I admit that I am a rather picky eater. I know what foods I like and prefer to stick to a predictable menu. However, it’s far too easy to become bored and dissatisfied with the same meals over and over again.
I recently underwent a meal prep overhaul and discovered some classic dishes to add some personal touches. (Bonus points for simple prep and easy cleanup!)
Consider these cozy and hearty recipes that are perfect for taking everyone in your family through the winter funk:
1. Classic Potato Soup
Who doesn’t love soup on a cold winter day? Potato soup is thick, creamy, and hearty, making it a surefire delight for even the pickiest eaters.
To feed 6 people, you will need:
8 medium/large red potatoes
6 to 8 slices cooked bacon (precooked bacon is a quick option, or use 3 oz bacon bits)
8 ounces cream cheese
32 ounces chicken broth
10.5 oz cream of chicken
1 cup cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Wash, peel and grate the potatoes. Squeeze the natural water out of the potato pieces. For 5-7 minutes, fry the potatoes (basically to make hash browns). Place the potato pieces in a large saucepan with the chicken broth, cream of chicken, salt and pepper. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until ingredients are well combined. Grate the bacon and add it to the mixture. Add the cheddar cheese and let it melt. Once the cheese is melted and the ingredients mixed, add the cream cheese last to thicken the soup. (It is recommended to cube the cream cheese and spread it in the pan to prevent it from shining.) Once the cream cheese is mixed, feel free to top with more bacon bits and cheese. Let the soup cool slightly and serve – it goes well with baker’s bread.
(For a slow cooker version [so you don’t have to shred potatoes]consider this recipe from Plow through Life.)
2. Homemade Beef Stroganoff
I’ve always enjoyed beef stroganoff, but since having my son, I’ve become more conscious of the ingredients in my meals. So, I knew I could no longer choose the Hamburger Helper boxed option. I found a homemade version from The Butcher’s Wife, but have since modified the recipe to make the meal more flavorful and creamy.
To feed 6 people, you will need:
1 lb ground beef
10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
8 to 10 ounces sour cream
16 oz dried penne
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the pasta, drain it and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the ground beef (optional). Then mix the ground beef with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Let these ingredients combine over medium-low heat. Once mixed, add the pasta and cook the stroganoff over low heat until heated through. Let cool slightly and serve – goes well with bread and salad (or another green vegetable, like English peas).
*For added flavor, add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to the noodles while cooking. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan while the beef cooks.
3. Bonnie Sue’s Original Chicken and Rice
During the winter months, I make this dish almost every week. It’s an easy recipe with quick cleanup that makes a hearty meal for your pickiest eaters. (This is my grandmother’s own recipe, which gives her a bit of nostalgia. So I thought I’d name it in her honor!)
To feed 4 to 6 people, you will need:
32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup rice (I prefer white rice to long jasmine)
About 25 oz shredded chicken (I use pre-cooked Valley Fresh organic shredded chicken.)
1 stick of butter (4 oz)
Salt and pepper to taste
In a saucepan, mix all the ingredients. Let the broth evaporate until the rice is cooked and the chicken is hot. Let cool slightly and serve. Goes well with bread and green beans.
(I told you this one was easy!)
4. Hearty Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs
Spaghetti may not seem like a traditional “winter” dish, but I created my own recipe that thickens up this Italian meal and gives it a cozy feel.
To feed 4 to 6 people, you will need:
1.5 lbs ground beef
24 to 32 oz spaghetti sauce (I prefer Bertolli organic tomato, basil and garlic brand)
1 pound fettuccine noodles
Breadcrumbs to taste
Mozzarella cheese to taste
Parmesan to taste
Salt to taste
Cook, drain and reserve the noodles (but keep warm). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the ground beef (optional). Return the beef to the pan and add the spaghetti sauce and salt. Spread the breadcrumbs, mozzarella and parmesan until the sauce thickens. Toss with noodles and serve – goes well with bread and salad.
*For added flavor, add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to the noodles while cooking. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan while the beef cooks.
5. Extra Creamy Chicken Casserole
My mom made this delicious chicken casserole when I was little, and it quickly became a favorite of my friends at sleepovers. If you need a hot, hearty meal that everyone will enjoy, add this to your recipe list.
To feed 4 to 6 people, you will need:
3-4 large chicken breasts
12-16 ounces sour cream
10.5 oz cream of chicken
1 pouch of Ritz crackers
Salt to taste
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook and slice the chicken. In a greased baking dish, combine the chicken with the sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Add salt to taste. Crumble the crackers and spread them on top. Cook for 22 to 24 minutes. Let cool, then serve. Makes a heartier dinner with bread, English peas and corn.
*For added flavor, add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to the chicken while cooking. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the crackers before baking.
A few more steps to make mealtimes more meaningful
JAMA Pediatrics conducted a study that proved substantial benefits for children who sit down with their families to eat dinner at least three to four times a week. It builds healthier connections and improves communication and openness. It also minimizes the risks of eating disorders and violence among young people.
Like other seasons, winter is full of its own extracurricular activities: ballet recitals, basketball and hockey practices, church events, and other gatherings that fill your tight schedule. However, whenever possible, I encourage you to make family meals a priority. Add them to the calendar to symbolize their importance.
If time is of the essence, focus on camaraderie rather than the “homemade” aspect of the food. Grab a Chick-fil-A or pizza to make up for the extra time usually spent preparing meals. This seems a bit extreme, but as JAMA has proven, your children’s mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual health can be harmed by how you protect and implement healthy family meals.
Meanwhile, before enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones, consider asking people to take turns leading the prayer each evening. Or have everyone take turns saying a short prayer. The Garland family strictly enforces a no-screen rule where phones and electronics are stored. (Bonus points if you turn off all the TVs so there’s no distracting background noise!) Our family also likes to go in a circle and share one thing we’re grateful for that day. (The younger your kids are, the more hilarious it gets!)
Stay warm, eat well and God bless!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Foxys_forest_manufacture
