Winter’s Best Comfort Foods

Winter has settled over us, and with more time spent at home, there’s more time for cooking and finding comfort in our favorite foods. These are the kinds of meals that bring us emotional comfort — reminding us of fond memories, occasions, people or places in our lives. What are your go-to meals for chilly evenings and weekends when the only thing on your schedule is to stay cozy at home?

There are classics, such as pot roast, meatloaf, stews, pastas, and casseroles from family recipes. Others have a modern twist, some are simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, and still others are even better as leftovers. Here are a few ideas that will fill your home with delicious aromas and meet all your comfort food needs.

Sometimes there’s nothing better for Sunday dinner than a traditional roast, accompanied by a variety of vegetables. The same goes for beef stew. These are the meals that simmer for hours and make your mouth water while you wait… and it’s worth it. Meatloaf is another meal often associated with reminiscing about childhood or making us feel better when we need a boost. No matter which beef entree is on your menu, Butcher Boy can provide the freshest cuts of meat, including ground beef prepared right in our store so you always know you’re getting the best quality.

If pork is more to your liking, how about a bone-in roast? It looks more elaborate than it is to prepare, so you can impress the family with an amazing meal. For something different, how about Butcher Boy pork pinwheels stuffed with spinach, mozzarella and breadcrumbs? It’s a fancy-looking meal that is prepped for you – but no need to tell the family that little secret!

No matter the time of year, sometimes there’s nothing like lasagna or baked ziti to bring a family together. Many of the conventional recipes we love can be tweaked for something more sophisticated, like this recipe for baked rigatoni with lamb ragu. The most basic spaghetti and meatballs can hit the spot, too. For the side, we think you’ll love a fresh focaccia bread from local favorite Iggy’s Breads – available at Butcher Boy Market. Just slice and serve.

After a cold winter’s day in the snow and ice, either sledding, skiing or skating, what’s better than a hot homemade chicken noodle soup or chili to warm you up? Talk about comfort! Make a big batch to feed your family for days or freeze some for later. Don’t forget to shop for all your ingredients at our market — from fresh veggies to poultry and your meats of choice.

When time is tight after working all day or you just don’t have the energy to prepare a large meal, simple is best during the week. For a change of pace, try sizzling beef steak fajitas. But on the nights when cooking is more of a chore, Butcher Boy has you covered, with prepared foods like rotisserie chickens and side dishes to go with anything on your dinner table.

It’ll be weeks before we can think about grilling without winter coats and wind chill, so we hope you can find some seasonal inspiration in some of these ideas. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the recipes and guides on our website!