3 Winter Recipes to Warm Your Kitchen and Spark Creativity

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes that bring the family together. This season, we’re sharing three versatile recipes—Beet Hummus, Kale, Apple & Cheddar Salad, and a Seasoned Chicken & Rice. The beauty of these recipes lies in their adaptability: they’re formulas you can tweak to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Use them as guides, add ingredients your family loves, and make them your own!

1. Beet Hummus

A vibrant twist on classic hummus, this recipe combines roasted beets, chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs perfectly with creamy hummus. Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a zestier flavor? Go heavy on the lemon.

2. Kale, Apple & Cheddar Salad

This salad is a winter staple, featuring crisp kale massaged with olive oil and lemon juice, thinly sliced apples, sharp cheddar, and sweet and toasted nuts. Sweeten it with dried cranberries or add a salty crunch with croutons. It's all about balancing textures and flavors that will make you look forward to lunch.

3. Seasoned Chicken & Rice

This cozy, all-in-one dish combines chicken thighs, aromatic spices, rice, and your choice of veggies. I used red onion and tomatoes but you can also think carrots, peas, or even winter squash. Adjust the seasoning to match your family’s palate—paprika for smoky depth, turmeric for warmth, or cumin for a rich, earthy touch.

These recipes are more than meals; they’re starting points. Experiment, substitute, and share your creations. If you try any, let us know with the hashtag #NCNErecipes. Happy cooking!

Get the full recipes HERE! What ingredients will you customize these recipes with? Let us know!