and celery and sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add broth, salt and black pepper, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Partially cover and boil 5 minutes.Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and buttermilk ranch mix. Add milk and oil and stir with a fork until mixture comes together. Use spoon or small ice cream scoop to drop 8 golf ball-size dumplings into simmering liquid. Cover pan and cook 5 minutes (without lifting lid), until dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.Substitution Idea: For variety, Miller suggests alternating vegetables to include green beans, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and/or yellow squash.Makes 4 servings of 1½ cups soup and 2 dumplings each.