Happy first day of winter! I'll be honest. I'm not the biggest fan of winter. If I'm curled up by a fire then I'm happy as can be but when I get cold, it takes a lot to warm me up and I'm pretty insufferable until then.
The temperatures of the season no, the food a definite yes. Winter food is my favourite. I love all the warming slow-cooked hearty meals. In fact I could eat them most of the year quite easily. This post is just a few of my favourites from the last couple of years. Miss Syndey's Moroccan meatballs are a hit with anyone who is treated to them. They're great for lunch or dinner but in mini form would make perfect party food.
Ok funny story about these Aussie Meat Pies. I found some of the meat filling in the freezer two weeks ago and made us pies for dinner. I'd forgotten how good they are! I didn't realise the meat had been in there so long. It really just proves my theory correct though. If it's not covered in freezer burn (I vacuum seal stuff that goes in the freezer) then it lasts ages. Feel free to abide by the food safety freezer guidelines but I like to be a rebel.
Homemade sukiyaki is a bit of a production but it's wonderful for a special winter dinner. When I was younger mum used to set up a table in front of the fireplace and we'd cook our meat on the table in the bubbling pot.
My slow cooker is one of my favourite appliances and it gets a serious work out in winter. I encourage you to make this easy peasy slow cooked beef and leek stew with kidney beans.
I made this chicken and barley stew for my grandma last year and she loved it. This just reminded me how wonderful barley is for bulking up winter soups and stews.
Slow cooked Indian beef curry was a bit of a throw-it-in-and-see-if-it-works recipe but it turned out so deliciously fragrant and flavoursome. I might just have to make this one again next week! You could use lamb or even chicken instead of beef.
Finally my Tuscan chicken bake was another last minute creation when we had family over to lunch last year. It's great for feeding a group because you can just add extra chicken breasts. It goes with any sort of side you like and it's one of those chuck-it-all-in recipes. Enjoy!
What about you? What's your favourite winter dish.
Gourmet Getaways says
I agree with you totally. I am not the biggest fan of winter; I like being warm. I love the look of the beef curry, this might have to be my "go to" dish this winter. I love my slow cooker :)
Claire says
It's so easy GG. Me too. I don't know what I did without it!
The Café Sucre Farine says
These all look wonderful Claire!!! But no worries, when you come to New York, you'll experience plenty of heat! We're in Philadelphia this weekend for a blogging conference, it's 96˚! That's 35.5˚C! You'll be ready for the cool weather when you come back! Ready to cozy up in your new home. :)
Claire says
I hope it's nice and warm Chris!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Even though it's warm where I am I automatically started drooling when I started scrolling down! :D
Claire says
It's winter food... does that to you doesn't it?!
Hotly Spiced says
Now I'm feeling really hungry. I'm the same as you - hate winter but love winter cooking. I think I'm more of a winter cook because I love slow-cooking and I love all those cuts of meats that do so well when cooked gently over a long period of time like shoulder of lamb and ribs and osso bucco. But I'll take summer any day over the cold and short days we're about to experience xx
Claire says
Aren't we contrary! Mmm slow cooked lamb!
The Life of Clare says
Soup, any and every kind of soup!
Claire says
I have vowed to eat more soup this winter Clare.