What’s cooking in winter?

It’s easy to find the ingredients you’re looking for — particularly food that’s locally grown — in the warmer months. But what to do in winter? It’s not as difficult as one might imagine and ironically some of the comfort foods we love the most are perfect for that crisp early evening, warm and cozy under a blanket.

Here is some of the winter fare we love most:

1. Soup sippin’: What’s better when it’s cold outside or you’ve got the sniffles than a hearty soup or stew? Find a recipe you love, make a big batch and freeze it in single or double serving containers. Then when you have a hankering, pop it in a pot, simmer and serve.

2. Spice it up: Some winter fragrances and tastes are simply imprinted on our souls — nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, for instance. Sprinkle them on your roasted veggies and baked goods and revel in the wintertime aroma.

3. Back to your roots: There’s not a lot growing when the temperature dips but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an abundance of delicious and nutritious produce to be had — root vegetables, for instance, squash of course, as well as many cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, offer endless options in the kitchen. Here are some tips on how to cook them.

4. Garden-in: The weather outside is frightful but your kitchen is so delightful — plant an indoor herb garden of thyme, oregano, mint and parsley along your windowsill, ready at a moment’s notice for any winter recipe.

What’s cooking in your winter kitchen? Share your recipe and food ideas in the Shop Talk Blog community forum!

Did you know? Winter begins in summer

It’s true the last thing you want to think about in August is December but it’s the best time to plan ahead by preserving, pickling, canning and freezing for cold weather cooking. Learn more about planning ahead here.