As the temperatures drop (OK, at least we hope, because here in the south it has been upper 70's and low 80's!) and we head into the holiday season there’s no better time to refresh your pantry with essentials for cozy winter days and impromptu holiday gatherings. Stocking up now means you’re ready to whip up comforting meals, create warm beverages, or host guests at a moment's notice—all without the stress of last-minute shopping. Don't forget you can "host" yourself! If you are feeling fancy, go for it! Even if it is just you!
This season let’s embrace a pantry refresh that keeps you well-prepared for every cozy moment and festive occasion winter has to offer. My friend called it Hygge for the pantry and I think that is perfect! Here is you Pantry Hygge Kit:
Winter Comfort Pantry Essentials
Broths & Stocks: Having a variety of broths (vegetable, chicken, and beef) on hand is essential for building hearty soups, risottos, and stews that warm from the inside out. Stock up on low-sodium options or consider making and freezing homemade broth.
Dried Beans & Legumes: A pantry staple for quick, nutritious soups and stews. Chickpeas, lentils, and black beans add protein and depth to many winter dishes. I love a big pot of beans on a cold dreary day!
Hot Beverages: Include a selection of cozy hot teas (like chamomile, peppermint, and spiced chai) for calm, relaxing evenings. Don’t forget to prepare a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix for an instant, comforting treat!
Canned Tomatoes: Perfect for tomato-based soups, sauces, and stews, as well as a base for shakshuka or chili.
Whole Grains & Pasta: Stock up on hearty grains like barley, farro, freekeh, or quinoa, as well as a few varieties of pasta, to make winter meals more filling.
Spices & Herbs for Warm Flavors: Emphasize spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and thyme that bring comforting, seasonal warmth to dishes.
Canned Coconut Milk: Great for adding creaminess to soups, curries, and even desserts. This is great in things like chicken and dumplings too, it adds creaminess without a strong coconut flavor when you use it with other spices.
Jarred Garlic & Ginger: Keep jarred garlic and ginger on hand to add a kick of flavor to dishes without any extra prep.
Essentials for Holiday Hosting
Chocolate Chips & Baking Mixes: Chocolate chips, nuts, and a few baking essentials let you make cookies or quick breads for last-minute treats or gifts.
Crackers & Savory Snacks: Keep a variety of crackers, pretzels, and nuts on hand to build quick, crowd-pleasing snack boards.
Cheese: Stock up on a couple of hard cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda, which store well and work for both savory dishes and cheese platters.
Dips & Spreads: Jarred artichoke dip, tapenade, or hummus can turn simple snacks into a small feast and try putting homemade ranch dressing in a pepper for added flavor.
Shelf-Stable Olives & Pickles: These add tang and sophistication to any spread, plus they last long in the pantry and it makes your charcuterie board complete.
Jarred, dried, or Canned Fruit: Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to cheese boards, like figs, apricots, or pears.
Sparkling Water & Mixers: Have a few varieties of sparkling water or mixers on hand to create festive drinks or cocktails.
A Few Additional Cozy & Hosting Essentials
Baking Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes: These are great for comforting sides or main dishes that can be whipped up quickly with minimal ingredients.
Honey & Maple Syrup: Ideal for sweetening tea, adding to baking, or even glazing roasted vegetables for holiday dinners.
Canned Pumpkin or Squash Puree: Great for seasonal baking, pumpkin soup, or even a quick addition to pasta dishes for an autumnal touch. I highly recommend the Minimalist Baker's Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup !
Herbal Mulling Spices: A blend of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel that can be added to cider or wine for a warm holiday drink. In our house this is a BIG DEAL!! Hot cider is everyone's favorite. I like to add a little orange juice and brown sugar to apple cider, then add my spices in a little bag and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and enjoy! Tip: The Fresh Market Mulling Spice packet is perfect! Found in the bagged spices area.
Wine & Non-Alcoholic Options: A bottle or two of red wine and non-alcoholic alternatives can instantly elevate a gathering. Frozen peach juice makes a great punch base!
With these pantry staples, you’re well-equipped to embrace winter’s cozy vibes and host with ease. From quick soups and comforting hot drinks to festive spreads for guests, these items will see you through the season, bringing warmth and joy to every meal and gathering. So stock up, settle in, and let your refreshed pantry be the foundation for holiday memories and winter comfort, creating the perfect Hygge for the pantry and your home!
This Week's Menu
Thai Peanut Flatbreads with Edamame
This Thai-inspired flatbread is packed with vibrant flavors and textures, from creamy peanut sauce to fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a flavorful appetizer. Serve with seasoned edamame for a complete, balanced meal.
Ingredients:
1 shallot, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)
1 lime, cut into wedges
1–2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 flatbreads (such as naan or pita)
1/4 cup Thai peanut sauce
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup coleslaw blend (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup tofu (cubed and cooked) or cooked chicken (sliced)
For the Seasoned Edamame Side:
1 bag of frozen edamame
1 teaspoon sesame oil
a pinch of dried oregano
Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Flatbreads: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Protein:
For Tofu: If using tofu, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
For Chicken: If using cooked chicken, slice thinly and set aside.
Assemble the Flatbreads:
Place flatbreads on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of Thai peanut sauce over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
Top with coleslaw blend, cooked tofu or chicken, and sliced shallots.
Drizzle with sweet chili sauce to taste.
Bake the Flatbreads: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the flatbread are crispy and the toppings are warmed through.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and sprinkle each flatbread with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add extra sweet chili sauce if desired.
Season the Edamame: Boil the edamame in th pods for 8 minutes or until tender. Toss the cooked edamame with sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes to taste and sprinkle with oregano. To eat, slide the pods through your front teeth popping the edamame into your mouth and discard the pod shells.
Serve: Slice the flatbreads into pieces and serve alongside the seasoned edamame.
This recipe is a guideline, you can add whatever you would like to this and feel free to cook the tuna to your liking. We had our Tuna Bowls with sesame dressing, peanuts, scallions, pickled veggies and coriander aioli.
If you are looking for a less expensive option, try mixing shrimp in with the lobster.
For the potato cakes add in some chilis like, poblano or jalapeno and a few tablespoons of chives then top with Cotija or goat cheese.
Chorizo Stuffed Dates and Carrot Mahammara with Salad
I ran across this and thought I had to try it!! I didn't wrap the dates in bacon, but that is chef' choice. Carrot Mahammara is a dip similar to hummus, serve with garlic pita bread and finish the meal off with a nice salad.
Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka
This is a quick and easy dish because we are using jarred sauce this week. Just add a little heat, some fresh basil, and parmesan to take it to the next level.
Ingredients:
1 jar vodka pasta sauce
1/4 - 1 tsp Calabrian chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
1 lb rigatoni, cooked according to package instructions
1/4 cup fresh basil, shredded
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, pour in the jar of vodka pasta sauce. Place over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Add the Spice: Stir in 1/4 - 1 tsp of chopped Calabrian chili peppers, adjusting based on your spice preference. Stir well, and let the sauce heat through for about 3-5 minutes.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Add Fresh Basil: Sprinkle the shredded basil into the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss again to combine, allowing the basil to release its aroma.
Serve: Dish up your Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka with a generous topping of freshly grated parmesan. Pair with a crisp salad for a perfect, balanced meal.
Enjoy!
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