When we talk about Cozy Comforts, we don’t simply mean the lovingly nostalgic dishes passed down from generations before. And we certainly don’t mean that nasty green goop that uncle George always proudly served. Cozy Comforts can also be dishes that are inspired by new friends and family, travel to faraway places, spiritual awakenings, cooking classes that introduce us to entirely new worlds of flavor, or even simply a good book, magazine or show that piques our interest. No matter what the source of inspiration is, we celebrate each opportunity to expand our collection of favorite Cozy Comforts.
Expanding Palates with Global Flavors
Sometimes this is by way of an entirely new dish, while other times it’s simply tweaking an old familiar by introducing ingredients inspired by new-to-you cuisines. The fun is the joy and adventure of new flavors and new combinations that help us celebrate different ways of using the same base ingredients.
Here are some ideas:
- Shift a hearty barley and vegetable soup to a Korean-inspired version by adding toasted nurungji (crispy rice) for texture, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a topping of green onions and nori.
- Elevate classic macaroni and cheese by giving it an Italian twist with fontina, parmesan, roasted garlic and a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto
- Pumpkin pie is a holiday staple, but why not add some ooh-la-la to your table by making these delicious and easy pumpkin croissants!
| Nourishing Noshes: Grains, whether refined or whole, offer a delicious and nutritious option you can feel good about enjoying, especially when paired with other macronutrients. |
Grain Dishes from Around the World
The possibilities are as limitless as the varieties of cuisines across the globe! We’ve put together a short list of some of our favorite dishes that show the different ways cultures around the world rely on grain foods as the centerpiece for some of their most cherished winter and holiday dishes:
- Gochujang Buttered Noodles from Korea: Sweet, savory, and irresistibly creamy, this comforting dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for those last-minute weeknight meals. Use any long noodles, but fresh or instant ramen make it truly shine.
- Pelmeni from Russia: A family favorite in every household, this simple winter dumpling is filled with ground meat, onions and light spices, then served with sour cream and butter.
- Swedish Meatballs: These hearty meatballs are coated in a delicious gravy and often served over potatoes. We love serving them on wide egg noodles that are mixed with sauteed shredded cabbage, plated along-side a cucumber salad and a scoop of lingonberry jam.
- Aji de Gallina from Peru: This creamy yet spicy shredded chicken dish is a classic winter comfort food known for its bright yellow sauce that can include cream, cheese, chilis and bread, and is often served over delicious white rice with black olives as garnish.
Global Desserts Add Sweetness to Life
Let’s not forget about those cozy desserts! Here are some delicious options to add to your collection of favorite winter sweet treats:
- Ghraybeh from the Middle East: These deliciously simple shortbread cookies are a fun and easy treat often celebrated around holidays. The only real difference between Ghraybeh and a western sugar cookie is the addition of a single pistachio on top, and sometimes the swapping of a citrus extract instead of vanilla.
- Kalaallit Kaagiat from Greenland: This distant cousin of fruitcake is actually more like a bread, is flavored with dried berries and cardamom, and is a cherished celebratory treat that makes an easy and delicious addition to the table. Amp up the dessert feel with a spread of sweet jam, a drizzle of royal icing, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Olive Oil Cake from the Mediterranean: This simple, moist, delicious and easy cake has been a holiday staple for generations, and the only significant adjustment from a butter cake is swapping in olive oil in place of butter. The variations and customizations to this cake are limitless, making it an easy crowd pleaser, and it stays moist for days, so you can bake ahead!
Expanding our collections of Cozy Comforts not only expands our palettes, but also expands our awareness of all that we have in common, especially with the foods we enjoy at this time of year!