Great winter warmer recipes

While reddening leaves and darker evenings are sure signs that winter is on its way, that subtle smoke in the air is an indicator of something far more exciting; it’s almost time to prepare a bevvy of comforting meals that are sure to keep you warm inside and out. Winter is the perfect season for foodies; a time when ingredients are as rich as the festive atmosphere that’s creeping in. Allow us to guide you through a handful of this season’s tastiest recipes, as well as a few tips that should make your mealtimes the treat you deserve at this time of the year.

Saving time and money on winter recipes

Perhaps the best advice we can offer seasonal chefs is to prepare large batches of soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes in one go; these wholesome meals will freeze and keep for a rainy, or blustery day, ensuring you’ve got a tasty, but convenient dinner on those chillier evenings when you just don’t feel like cooking.

We also recommend that you cook with seasonal vegetables, looking out for bargains at your local farmers’ markets and stores. These abundant ingredients will add volume and flavor to the simplest of dishes, raising your spirits as winter sets in. Leeks, kale, parsnips, broccoli, pumpkin, squash, and potatoes are particularly favorable at this time of the year and will work out far cheaper than items that may have been shipped in from elsewhere. You’ll also want to stock up on things such as pasta and rice, stock, herbs and spices, and crusty bread, which are staple ingredients, and delicious additions in so many sumptuous winter dishes.

The most comforting winter recipes

The greatest thing about warming, winter dishes is that these tastiest meals are often the cheapest, and easiest to prepare. At a time when you’re no doubt watching every cent in time for Christmas, these kinds of meals can be prepared on a budget – and with time to spare.

Sweet potato and butternut squash soup

Sweet potato and butternut squash soup is a winter staple, providing an energy and vitamin boost when you’re feeling the effects of the driving rain, biting wind, and flurries of snow. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to whip up once you know how.

You can find the recipe here.

Beer mac ‘n’ cheese

Nothing says winter quite like a creamy heap of mac ‘n’ cheese, so what could be better than your favorite pasta dish with a hint of beer? Mac ‘n’ cheese is perfect for family gatherings, or for dividing up and freezing for later; go ahead, enjoy.

You can find the recipe here.

Chicken and leek pies

Pies are another winter favorite, delivering a burst of flavor with every crunch of pastry and flick of the fork. Chicken and leek pies are particularly welcome as winter approaches. Quick and easy to make, such a pie will warm an entire family from the inside out.

You can find the recipe here.

Pumpkin pie

It wouldn’t be fall or winter without pumpkin pie; indeed, Thanksgiving was perhaps made for such a dessert. This sweet, subtle pudding is the perfect accompaniment to any warming winter dish, offering mouthful after mouthful of gently spiced goodness.

You can find the recipe here.

Have you got everything you need?

Of course, as well as the right ingredients you’re going to need to equip your kitchen, ensuring you have everything you could need to whip up a feast. Many winter warmer recipes can be prepared with the help of a slow cooker and little else, although a good selection of pots and pans, and an As Seen on TV copper skillet will serve you well too. You’ve no doubt seen such a skillet in action on a television advert recently; have you inspired to whip up a storm in your kitchen yet? Wooden spoons, measuring jugs, spoons, and a good set of scales are also likely to see you right, but be sure to check every recipe for the key ingredients, and items you’re going to need before fastening your apron.

So, there you have it; just a few hints, tips, and recipes to help you on your way this winter. We can already taste the bevvy of stews, hearty soups, and pasta bakes that we’re planning on creating, and hope we’ve inspired you to make the most of this rich, fruity, and undeniably delicious season, too.