The winter season is a time for traditions. Whether it is cooking your favorite seasonal dish, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, baking a fresh batch of cookies for Santa, or watching “Home Alone” with the family; many of them include food. Pies, cookies, and peppermint mochas are all an undeniably important part of the season. We don’t doubt that many of you have a favorite winter recipe, whether it is a family secret that you learned from a grandparent or relative or something you just stumbled upon online from your favorite TV chef. For many, the winter season does not truly begin until they have made their favorite seasonal dish or dessert.
Looking for a new comforting dish to try? The weather outside may be chilly, but you need not worry. We’ve compiled some of the favorite winter dishes of Central students and staff.
Soups
Recipes:
Soup, chili, and stews can be a great way to stay warm during this cold time of year, and with so many variations and recipes to pull from, there is no wonder why it is so many students’ favorite dish. Naima Booth, a sophomore at Central stated “Soup brings back memories of when my mother would make me a big bowl after playing in the cold snow and we would watch Christmas movies together.” There is no doubt that soup is the perfect comfort meal to consume after a long day of winter activities.
Meat Based Dishes
Recipes:
Many winter dishes and meals center around a cooked meat dish. From turkey dinners to Christmas ham, pot roasts, or lamb, meat is an essential part of many recipes that are popular during this time of the year. Winter Pot Roast or Rosemary Salt Chicken are both great options in case you are craving something savory this holiday season. Plus, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Make sure to use a combination of spices for the dry rub to ensure added flavor!
Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes
Recipes:
Vegetarian Chili with Winter Vegetables
For all the meat-centered dishes, there are just as many, if not more, vegetarian or vegan alternatives available. Chickpeas or tofu can be great alternatives to meat-based recipes, such as chili or stew. These dishes are sure to warm you up as the sun sets earlier and are perfect for beginners to cook.
Salads
Recipes:
Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Although it may not be everybody’s favorite, a good salad can definitely spruce up a winter meal. Believe it or not, there are salads that pair better with certain seasons, such as a fruit salad in summer. A winter salad usually includes ingredients like nuts, roasted veggies, squash, peaches, or apples. Goat cheese or feta are also perfect additions to crumble over the top. Together they make a nutritious and delicious appetizer or entree. Don’t forget to whip up an easy homemade dressing or vinaigrette to drizzle over your hearty salad!
Cultural Dishes and Traditions
Recipes:
The Chizevers Winter Kugel Recipe
Hunterdon Central is home to students with heritage from across the globe, and thus, there are many cultural dishes that students enjoy during this time.
Gideon Chizever, a sophomore at Central says that their favorite winter recipe is noodle kugel, a Jewish meal created by Ashkenazi Jews typically served on or near Rosh Hashanah. “I have enjoyed it every winter since I was a child and I love the tradition, especially because it tastes so good. Also, this is basically the only meal that can make my entire family get together and eat without fighting, so it is a great bonding experience!” Whether you are looking to try some new cuisines or are having a family gathering, cooking up a dish from another country is a great way to expand your horizons and cultural awareness.
Drinks
Recipes:
There is nothing like sitting by the fire with a warm drink during the cold seasons. There are so many drinks that are synonymous with winter. Hot cocoa, hot apple cider, and Starbucks peppermint mochas to name a few. A winter drink is also, once again, a great way to stay warm while the temperature is close to freezing and there is ice on the ground. Amelia Siglag, a freshman says “I like peppermint hot chocolate because it puts you in the holiday spirit.” Whether that means taking a drive to your local Starbucks or grabbing some instant coffee at home, warm winter drinks are sure to brighten your day.
Desserts
Recipes:
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. From cookies and cake to gingerbread houses, there are just so many to choose from. Plus, baking can be a great family tradition or hobby as well. Ms. Deemer, a student teacher at Central says “My favorite winter dish is the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies. I used to bake them with my nan.” Making desserts can hold a lot of memories for many people, and it’s always fun to eat the leftovers for a few days too!
Clearly, Central students and staff have a lot of incredible dishes to try out this winter season. You can always look online for a new recipe, or ask a friend what their favorite wintertime food is. Even if you may not have a favorite recipe or family tradition, it is never too late to discover a new favorite. While the weather outside may be frightful, the food is sure to be delightful!
Sources:
Hands, Darrin “Italian-Style Winter Soup”. AllRecipes. 29 August 2024 https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16820/italian-style-winter-soup/
Monika “Comforting Winter Stew”. EverydayHealthyRecipes. 29 January 2021 https://www.everydayhealthyrecipes.com/chicken-potato-stew/
Dunnirvine, Silvia “Classic Pot Roast”. GardenInTheKitchen. October 13, 2022 https://gardeninthekitchen.com/classic-pot-roast/
Ratcliffe, Janine “Rosemary Salt Roast Chicken”. OliveMagazine https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/family/rosemary-salt-roast-chicken/
Shulman, Martha Rose “Vegetarian Chilli with Winter Vegetables”. Cooking.nytimes. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016032-vegetarian-chili-with-winter-vegetables
Beth “Vegan Lentil Stew”. BudgetBytes. October 18, 2018 https://www.budgetbytes.com/vegan-winter-lentil-stew/
Perry, Natalie “Ultimate Winter Salad”. ThePioneerWomen https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a104726/ultimate-winter-salad/
Holly “Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette” SpendwithPennys December 16 2022 https://www.spendwithpennies.com/winter-salad-with-maple-dijon-vinaigrette/
Porchia “True Dominican Sancocho” AllRecipes December 1, 2023 https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/259061/true-dominican-sancocho-latin-7-meat-stew/
Fehr, Ashley “Peppermint Mocha Recipe”. TheRecipeRebel. January 26 2024 https://www.thereciperebel.com/peppermint-mocha-recipe/
Jackie “Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe”. AllRecipe. July 19 2023 https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9501/hot-apple-cider/
Sam “Blizzard Cookies”. SugarSpunRun. December 16 2015 https://sugarspunrun.com/blizzard-cookies/
Overhiser, Sonja “Perfect Apple Crumble”. ACoupleCooks September 20, 2024 https://www.acouplecooks.com/apple-crumble/ =
