#CozyCooking

[thecookingdiaries]

Cooking Is a SNAP: Fall-Inspired Recipes to Enjoy Now—and Later

There’s something about autumn that can nudge even the most reluctant home chefs into the kitchen.

Maybe it’s the warmth of the stove on a crisp October evening. Perhaps it’s the scent of cinnamon and apples reminiscent of a favorite holiday. Or it could simply be pragmatic: the desire to preserve the last of summer’s fresh produce into tasty food to enjoy throughout the fall and winter.

Turning the table on your mealtime routine No matter your personal motivations, there are all sorts of new opportunities to revamp what and how you eat this fall. You can create:

Hearty soups. From butternut squash to parsnips and potatoes, autumn delivers the best ingredients for whipping up a bowl of something warm. Quick casseroles. Do you have a baking sheet? Add your favorite protein, veggies, a few spices and voila—dinner is done in a jiffy, with only one pan to clean. Savory sauces. Simmer some fresh or canned tomatoes on the stove and ladle the results over some turkey meatballs, cooked pasta, or vegetarian chili. And more. Keeping your tastebuds engaged can be as simple as swapping out your regular standbys with something new. Reference MyPlate.gov to see what a healthy meal looks like, and use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) seasonal produce guide for ideas. With some advance planning, many of these options can yield extra servings that store well in the freezer for quick, healthy, already paid-for meals later on, too.

“One of the best things about fall cooking is that it both can be good for you and save you time and money in the kitchen,” said Brandy Bauer, former director of the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) MIPPA Resource Center. “Doubling or tripling a recipe is an especially good strategy when you’re cooking for one—but of course it works for any household whose members appreciate the convenience of ready-made meals without the high sodium, high fats, and other nutritionally poor ingredients that often appear in store-bought ones.”

Freezing your leftovers: 5 steps to success While some foods simply don’t freeze well—lettuce, for instance, or boiled macaroni—many others do exceptionally well in the icebox and can last for months at a time. In fact, according to the USDA, you can safely store everything from cooked meats and poultry to raw, beaten eggs in the freezer if you know how to do it correctly.

Ready to try your hand at some new autumn recipes? Before you get started, know the steps to preserving their flavor and integrity for the next time you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.

Focus on the right ingredients

In addition to those salad greens and boiled pastas, avoid freezing any food with a high water content—such as summer melons, cucumbers, or eggplant, among others. Similarly stay away from creamy foods like yogurt and milk-based sauces, as they aren’t well suited for the freezer. While these things may not harm you, they will certainly disappoint you when they curdle or turn mushy once defrosted.

Baked pasta (like lasagna noodles), and cooked vegetables (like roasted eggplant) do keep well when frozen, though. That’s why it can be so rewarding to make big batches of braises, casseroles, and soups at this time of year.

Chill out

You may be tempted to immediately divide and freeze your pre-planned leftovers once they’re off the stove or out of the oven. But it’s a much better practice to bring them to room temperature before you do. Putting hot food directly into the freezer creates condensation, which can lead to freezer burn. Also, hot liquids—like soups—expand when they freeze, which can create an unpleasant mess if the containers you store them in burst.

Let everything cool off for a bit and you should be good to go. Just be sure not to leave any cooked foods out for too long. According to the USDA, perishable foods should go into the fridge or freezer within two hours (or one, if the ambient temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Plan your portions

What does a normal meal size look like for you? Is it a single square of lasagna with a slice of Italian bread? If so, divide your leftovers accordingly before placing them in the freezer. Planning right-sized portions from the start means you’ll waste less food (why defrost an entire casserole when you only need one piece?)—and reheating your meals will be quicker, too.

Choose your containers

No matter what or how much you’re saving, be sure to use freezer-safe packaging: sturdy zip-top bags, plastic containers with airtight lids, cling wrap, and tin foil all work well. And, while technically you can use glass jars, you may want to avoid doing so; when exposed to rapid changes in temperature—such as running a frozen jar of soup under hot water—glass can shatter and cause a major safety hazard.

If space is at a premium, you can even use freezer bags for things like chili and sauces. Leave space at the top, and the bags will flatten out once sealed; then you can stack them neatly.

Label, label, label

As long as you handle, prepare, and store them correctly, frozen leftovers won’t spoil. But they do have their own “best-by” date. According to the USDA, you can keep frozen food indefinitely as long as you continuously store it at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit—but its quality will be highest if you use it within a specific timeframe.

That’s why labeling your freezer containers with their contents and the date you prepared them is a good time investment.

And now: it’s time to get cooking!

"If you want to take recipes from a whole source and gather more information…"

[mealsmom1]

Cozy Candlelight Recipes for Winter Nights

Embrace the warmth and comfort of winter with these delightful candlelight-inspired recipes. Perfect for curling up by the fire, these dishes are full of rich flavors and cozy vibes. From hearty stews to sweet treats, discover how to make your winter evenings even more special. Want more? Check out our website 😋

Full recipe here!

⏳ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins | Servings: 4-6 | Calories: ~500

[racharecipes]

Black Bean Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese 🥣🎃

[primedrecipe]

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Just tried making Marry Me Chicken Pasta last night and I get the hype now. 🧄🍝✨ Creamy, savory, with that perfect touch of garlic and sun-dried tomato goodness... it’s the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s easy and feels like it came straight out of a cozy restaurant kitchen, this one’s it.

📌 Trust me, this is the dish to impress anyone (even yourself).

👉 Grab the full recipe here: https://primedrecipes.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/

[goodgoodhome22]

Essential kitchen tools for creating the coziest autumn meals! 🍁🍲 Warm up your fall with these must-haves. #AutumnVibes

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 🛍️✨ https://www.goodgoodhome.com/products/anygleam-natural-wood-wooden-cake-stand-food-kitchen-tableware?_pos=23&_sid=10d1ab436&_ss=r

#CozyCooking

#KitchenMustHaves

#FallMeals

#WarmAndCozy

#AutumnRecipes

#SeasonalCooking

#HomeCooking

#CozyEats

#AutumnVibes

#goodgoodhome 🇦🇺

#goodgoodhome 🇺🇸

#ggh 🇬🇧

[sk8erboy-eu]

Made without the use of canned creamy soup, this rice casserole is rich and comforting. This dish is flavorful and easy to make for a weeknight supper.

Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked rice. 2 cups chicken broth. 1 onion, diced. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 cup frozen peas. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1/2 cup sour cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions: Set oven temperature to 375F 190C. Diced onion and minced garlic should be sauted in a skillet until they become soft. Cook the raw rice in the skillet for two minutes while stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth and heat until it boils. Once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Take off the heat. Add frozen peas, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese and stir until well combined. To taste, add salt and pepper for seasoning. Spoon mixture into baking dish that has been greased. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden, in a preheated oven. Before serving, garnish with chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Kayla Krenichynrn

[upupup]

Looking to create a cozy and inviting kitchen? Check out these 10 creamy English kitchens with a perfect touch of warmth, featuring the talented designer BECKI OWENS.

[spookykitchen]

2 Ingredient Nutella Mousse 🌰

What you need: 

13 oz jar of Nutella

Pint of Heavy Cream 

Optional: hazelnuts/hazelnut candy to garnish 

Melt Nutella with a little less than the pint of heavy cream, mix completely.  (Use this mixture to coat the rim of the champagne glasses, if that’s how you want to present them). Let cool, cover, and leave in the fridge.  While that’s sitting in the fridge, whip the rest of the heavy cream on a high setting until it thickens.  

When the Nutella mixture is completely cool, it takes about 30 minutes, the texture will have gone from chocolate syrup to hot fudge.  That’s when it’s ready.  Fold in with the whipped cream and put in whatever container, cup, or glass you want to present it in.  

Store in the fridge for a few hours until it stiffens up to form mousse, at least 4 hours.  

[deadaisha]

Comfort Food: How to Make a Big Mac at Home Get your comfy pants on and get ready to indulge in this homemade Big Mac recipe. Prepare to take your taste buds on a delicious joyride right in your own kitchen

[mycookrooms]

Say Goodbye to Tired Feet in Style!

Upgrade your kitchen with our Floral Anti-Fatigue Mats – where comfort meets charm! 💐✨ Perfect for home chefs who spend hours cooking, baking, or simply sipping coffee at the counter. These cushioned mats provide extra support to ease pressure on your feet, knees, and back.

🧼 Easy to clean 🦶 Slip-resistant backing 🌿 Beautiful floral designs that brighten up any space

Your kitchen deserves beauty and comfort. 💖 👉 Tap to shop now and bloom where you stand!

#KitchenComfort #AntiFatigueMat #FloralVibes #HomeChefMustHave #KitchenDecor #CozyCooking #FloralStyle #KitchenInspo

[bitecanvas]

Dive into the enchanting flavors of autumn with our top cozy recipes! From creamy soups to spiced desserts, discover your new comfort food favorites. 🍂🍁 #AutumnVibes #ComfortFood #FallRecipes #CozyCooking #SeasonalEats

[mealsmom1]

Hygge Meals for Rainy Days: Cozy Comfort Food Ideas

Looking to embrace the cozy vibes on gloomy days? These hygge-inspired meals are perfect for turning rainy, gray weather into a warm and comforting experience. From hearty soups to delicious baked goods, discover ways to create the ultimate hygge atmosphere at home. Want to see the full recipes? Check out our website 😋

Full recipe here!

⏳ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4-6 | Calories: ~500

[fitforge1]

🍳🐰✨ Bunny in the Kitchen ✨🐱🥣 today’s vibe: apron on, whisk in paw, and flour everywhere. bunny is baking carrot cake 🥕🎂 cat is "supervising" from the windowsill (aka napping next to the mixing bowl)

bunny: meticulously measures ingredients cat: accidentally knocks over the vanilla extract bunny: “...teamwork.” cat: purrs in smug approval

end result? slightly lopsided cake, 10/10 vibes, 100% heart.

💬 “they’re opening a bakery called Whiskers & Whisks and i will be first in line.” “this is what cottagecore dreams are made of.”

#bunnychef #cathelper #cozycooking #whiskersandwhisks #softaesthetic

[kitchenlisa]

Delicious Beef Tortellini Stew Recipe

Description: Warm up with this hearty Beef Tortellini Stew, perfect for cozy dinners. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 2 hours, this dish serves 4-6 people. Enjoy a savory blend of tender beef, tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal!

Hashtags: #BeefTortelliniStew #ComfortFood #DinnerRecipes #HeartyMeals #CozyCooking #Foodie #HomeCooking #EasyRecipes #Yummy #SoupSeason #Tortellini #MealPrep #FamilyDinner

[serynn]

Shots of some cozy cooking on rainy days 🤤 sooo good 😋 join me sometime on Twitch for cozy vibes and lazy home hotpots