By Janet Luhrs, www.simpleliving.com
Mmmmm. Winter is the perfect time to nourish yourself with healthy comfort food. I’ve pulled together a few easy recipes that you can make ahead, so you’ll always have something hearty and warm on hand. I suggest making big batches and then freezing the leftovers so you’re always prepared.
All of these recipes give you great nutrition before a workout, and some adapt really well to a wide mouth thermos, so you can bring them along to the slopes or on a winter hike.
- This Slow cooker Root Vegetable Stew is a wonderful way to take advantage of the winter veggies and do it all simply in the crockpot.
- Need a mid-winter pick-me-up? This Lime Jalapeño Chicken will do that for you during those dark days of winter with its wonderful citrusy flavor.
- Packed with protein and power greens, the Pork, White Bean and Kale Soup is easy to make and pour into a thermos for a day at the slopes.
- Although this one is a side dish, the Honey Glazed roasted Root Vegetables are a winner if you have a crowd coming over for the game. You can prep the veggies ahead and toss in a gallon zip lock to season and then just pull out and roast as directed.
- No winter recipe list would be complete without a chicken chili recipe. With just 8 ingredients, things couldn’t be simpler
- This one is super hearty and satisfying – French Beef Burgundy Stew. Another winner made easy in the crockpot and would do well in a wide mouth thermos after your vigorous winter snowshoe adventure.
- This won’t do well in a thermos, but the protein packed Quinoa Enchilada Casserole is too yummy and too easy to make, so I had to include it on this list. Using quinoa and black beans not only adds important protein but both are really great sources of fiber. This one is easy to freeze ahead before baking.
- This crockpot recipe makes you look like a top chef. The French Basil Chicken recipe is easy to make for a crowd or just two of you. You can mix all ingredients in gallon zip locks, freeze uncooked, and pull out and toss into your crockpot in the morning.
Give some a try and let us know your favorites, or did you try some variations? We would love to hear.
Featured photo source: GimmeSomeOven.com
