Winter Comfort Food: Healthy, Sweet, and Easy Recipes
December is about two things at my house: Christmas preparations and winter comfort food. Life is extra busy during the holidays, but I always make time to serve up some of these hot, delicious meals and sweet treats. Here are ten easy winter comfort food recipes that I come back to again and again.
From Shrimp and Grits Cakes to Venison Bolognese, the main dishes are protein rich, and some also provide satisfying carbs for cold days. I hope you will try a few of them this month.
If you’re trying to eat light before Christmas feasting, then Power Salad with Chicken is the way to go. It’s one of my go-to light, healthy, yet satisfying meals any time of year when I want to lose a few pounds. Also check out this new fish recipe that I made on a recent episode of The Sporting Chef: Poached Fish in Crazy Water. It’s healthy and colorful and has a spicy kick to warm you on a winter day.
Did you know that just being out in the cold burns extra calories? No, I am not suggesting freezing as a weight-loss strategy. Shivering is not a state I want to be in for any length of time, no matter how many calories it burns. But if you’re in a cold climate, keep in mind that the kids may need extra fuel after that long snowball fight. Shoveling snow counts, too! So I’ve provided some carb-rich recipes here for stick-to-your-ribs sustenance.
Carbs are not just fuel, though. They are the definition of “winter comfort food.” For creamy carb bliss, try this Mac and Cheese Spaghetti. And there’s always the classic Homemade Chicken and Buttermilk Dumplings.
As for dessert, what would Christmas be without it? I’m featuring two family favorites here for the holidays. French Apple Cake is simple, soft-yet-crunchy, and not too sweet. And Key Lime Cake is extra pretty on a Christmas table or buffet.
