My Favourite Winter Meals

Whether you are like me and have a deep-seated love for a colorful array of vegetables, relishing their crunch and variety, or you're like my fiancé, who finds them less than appealing and often prefers to skip them altogether, there is a silver lining. These winter meals I cherish most can be easily adapted to suit a wide range of taste preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a satisfying dish.

While I cannot provide you with specific recipes for these meals, as I tend to rely on my instincts and eye measurements when I cook, I believe that this approach can also be liberating. Cooking without a strict recipe allows for creativity and experimentation, and it encourages you to trust your own taste buds. However, I recognize that some may prefer a more structured guide when it comes to preparing meals. Therefore, I will include links to other blog pages where you can find detailed recipes that align with the types of meals I enjoy. These resources will offer you the guidance you need to create delicious dishes that can be tailored to your preferences, whether you're a vegetable enthusiast or someone who leans toward more traditional flavours.

Bangers and mash - In my household, bangers and mash are essential. This dish doesn't really require a recipe since it's simply mashed potatoes and sausages. However, it's a comforting meal for everyone at home. My dad and I enjoy adding caramelized onions, mushrooms, and peas, though these three vegetables are my fiancé's worst nightmare. Regardless of whether we include veggies or not, we all agree that this meal is best enjoyed with warm, hearty gravy.

Bolognese - https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/spaghetti-bolognese/

The link above is from Kitchensanctuary have a look for an exact recipe for bolognese.

This dish is an essential in my home; we enjoy it with spaghetti and also love stuffing it inside garlic bread topped with cheese. No matter how you choose to enjoy this meal, it's a wonderful comfort food and an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables.

Cottage pie - https://www.katiecooks.co.uk/recipes/best-cottage-pie

The link above is from katiecooks have a look for an exact recipe for cottage pie.

This dish is a mainstay in my household. If we have leftover mince or mashed potatoes from another meal, this is a perfect choice when you want something quick to prepare. I like to include vegetables that aren't necessarily traditional. Whether you follow more conventional recipes like katiecooks or take my approach and add your preferred ingredients, it's a simple and delicious meal everyone in the family can enjoy. Personally, I love adding spinach, mushrooms, onions, carrots, and peas to my cottage pie. My partner prefers just mince and gravy, regardless of preferences, anyone can enjoy this warm, hearty winter classic.

Jacket potatoes - https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanyhmiller/video/7350793379468348704?q=brittany%20h%20miller%20jacket%20potato&t=1735716862023

The link above is from a TikTok of the best jacket potatoes ever.

For jacket potatoes, you can choose virtually any toppings you desire. In my household, cheese, English baked beans, and coleslaw are favorites. I also enjoy tuna mayo with plenty of salt and pepper, accompanied by a simple salad. There are countless options for toppings, making the possibilities endless.

Heinz soup and cheese toastie - https://littlesunnykitchen.com/grilled-cheese-and-tomato-soup/

The link above is from Littlesunnykitchen have a look if you want the exact recipe.

I typically avoid making my own tomato soup because my fiancé strongly dislikes vegetables, making it difficult to cook meals that satisfy both of our preferences. Despite his dislike for veggies, he enjoys Heinz tomato soup. In our household, tomato soup paired with a cheese toastie or grilled cheese is a winter staple. We often enjoy this meal in the evenings because it's quick, easy, delicious, and offers a warm, comforting option when it's chilly outside.