The holidays are over and winter has set in. Now that holiday baking is out of the way, it’s time to focus on winter cooking with its host of seasonal fruits and vegetables along with cooking techniques that will warm everyone up.
We’ve put together our top winter cooking tips to help you make the most of this cold season.
#1. ‘Tis the Season for Slow and Low
This is the season to break out the slow cooker or Dutch oven to braise meats. During the winter, get the most out of any cut of meat by cooking it slow and low to obtain the most tender and juicy bites. You can opt for the traditional route of braising in wine and stock, but you can also consider braising meats in beer or adding the meat to curries to really amp up the flavor. There’s a world of possibility! For inspiration, check out our Vanilla Wine Braised Short Ribs.
#2. Experiment with Spices and Herbs
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are great flavors that are sure to remind you of winter. These can easily be added to Brioche Cinnamon Rolls or a delicious side of roasted vegetables. You can even pair those rich, warming spices with our Pure Chocolate Extract and Pure Orange Extract for an added boost of flavor. Consider adding a ½ teaspoon Pure Orange Extract to Vanilla Cinnamon Apples for a touch of brightness or a ½ teaspoon Pure Chocolate Extract to Ginger Citrus Scallops for added depth.
#3. Embrace Seasonal Produce
Eating seasonally is not only good for the planet but can also be a great excuse to experiment with new foods! Be sure to incorporate these vegetables as much as you can this time of year.
Another pro-tip? Add Pure Orange or Lemon Extract when steaming, pan-frying or roasting to add a burst of bright citrus flavor. For instance, Orange Ginger Turmeric Whole Roast Chicken features an excellent pairing of Pure Orange Extract with winter vegetables such as fennel, parsnip and potatoes.
So what’s in season? See below!
#4. Stews and Soups are an Easy way to Warm-Up
Not only are soups and stews the key to staying warm, they are also a life-saver for when you’re feeling under the weather or too busy to cook. Set aside an afternoon this weekend and make a couple of delicious soups. Then, portion them out and freeze for batch cooking done right.
Tip: Roasting the vegetables before you blend into the soup improves the flavor.
Check out our favorite soup and stew recipes below:
#5. Brighten Up Your Day with Winter Citrus
Meyer lemons, blood oranges and grapefruits are in peak season right now, so it’s the best time to start experimenting with them.
Infuse some citrus to shake up all those heavy and rich meals that you crave this time of year. Or, choose a light dessert like our Lemony Madeleines, that will have you remembering spring is just around the corner.
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