Cozy Winter Reflections: Culinary Adventures, Home Comforts, and Weekend Joys

Ah, Saturday! The promise of a relaxed day unfolds, and while my partner, affectionately known as Squirrel, is out in the wilderness pursuing his fishing passion—a pursuit that rarely yields dinner, I must admit—I’m settling into some much-needed alone time. It’s a moment of peace, just me and a glass of wine, albeit under the watchful eyes of our two feline “beasts” staring intently from across the room. I’ll simply pretend they aren’t plotting their next mischievous move.

Truth be told, a fresh catch from the woods would be a delightful surprise, but experience tells me our dinner will likely originate from the grocery store. This winter has truly tested our patience and resilience. It’s been a relentless season, marked by brutal polar vortexes, arctic blasts, and an astonishing amount of snow. My body, quite frankly, isn’t designed for such extreme cold, leading to many days spent cocooned indoors, feeling somewhat like a creature in hibernation.

Navigating the Harsh Winter: Survival and Comfort

Since early December, my daily attire has consisted of multiple layers, a practical survival tactic I’ve adopted from Squirrel. The idea is simple: if you get too warm, you peel off a layer, much like an onion. The key difference, of course, is that I aim to be a more “fashionable” onion, adept at concealing my numerous layers. Squirrel, on the other hand, embraces a unique aesthetic, often sporting basketball shorts over thermal pants and elaborate sweaters atop t-shirts. Witnessing his layered ensemble in public is always an experience that warrants a double-take before one instinctively heads in the opposite direction.

With outdoor activities heavily restricted, life’s primary excitements have revolved around two main categories: food, and plenty of it, along with a generous supply of spirits. There’s something undeniably comforting about a good bourbon on a frigid day; it’s a proven method for warming the innards and warding off the persistent chill.

Culinary Discoveries and Dietary Shifts

One of our more recent and intriguing culinary discoveries has been bison. We stumbled upon a local farm, conveniently located just 30 minutes from our home, that raises these magnificent creatures. Bison are known for their wild, formidable nature, a fact underscored by the imposing 7,000-volt fence surrounding their enclosure. Yet, despite their reputation and immense size, they possess an undeniable cuteness. During our visit, they were all huddled together in the middle of a snowy field, a sight so endearing it made me momentarily wish I could pole vault over the fence and give each one a gentle pat.

Speaking of meat, I embarked on a significant dietary shift for Lent this year, opting to give it up entirely. To my pleasant surprise, I’ve been doing remarkably well. The thought of fully embracing vegetarianism becomes more appealing each day; if only my brain could permanently forget the delectable allure of steak and burgers, I would gladly make the leap. My meals have transitioned to hearty salads brimming with fresh greens, nutrient-packed kale and spinach smoothies, and a variety of beautifully roasted vegetables. To further my journey, I’ve delved into vegetarian cookbooks from the local library and become an avid follower of several vegetarian and semi-vegetarian blogs. My absolute favorites include Oh My Veggies, Dishing up the Dirt, The Roasted Root, Cookie & Kate, Oh She Glows, and Sprouted Kitchen. These resources have been invaluable in inspiring new recipes and expanding my culinary horizons.

Winter’s Best Recipes: Comfort and Flavor

This past winter provided the perfect backdrop for extensive recipe testing in my kitchen. While some specific details have faded from memory—a common occupational hazard for enthusiastic home cooks—the handful of recipes that truly stood out were exceptionally delicious and comforting. These are the ones I highly recommend adding to your rotation:

Cinnamon Sugar Bagels from A Kitchen Addiction

These bagels are a revelation. They boast a wonderfully chewy exterior that gives way to a soft, slightly sweet interior, lovingly swirled with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar. Each bite is pure bliss. They are absolutely a must-try, and I’m fortunate to still have a couple tucked away in the freezer, patiently awaiting their moment of glory.

Roasted Tomato Salsa from Simply Scratch

I cannot praise Laurie enough; she is an incredibly talented cook, writer, and photographer whose work I admire daily. Her roasted tomato salsa is nothing short of brilliant. Its freshness is unparalleled, offering a vibrant burst of flavor that can instantly lift your spirits, especially if you find yourself battling the winter blues. Make this salsa, and let its brightness transport you.

Ravioli and Italian Sausage Skillet from Damn Delicious

For those evenings when time is of the essence but you crave a truly satisfying meal, this skillet dish is your answer. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is an absolute triumph of comfort food. The sheer abundance of melted, gooey cheese in this dish is divine. Seriously, make it – your taste buds will thank you.

Hippe Bowls with Secret Sauce from Dishing up the Dirt

The whimsical name alone was enough to draw me to this recipe, and I’m so glad it did! Anything with “hippie” in the title simply has to be delicious, and this dish lives up to the expectation. It is truly amazing, with its secret sauce being the star of the show. The harmonious combination of tahini and nutritional yeast creates a flavor profile that is simply perfect. One generous bowl is remarkably filling and provides sustained energy, making it an ideal healthy and satisfying meal.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars from Shutterbean

These bars present a delightful paradox: they taste precisely like a chocolate chip cookie, yet they are decidedly not a cookie in the traditional sense. Despite this, they capture the essence of a classic chocolate chip cookie—but with a healthy, protein-packed, and entirely guilt-free twist. Consider me sold; as a cookie-loving gal in the front row, these are an absolute win!

Glimpses into My Winter World: A Photo Journal

Beyond the kitchen, my winter months were punctuated by various home activities and the antics of our beloved pets. Please excuse me while I share a series of random photos that offer a visual diary of our cozy, food-filled, and sometimes snowy, existence.

Kitty Camera Time: Watson’s Moment in the Spotlight

One particularly dull day, I decided to stage an impromptu kitty photoshoot with my main man, Watson. While he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be a model, I must commend his patience; he tolerated the camera in his face for an impressive amount of time, far longer than I had anticipated.

Wishing Away the Snow

Go away, snow! We’re ready for spring.

A Winter of Reading

This winter saw a lot of reading, especially about food. If you share that passion, this book is a true gem.

Biscuits for Breakfast (or Anytime)

I like big biscuits, and I cannot lie – especially when they’re this fluffy and golden.

Bison: The New Star in Town

Move over beef, there’s a new, delicious meat in town. Bison has quickly become a favorite.

A Cat’s Idea of a Bed

Does my computer case look like a bed to you? Apparently, to a cat, it certainly does!

Morning Brew Delight

I’m utterly smitten with my new Starbucks Verismo brewer. Keep an eye out for a full review and an exciting giveaway coming soon!

My Favorite Sweet Treat

These are the only jelly beans for me – a true indulgence.

The Joys of Homemade Bread

I practically ate my weight in delicious homemade bread throughout the winter months, and I have no regrets.

A Sweet Delivery

When fifty pounds of sugar arrives at your front door, you know it’s going to be a wonderfully sweet day. A huge thank you to Dixie Crystals!

The Aftermath of Culinary Creativity

This is often what my kitchen looks like after a productive, or perhaps destructive, cooking session. A true labor of love!

Squirrel’s Secret Obsession

Shhh, don’t tell Squirrel he’s famous, but the man has an undeniable love for his condiments. The collection is ever-growing!

Building Strength

Working on my “lady guns” and feeling stronger with every workout session.

Post-Workout Hydration

This has become my new favorite way to rehydrate and replenish after a vigorous workout.

Maddox: The Yoga Mat Enthusiast

Maddox has a peculiar habit of conveniently settling onto my yoga mat precisely when I’m in the middle of using it. It’s his way of participating, I suppose.

A Coffee Dream

Mocha coconut iced coffee – there are simply no words to describe its deliciousness. A true treat.

Salad Prep in Progress

Preparing for a fresh, vibrant salad – a staple in my kitchen, especially during my vegetarian journey.

Cheers to Good Wine

I don’t mind if I do! A heartfelt thank you to Gallo Family Vineyards for this delightful moment.