It’s that time of year when the temperatures drop, and everyone craves getting warm and cozy in their homes with warm, nurturing food. With that in mind, there are plenty of winter-warming foods and drinks that will keep any foodie satisfied as we start to head through the coldest months of the year.
Here are five winter-warming ideas to add to the menu this week.
Homemade Apple Butter & Sauce
A yummy fall condiment made in your crockpot, apple butter is great on biscuits, rolls, or crackers. Make a cheese tray with sharp cheddar cheese and a side of apple butter. How about homemade apple sauce? It’s a lovely warm treat that can be enjoyed as a snack and it’s something that’ll contribute to the five a day. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Homemade condiments like apple butter or apple sauce certainly hit the spot in the fall. Sprinkled with a little bit of cinnamon, they’re perfect to use on snacks or breakfast. This apple sauce recipe at healthyseasonalrecipes.com is a great take on this sweet treat.
Homemade Soup
Like many folks during cold days, I like a comfy throw and nurturing hot soup to keep me feeling cozy and fine. I’m a huge soup fan. Start with a great broth, add fresh vegetables and herbs, and enjoy a fast, healthy meal. Or use a crock pot for a slow cooked hearty soup. Nothing beats a soup, and it all goes down well with some crusty bread on the side.
Back a couple of years ago, I collected 15 hearty soups that are perfect autumn until spring. Several are based on a good stock or broth and are fast and tasty. Several others are made with a slow cooker for effortless cooking.
Grilled Cheese & Pear Sandwich
This time of year is the perfect time for sweet pears. It’s a great mix of sweet and savory in an easy to make grilled cheese and pear sandwich. I’m not talking about plain white sliced bread and a slice of “American” cheese food. Think complex flavors and textures. There are 3 things to consider when trying to elevate a simple grilled cheese sandwich: 1. choice of bread and cheese 2. ripeness of pear and 3. any additions and condiments to make it your own. Add a cup of your favorite soup and you have a perfect meal to comfort you.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
I love the ease of slow cooker meals. This easy recipe is for tasty pork chops. Put them on low for 5 hours and the meat is tender and falling apart. The sauce is so comforting. I like it with rice and broccoli, but it works well with baked potatoes or mashed potatoes too.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Need something decadent and filled with warmth, flavor, and comfort but with only 15 minutes prep? Making chicken cacciatore in a slow cooker achieves the same tenderness and depth of flavor as the slow-simmer method, with less hassle. Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian stew that is a great way to warm up the insides.
Try these winter-warming dishes this year
It’s time for hearty food to give your insides a warm hug! I hope I’ve inspired you to try something new this fall and winter. Get a cozy throw out and enjoy a comforting meal.
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Wow. These are some great recipes. The grilled cheese and pear sandwich is an interesting combination. All cozy comfort food that we love this time of year. Thank you for sharing at #aclwcc. Pinned and tweeted.
the grilled cheese and pear sandwich is quick and sooo good
I do love mushroom and rice soup but never made it! Maybe I’ll have to give this recipe a try!
let me know what you think!
We are eating more comfort food now that it has got colder. That grilled cheese & pear sandwich sounds amazing. I had never thought of using pears like that.
It is something different but oh so good. Have a great day!