Author: Melissa Johnson

The festive winter season is upon us, bringing with it cold weather, coziness, and of course, comfort foods!  Our collection of favorites for winter warmer recipes are simple yet satisfying, with many using locally grown ingredients. Whether you want to make a weekday meal that is budget-friendly, or create something special for a holiday gathering, we’ve got you covered. Warm-up this season with these winter favorites!

1. CRANBERRY HAM SLICE 

Not only a regular at the Thanksgiving table, cranberries are also the star of the sweet and tangy sauce atop this holiday ham classic. Using cranberries native to Washington and grown in the southwestern part of the state, this recipe features cranberry juice, raisins, allspice, and brown sugar to give it a warm tone. Serve with your favorite winter veggies for an easy dinner.

Click here for the full recipe.

2. ROASTED HONEY MUSTARD GREEN BEANS   

Need fresh ideas on how to put a new spin on some tried and true holiday dishes? Green beans, also known as string or snap beans, are a simple and easy side dish any time of year. This recipe spices up the classic veggie, dressing it with a zesty honey mustard sauce, then roasting to bring out even more flavor. Try it topped with dried fruit or crumbled bacon! Simply delicious.

Click here for the full recipe.

3. BROWN RICE PILAF WITH SAGE, WALNUTS, AND DRIED FRUIT

This recipe combines whole grain brown rice, savory spices, walnuts, and dried fruit to make a perfect winter dish. Sage gives an earthy flavor, while the tangy dried fruit adds bright color. And the walnuts lend a toasty crunch. Have other nuts or dried fruit already in your pantry? Switch it up! Add one cup of any dried fruits and 1/3 cup of any raw or roasted nuts as a substitute.

Click here for the full recipe.

4. PEAR AND CRANBERRY CRISP 

This kid-friendly recipe takes a basic crisp and highlights some of the best Washington ingredients of the season – tart cranberries with sweet pears. This recipe is also highly adaptable depending on what ingredients you have in your pantry. It’s a great opportunity to use up some of those spices that get little use outside of the holiday season. Try adding some cardamom or nutmeg to give it that winter spice. Don’t have any fresh or frozen cranberries on hand? Dried cranberries will work as well.

Click here for the full recipe.

5. WHOLE WHEAT YOGURT ROLLS  

What’s a holiday meal without steaming, freshly made dinner rolls? These rolls are simple to make, with only four ingredients. As we say in the Kitchen at Second Harvest, “make half your grains whole.” Whole grains are part of a heart-healthy diet, and also help to keep you full longer. Substitute up to half the total flour amount in most recipes with whole wheat flour to reap the benefits. Add some butter and jam or pair with a warm winter soup. Cheers to a cozy holiday season!

Click here for the full recipe.