Winter brings with it a lot of cold winds, warm recipes, and opportunities to indulge in our favorites. Whether you are craving a crisp appetizer, a comforting soup, or a rich and creamy hot chocolate, these recipes will bring the warmth and comfort you need this winter. So, let’s dive into some delicious, soul-satisfying recipes that will keep you toasty all season long.
- Classic Beef Stew
A healthy stew filled with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots.
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef, cut into small pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef pieces, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir.
Pour in beef broth and then add the beef back in.
Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender. Serve hot!
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
A sweet, and savory soup to keep you warm.
Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Instructions:
Heat butter in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until they are soft.
Add butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
3. Homemade Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy, and homemade
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chocolate chips (dark or milk)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream & marshmallows (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and heavy cream.
Stir in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Whisk continuously until smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Enjoy with whipped cream and marshmallows!
4. Spiced Apple Cider
A classic drink that you can enjoy all winter.
Ingredients:
4 cups apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
3 cloves
1-star anise
1 orange, sliced
1 tbsp. honey or brown sugar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Strain out the spices and serve warm!
5. Warm Apple Crisp
A warm and comforting, apple dessert with a crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients:
For the apple filling:
4 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the crisp topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread evenly in the dish.
In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until it feels crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Winter is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the warmth of delicious homemade meals. So gather your loved ones, and let the winter season be filled with good food, health, warmth, and joy. Stay warm and happy cooking.
