5 Easy Winter Food Recipes

Try these 5 easy winter recipes. They all feature produce that is easy to get in the winter.  Winter food is hearty and tasty, and it keeps you warm and cozy no matter what the weather is outside.

If you want to make acorn squash for your winter meal, you will need:

• 2 acorn squash
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar

1. Pierce the flesh of the squash with a metal skewer. This prevents the skin from bursting as they cook.
2. Place the whole squash on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until tender.
3. Remove the squash from the oven. Cut into halves.
4. Sprinkle the squash with salt and pepper. Place a tablespoon of butter and brown sugar on each half.
5. Broil for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

If you want to make a tasty winter pork stew, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 beef bouillon packets or cubes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup picante sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the pork and cook until no longer pink.
2. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes, bouillon, bay leaves, picante sauce, salt and black pepper.  Add the potatoes.
3. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Add water if needed while simmering. Remove the bay leaves and enjoy this winter food.

If you want to make cheese fondue, a special winter recipe, you will need:

• 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon kirsch
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Day old bread, cubed
• Assorted winter vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cut into small pieces

1. Place the shredded cheese and cornstarch in a plastic freezer bag. Seal, shake to coat the cheese with flour. Set aside.
2. Rub the inside of a slow cooker with the cut garlic, and then discard. Add the wine and lemon juice to the pot, and turn the cooker on low.
3. Slowly stir the cheese into the wine. Cook just until the cheese is melted and creamy. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in kirsch, mustard and nutmeg. Turn the slow cooker to warm.
4. To eat, spear dipping foods with small forks. Dip to coat with the cheese, and eat.

If you want to make a traditional winter recipe, French onion soup, you will need:

• 6 large yellow onions, peeled and julienned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups of good beef stock
• 1/2 cup of dry vermouth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• 8 slices of toasted French baguette
• 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyere

1. In a large saucepan, sauté the onions in the olive oil on medium low heat. Cook until well browned, 30 minutes (or longer).
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the stock, vermouth, and bay leaf. Cover partially and simmer or another 30 minutes.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard the bay leaf.
4. To serve, ladle soup into an oven-proof bowl. Place the toasted bread on top of the soup.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the toast. Place under the broiler until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.

If you want to make chili, a favorite winter food, you will need:

• 3 pounds coarsely ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 can tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground

1. Brown the beef in a soup pot on the stove. Drain the fat. Add the onion and garlic and let soften.
2. Add the tomato juice and the diced tomatoes. Mix in the seasonings.
3. Let simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add water as needed. Taste to adjust seasonings.