Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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Feel-Good Winter Favorites
Published 11 days ago • 3 min read
Hello again my friend!
Is there anything better on a cold, grey, November day, than entering a warm and cosy kitchen, filled with the aroma of a delicious dinner as it burbles away on the stove or in the oven?
These are the days when I get the dinner on early, and the kitchen really does become the heart of the home. Pop the kettle on and browse a cookbook while your ingredients turn themselves into something tasty and nutritious.
Hearty Winter meals always soothe the soul in a way that a Summer salad, while delightful, does not. It's like we're in semi-hibernation, the pace has slowed, and we can enjoy a nourishing dish that warms us up, from the inside out.
So in this week's email I've included some of my favourite Wintertime recipes. I hope you find these dishes as warming and comforting as I do.
New recipe - stuffed aubergines
This week I shared a new recipe on Family-Friends-Food.com, for Moroccan stuffed aubergines. This wonderful vegan dish is filling and flavourful, and makes a terrific centrepiece for Friday night dinner or any other special meal. You can even prepare them in advance and then let them cook to perfection in the oven while you relax (or get everything else ready!)
If you're after something to warm you up from within, you're bound to find something suitable here. From soups and stews to bakes and puds, you'll be roasty toasty in no time!
Miso mushroom barley soup A thick, rich and delicious meal-in-a-bowl soup, with terrific depth of flavour. A wonderful upgrade to the classic!
Roast cauliflower chowder A chunky vegetable soup that's thick, creamy, and naturally gluten-free. Enjoy as a cosy supper and take leftovers in a flask for lunch.
Baked mujadara Rich, savoury and delicious, this oven-cooked version of the Middle-Eastern classic is made with wholesome lentils, rice, spices and golden fried onions.
Broccoli, tomato and salmon pasta bake Blanketed with a layer of crispy golden crumbs, this nutritious veg and salmon pasta bake is a fabulous weeknight dinner.
Wild mushroom baked risotto Creamy, perfect risotto, without all the tedious stirring! Let the oven do the hard work then simply grate on some parmesan and enjoy!
Magic lemon pudding (lower sugar version) This self-saucing pud has 40% less sugar than standard versions and is absolutely delicious! Mix up one batter and bake to give a light zesty sponge and rich lemony custard. Magic!
Beginning next Wednesday evening is the festival of Sigd, an Ethiopian Jewish holiday that is an annual renewal of the covenant between the Jewish people and G-d. Held 50 days after Yom Kippur, it was recognised as a public holiday in Israel in 2008. Sigd begins with fasting, prayer and psalms, and ends with feasting and dancing. Wishing Melkam Sigd Beal - a Happy Sigd - to all who celebrate!
But first, Shabbat! Here's looking forward to a relaxing and refreshing weekend. Wishing a Shabbat Shalom - a Good Shabbos! - that brings peace, health, joy and blessings, to everyone.
All my cooking, recipe-writing, photography, research - even this newsletter! - is fuelled by TEA! So every cuppa you provide is very much appreciated! 🙏
If you've ever searched your inbox to find a recipe link, recommendation etc, you can now find the Family-Friends-Food newsletter archive here. (It currently goes back to November 2024 but more will be added soon!)
Family, friends and food are three of life’s most important things. Let’s celebrate them!
Hi, I'm Helen. I share easy, nutritious, seasonal, flexitarian recipes, often with a British-Jewish twist. Expect a weekly dose of delicious dinner ideas, news and positivity!
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