There is a massive amount of record cold air sitting over the northern United States and Canada today. It is a good day to stay cozy and snuggled up inside. Even here in southwest Florida it is a cool, grey day. If I was freezing in New Jersey today, I would be making soup or some other hearty, comfort food. So what is your favorite cold weather comfort food?
Two of my favorites are the following simple baked stews.
Baked Beef Stew
1 – 2 lb stew beef
2 – 3 large potatoes
2 – 3 large carrots
1 large onion
2 to 3 celery stalks
Other vegetables as desired
1 tsp salt
Ā½ tsp pepper
1 Tbsp. Sugar
3 Tbsp Tapioca
28 oz can V-8 JuiceCut beef and vegetables into bite size chunks. Mix all ingredients in an oven safe baking dish (no need to brown meat). Bake at 350 until potatoes are soft (about 2 hours). More tender vegetables, such as zucchini or fresh mushrooms can be added about 20 minutes before the stew is done.
Chicken Pot Roast
1 Chicken, whole or cut up
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp savory
1 tsp sage
1 tsp powdered garlic or 2 fresh cloves minced
1 tsp crushed rosemary
12 – 16 small red potatoes
1 – 2 Cups whole baby carrots
1 large onion cut into 1 inch chunks
2 to 3 celery stalks cut into chunks
Other vegetables as desired
2-4 Cups chicken broth or stock
2-3 Cups dry white wineNOTE: all amounts above are suggested, use more or less depending on your tastes and the size of your baking dish!
Sprinkle seasonings inside and outside whole chicken or over chicken pieces. Heat olive oil, garlic and rosemary on stove top and brown chicken lightly. It is best to use a pot that has a lid and can be used on both the stove top and oven, however if you don’t have one the chicken can be transferred to an oven safe dish after the chicken is browned. Put some of the onions and celery in the cavity (if you are using a whole chicken), then layer vegetables around chicken. Pour chicken broth and wine over chicken, cover and bake at 350 until potatoes are tender, and chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 (about 1.5 to 2 hours). If you wish to use tender vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini, add them 20 to 30 minutes before finished.
Please feel free to share a favorite cold weather recipe!
Ceci Giltenan, Author 
These look absolutely delicious, Ceci. Our temps went from high’s in the mid 20’s in early December to high 60’s by the end of the month. California is now in major drought conditions, so we’re praying for some rain in the next few months. Here’s one of my winter favorites:
Turkey Pumpkin Chili (courtesy of Whole Foods Market)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb ground white or dark meat turkey
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapenos and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender — about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, pumpkin puree, water, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and add beans. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more.
I usually serve with a dollop of sour cream and shelled pumpkins seeds.
Also, I love your new site design! Gorgeous. š
The pumpkin chili looks amazing! I must try it.
Ceci
I’m going to copy these… Not that I’m a great cook, but they look so good. Love your castle picture! I believe I’ve seen you on Facebook maybe? I love Scotland and historical romances set there. Only on FB I’m KElizabeth G. This is a beautiful site!…
I’m glad you like the site. My daughter’s boyfriend, Brad Nguyen, is my number 1 photographer and website designer. He just updated it for me and I quite like it too.
Ceci
Well he is certainly good. I have not been able to get on a lot in the last several months due to “family” issues, but I hope to be back more often soon! š
I love comfort food. That describes the way I cook. Thanks for the great recipes. Here’s my recipe for Swiss Steak. I love the crockpot and have adapted my recipes for it..
SWISS STEAK
1 large round steak, not the thin cut. Cut into pieces
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can can tomato puree
1 package beef gravy
2-3 can sliced mushroom
1 can tomato soup
Mix all iingredients in crockpot. Cook on high for 6 hours. Until the meat is tender. Serve with rice, noodles or potatoes. Freezes well. Enjoy.
This looks yummy! I can’t wait to try!