A lot of us like to start fresh in the new year with lighter, cleaner recipes. After the holidays and perhaps some overindulging, this is completely understandable. If you’re looking for light and healthy recipes, this is probably not the post for you. If, however, it is freezing outside, getting dark way too early, the world is a little bit crazy, and you just need something to warm you up and comfort you, you’ve come to the right place! These are some of my favorite recipes to get through the long, cold nights after the holiday fun and festivities are over.
Winter Recipes to Stay Warm All Season Long
Appetizers
White Bean Bruschetta – this is a recipe my mom found years ago; it is easy to make and crazy delicious! I use two cans of cannellini beans instead of starting with dry beans. You can reserve 1/3 c. of the liquid from the cans or use chicken or vegetable broth instead and skip the first steps of cooking the beans.
Brie en Croute – this is an old family favorite that has also become a favorite among my friends. I used to make it for every gathering and book club in the fall and winter.
Main Dishes
Short Ribs – braised and slow-cooked short ribs that fall off the bone? There is nothing more wintery than that!
Dessert
Molten Lava Cakes – chocolate cake with a warm, gooey center. I think it’s the perfect winter dessert.
Drinks
Have you tried Starbucks’s Medicine Ball drink? I was first introduced to this by a friend last year. It sounded delicious and soothing and also like something I could make at home. I searched the internet and found several “copycat” recipes. This is the one my husband and I like best. It feels good on a sore throat and is also just really nice and warming to sip while cuddled under a blanket on your sofa. I’m not typically a tea person, but I love this drink!
If you’re looking for a warm drink that’s a little more adult, there’s not much better on a cold night, than a nice warm glass of Glühwein! If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a German mulled wine. This recipe is nice because you can easily make just a single glass (or 2!).
Copycat Medicine Ball
Ingredients
- ¾ c. water
- ¾ c. lemonade (I use 1 Tbsp of a powdered mix)
- 1 bag Mint Tea
- 1 bag Peach Tea
- 2 teaspoons honey
Directions
Combine water and lemonade and microwave for 2 minutes. Add the tea bags and steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in honey. Enjoy!
{Winterize Your Family for a Healthy, Sane, and Fun Winter!}
Glühwein (1 serving)
Ingredients
- 4 oz. red wine (we used a Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 orange peel
- 1 lemon peel
- 1 whole clove
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat, but do not boil. Pour into a coffee mug.
