It's the middle of January and the current temperature in Houston is a crisp 61 degrees. Even though we haven't (and likely won't) get any of the snow or extreme chill much of the nation is experiencing this winter, we are rolling off a weekend of brisk weather and lower temperatures can be around the corner on any given day. All this to say that cozy winter recipes are on the brain, right now. In this post, I've pulled together some of the most comforting recipes I've created that especially hit the spot when temperatures drop. Check out the collection of warming recipes that will keep you cozy from breakfast through dessert.
The cozy winter season also happens to be when colds run rampant. Add my four-ingredient feel-better tea to your natural wellness rotation to get through. It's made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: honey, lemon, water, and cayenne pepper.
Golden milk is wonderful for year-round wellness and relaxation and will get you perfectly cozy before bedtime. My golden milk & honey turmeric latte comes together in about five minutes and it made with magical (yet easy-to-find) ingredients that help stabilize mood and ease digestion. Even better, it has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Brownies rank high on the comfort food list, right? Grab your favorite box mix and a couple of other ingredients then head to this post to learn how to hack a box of brownie mix. The result is SO decadent and surprisingly easy. Share these with your squad and let them think you have top-notch pastry chef skills.
Cuddle up with bae and get your Lady and the Tramp on with a big bowl of spaghetti & meatballs. This spaghetti recipe will set the perfect mood with tender pasta, your favorite sauce, and juicy meatballs...with no boiling required! Because easy comfort food is the best kind of comfort food, am I right? As a bonus, there are hidden veggies in the sauce. You're welcome. 🙂
When you have more time on your hands, take things slow with this Moroccan chicken. Tender chicken thighs come alive with North African flavors from fresh herbs and spices and the best part is, you don't need a tagine or any fancy tools--just your slow cooker (aka crockpot). Make this one when you want an exciting dinner or want to host an impressive dinner party. It's versatile.
Cold winter mornings call for coziness, too. But since most of us have jobs, school, family, etc. that have us pressed for time in the AM, I've found a way to meal prep a warm and filling breakfast to enjoy all throughout the week. Try this sweet potato breakfast hash. Sweet potatoes, spiced apples, sausage, raisins, and walnuts roast up to perfection on a sheet pan and the flavors are everything.
If you've ever wanted to have a bunch of your favorite soul food flavors in one bowl, make these soul food power bowls. Spicy okra and tomatoes, lemon pepper shrimp, honey cinnamon sweet potatoes, and classic collards combine perfectly on a bed of yellow rice. These take 45 minutes to make and will hit the spot that only soul food can in a fresh way.
What's cozier: homemade chili or mac & cheese? You don't have to choose here, sis. Treat yourself to the best of both worlds. My hearty Texas chili mac recipe is another 30-minute meal that cooks up in just one pan. It's only made better by the addition of vegetables that you can't even taste. And did I mention it's easy?
And for the final star in this cozy winter recipes lineup is creamy tomato basil chicken soup. Not to sound like a broken record but it's also a quick, one-pot recipe--just in case you were wondering. On top of all the simplicity, it's also dairy free. I'm wishing you all the coziness this winter. As always, thanks for reading!
Renia Butler says
Nothing beats a delicious and hearty soup on a chilly day.