It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are here, but more importantly so many wonderful fruits and vegetables are in season. Oranges, grapefruit, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, apples, and many more items are abundant right now and ripe for the picking. Here is a collection of different recipes that allow you to make the most of the bountiful season.  

Breakfast

Gingerbread Oatmeal

You might not have cookies for breakfast, but what about this delicious gingerbread cookie-flavored oatmeal? Oatmeal will fill you up and give you tons of energy throughout the day so you can keep up with your kids and loved ones this holiday season.  

Photo and recipe credit: https://veggiekinsblog.com/2018/11/29/gingerbread-oatmeal/ 

Orange and Cardamom Muffins 

Did you know oranges are in season in winter? Seems counterintuitive given their fresh summer flavor, but they pair perfectly with warm spices like cardamom. If you haven’t had cardamom before, it’s similar to cinnamon mixed with nutmeg. This muffin works perfectly with butter, cream cheese, or even raspberry jam.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/orange-and-cardamom-muffin-recipe/ 

Lunch

Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad 

Fueling your body to get the best nutrients doesn’t stop during the winter-you just have to get a little more creative in your approach. This salad uses many different seasonal vegetables-meaning it’s a money-smart option as well! 

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://www.hungryhealthyhappy.com/roasted-vegetable-winter-salad/ 

Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup

After sledding with the kids, you need something to warm you up. Consider this sweet potato and spinach soup! It takes less than an hour to prepare and will keep you energized all day. This pairs perfectly with crusty bread or even a grilled cheese sandwich.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://neilshealthymeals.com/sweet-potato-and-spinach-soup/ 

Caramelized Onion Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich 

Instead of sending you to look for a grilled cheese sandwich recipe after looking at the soup above, we found one for you! It’s a fun twist from the traditional American cheese version (though that is still delicious). This version uses cheddar, brie, and fresh sage butter. And it pairs with a cold glass of cranberry juice. YUM!  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://cozycravings.com/caramelized-onion-apple-grilled-cheese-sandwich/ 

Dinner

Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells 

Pasta is always a welcoming comfort food we love to include in our winter recipe rotation. The filling is reminiscent of vegetable lasagna, but you get even more noodles with this version. If you have fresh basil on hand, sprinkle it liberally on top of the meal. Freshly grated parmesan works wonders as well.   

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://saltedmint.com/spinach-ricotta-stuffed-shells/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=512055484_18449686_312821 

Roasted Butternut Tikka Masala 

This tikka masala will pack a punch of spice on a cold winter’s night. Grab a butternut squash from your local farmers’ market or grocery store and enjoy it with naan.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://www.feastingathome.com/roasted-butternut-tikka-masala/ 

Dessert

Grapefruit Bars 

Grapefruits are in season in winter! If you’re like me and only enjoy grapefruits with sugar, this is the perfect recipe for you. There isn’t a hint of bitterness in this recipe like a regular grapefruit. This is the perfect recipe when you’re sick of traditional holiday sweets. It’s refreshing and the pop of citrus is astounding.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com/ruby-red-grapefruit-bars/ 

Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies

Perfect for the non-chocolate fan who wants a cookie with lots of flavor. These melt in your mouth cookies are perfect for small family gatherings or making your home smell extra delicious during the holiday season

Recipe and Photo Credit: Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies – Beyond The Chicken Coop

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Try a new twist to a holiday favorite. These cupcakes are delicious and rich. The cream cheese frosting is delightful makes it even more scrumptious. And you can easily top these off with a tiny gingerbread man. 

Recipe and Photo Credit: Gingerbread Cupcakes | Butternut Bakery (butternutbakeryblog.com)

Drinks

Chai White Hot Chocolate

This grown-up hot chocolate is a great end to a winter’s feast. The chai keeps it warm and spicy but the white chocolate rounds out the sweetness of the drink. Dollop some whipped cream on top and add a sprinkle of cinnamon. Leave the Swiss Miss to the kids this year.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: https://bakingmischief.com/chai-white-hot-chocolate/ 

Non-Alcoholic Winter Sangria

Utilize all the fresh fruits in season and treat yourself to this non-alcoholic winter sangria. Want to make it even fancier? Instead of using plain ice, turn cranberry juice into ice cubes so you don’t water down the drink. Put a little bit of water on the rim of the cup and dip it in sugar for a showstopping appearance.  

Recipe and Photo Credit: Non Alcoholic Winter Sangria | Savor the Flavour

Categorized in: Uncategorized

This post was written by Classic Homes