There are still weeks and weeks left before a glimmer of green and a whisper of warmth lightens the gloom of winter. We crave comfort. So, what do we do? Give in? Never. We light the oven and get busy in the kitchen. We feed our friends and family. And in that loving gesture we find comfort. Double down on the comfort food with these farm-to-table recipes that start with preserved goods, meats and winter produce from local farm stores. Some farm stores are even open all year long, so keep them on your shopping list even in winter.
Best Winter Comfort Food Recipes
Apple & Mustard Braised Pork
Vidalia sweet onion mustard relish and jalapeño mustard bring bold flavors to this braised pork dish. Apples and apple cider also come into play, and the aromatic magic of caraway seeds helps, too. Pork shoulder, raised with care and principle, gets lifted into next level flavor with no trouble at all! All you have to do is get the ingredients and the rest is easy-peasy.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Jennifer Schwalm of Goodness Grows Farm shares an old family recipe! This soup was made of Thanksgiving leftovers and taken to hunting camp to sustain the fathers and sons out looking for deer. It’s simple, homey goodness will sustain you, too, whether you start with the bones of a leftover turkey or a couple of chickens you prepared for dinner and keep in the freezer to make soup.
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo
Nothing beats homemade, and that goes for meatballs, too. These fresh, light meatballs get their start with basil chicken sausage. The rest is simple: seasonings, breadcrumbs, and a fun in the kitchen with the kids to shape the meatballs. In no time at all you will marvel at the deliciousness.
Roasted Brussels Sprout and Balsamic Onion Galette
We started this beauty off with a lovely pie crust mix. Layered on top are red onions simmered in balsamic vinegar, and shredded mozzarella and Meadow Delight cheeses. After a little time in a hot oven, you have a delicious Meatless Monday entrée which you can enjoy with a glass of dry Erie region white wine.
Winter Greens Salad
Fresh winter greens completely change the way you think of salads in the season of snow. Try this salad and you will be as impressed as we were with the beauty and flavor of Parisian carrots, turnips, kale, and arugula. Goodbye to boring iceberg lettuce in a bag.
Winter Veggie Bake
Winter vegetables like honeynut squash and cauliflower distill the power of sun and soil into edible form … and their sustaining magic never fails to delight! This winter delight adds Italian sausage, a lovely white wine sauce, and grated cheeses. The results? A memorable side dish or a stand-alone entrée.
Recipes and Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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