The calendar says the first day of spring is March 20, but we all know how long winter can last in Colorado. On the bright side, we still get plenty of sun which means bluebird ski days in April — so we’re definitely not complaining. And, we get to keep eating the rich, cozy meals that make relaxing and curling up in front of the fireplace so much more enjoyable.
We put together a list of the best recipes from Colorado food bloggers that will help you embrace the rest of this year’s snowy weather — and we won’t blame you if you crave them during the spring either!
Breakfast
Hot Chocolate Steel-Cut Oats
Photos courtesy of Edible Perspective
Ashley was inspired to create this indulgent breakfast by the Swiss Miss hot chocolate packets of her youth. To do so, she turned a basic Steel Cut Oat breakfast into a sweet, chocolatey and marshmallowy treat! Toast your own marshmallows as a garnish to add a charming, mouthwatering touch.
3 Grain Blend and Breakfast Porridge
Photos courtesy of Edible Perspective
If you love oatmeal, but prefer to leave the chocolate and marshmallows out, try Ashley’s simple 3 Grain Blend. Millet, buckwheat and quinoa combine to create a complementary mix of nutty, earthy and bold tastes. Then, add any flavors and fixings to create a delicious meal every time! We love Ashley’s idea: apples, walnuts, cinnamon, a drizzle of maple, and a heavy pour of coconut milk.
Appetizers
Pecan, Pineapple and Gorgonzola Cheese Ball with Dried Cranberries
Photos courtesy of Creative Culinary
One of the best things about winter cooking is the plethora of hearty, flavorful seasonal ingredients. And though Thanksgiving and Christmas are over, we can still enjoy the tastes of cranberry, pecan and all the other foods we love! Barb’s pecan, pineapple and gorgonzola cheese ball is an old recipe brought to life by new, stronger flavors, and inspiration from other food bloggers.
Baked Avocado Falafel
Photo courtesy of Mountain Cravings
So the new year is here; it’s too cold to go for a run, but your New Year’s Resolutions are nagging at you. Kate has an easy solution: incorporate a baked avocado falafel into your next meal. And trust us, you’ll want to! The hint of spice with fibrous lentils and hearty avocado create a taste that matches any meal and makes for a perfect, healthy afternoon snack.
Soups
Award-Winning Chili
Photo courtesy of Cooking on the Ranch
After a trip to her local Savory Spice Shop, Lea Ann was inspired to cook up her famous chili. And lucky for us, we have our very own shop right here in Fort Collins! Three different types of meat, red wine, spicy jalapeños, and freshly ground spices make this the flavor-packed recipe you’ll want to warm up with all winter.
Winter Immunity Mushroom Soup
Photo courtesy of Plant-Based Cooking
The medicinal power of this creamy soup comes from 8 ounces of mushroom, a great source of vitamins B and D, fiber and protein. With healthy white beans and a subtly sweet taste from coconut milk, you’ll be raving about this soup year round!
French Onion Beef Soups
Photos courtesy of Rocky Mountain Cooking
Extra meat and extra cheese take this classic soup up a notch. And because Heather adds a heaping portion of beef, it can be eaten as a full meal instead of a side dish! With swiss cheese on the bottom and the top, crunchy french bread served on the side, and traditional caramelized onions, all the classic French Onion ingredients are represented but given a welcome upgrade.
Entrees
Crown Roast of Pork with Wild Rice Stuffing and Caramelized Orange Sauce
Photos courtesy of Creative Culinary
Barb’s huge roast is easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for your most distinguished dinner party. The cranberries salute winter produce; oranges add a touch of citrus, and the slow roasting process will warm your entire home. So get your oven mitts out and get ready for a surprisingly easy dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Lemon Rice — South Indian Rice with Lemon and Peanuts
Photos courtesy of SpiceRoots
Ansh’s blog was originally inspired by the Indian food she grew up with at home. After moving to Colorado from India, she missed her mother’s cooking and the flavors of her childhood. Her simple Lemon Rice recipe comes directly from that motivation. Tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds, this dish has a hearty, nutty taste and the hints of smoky chili will warm you up in no time!
Pimento Grilled Cheese with Andouille
Photos courtesy of Climbing Grier Mountain
Who doesn’t crave tomato soup and a grilled cheese on a snowy day? How about a flavor-packed Pimento Grilled Cheese with Andouille? This twist on the classic hot sandwich is ready in just 20 minutes and is piled high with sautéed andouille, pimento cheese and pickles. Go ahead, have one for lunch and another for dinner — we won’t tell anyone.
Desserts
Blood Orange Ricotta Cake
Photos courtesy of Climbing Grier Mountain
Blood oranges and ricotta cake combine perfectly in this tangy, fluffy cake and are great for fighting winter blues. The antioxidant-rich fruit will help fend off colds and the rich cake will put a smile on your face! You may want to make two on your first try because your family will devour this in no time.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Stuffed Monkey Bread
Photo courtesy of Dough-Eyed
Nicole at Dough-Eyed made her monkey bread recipe with freshly made dough from Dion’s, a pizza shop with locations in Denver and Colorado Springs. If you can’t make it to the city, feel free to use any pizza or bread dough — but don’t skip the chocolate chip cheesecake stuffing! The gooey center is a welcome surprise as you pull apart this delicious dessert bread.
Beverages
Ginger Grapefruit Bourbon Smash
Photo courtesy of Mountain Cravings
Grapefruit and ginger are common winter flavors. And mixed in this bourbon cocktail, Kate gives them a little extra kick. With fresh ginger and ginger beer, as well as fresh grapefruit juice, sweet and smooth meets tart and spicy in the most delicious way!
Brown Sugar and Roasted Pineapple Moscow Mule
Photos courtesy of Creative Culinary
Pineapple roasted with brown sugar and served with ginger beer, vodka and mint — is your mouth watering yet? Barb’s rendition of this classic cocktail has fresh pineapple wedges and fresh pineapple puree. Hint: you may want to buy two pineapples because you will want a second (or a third) drink.
Share your winter staples
If you have a favorite cozy dish to make during snowy Colorado winters, let us know!
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