5 Winter Food Hacks to Spice up the Season
Hey guys,
Chef JP gathered his top 5 favorite winter food hacks that help him get through the cold season. Do you have any of your own?
Save your leftover Red Wine
Don’t throw it out! First of all, it’s a darn tragedy to waste good wine. Second, if you don’t want to down the bottle just make sure to save it for the next time your braising some tough meats or feel like adding an extra acidic “zing” to your dish.
Lean into Oven Roasting and stews
If grilling is meant for the summer months than surely oven roasting is meant for the winter. Theres just something about cranking up the oven, throwing in a roast, and sitting back to enjoy the season that really conjures up some great memories of my mom making delicious balsamic glazed roasted brussel sprouts or airline chicken with a tangy cranberry orange relish.
Warm Spices & Greens with a bite
Reach for those warm spices in your cabinet. Cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon to name a few. They aren’t just great metabolism boosters. They also provide the body with nutrients while adding flavor to your seasonal dishes.
Additionally, Mustard greens, radish, kale, and other greens with a bit of a spicy bite to them are great for the winter. Start opening your mind when you enter the grocery store. What can you add to your cart that’ll bring variety to your dinner plate?
Freeze your herbs
Yup. Seems weird, but do it! Freezing herbs at their peak freshness does a great job at retaining those flavors when you need them. Don’t abandon your herb garden just because the weather is changing! Just switch up your approach.
Utilize leftovers
Let’s face it - when that cold weather swoops in sometimes you just don’t want to cook. The winter time is best for recharging the batteries anyway and you’ve been working so hard at being more conscious of what’s going in to your body. UTILIZE LEFTOVERS! you’re saving time and money AND treating yourself to delicious food. I call that a triple play.
Keep spreading love, good people!
Best,
Chef Jake