As the temperature drops, many of us naturally start craving heartier, warming foods that reflect the season’s bounty. While spring and summer bless us with vibrant greens and colorful fruits, fall and winter introduce a rich array of produce perfect for comforting meals. Think hearty squash, sweet carrots, aromatic leeks, earthy beets, bright pumpkins, crispy brussels sprouts, tender cauliflower, robust kale, and humble turnips. These cold-weather heroes thrive in the chill and inspire dishes that feel like a warm hug. For many of us, these flavors are steeped in nostalgia, evoking memories of holiday traditions, shared meals, and cherished times with those we love.
To celebrate the season, we’ve gathered a collection of delicious recipes from our amazing Food Ed Hub Coalition partners. Each recipe captures the warmth, flavor, and comfort that only winter can bring!
We’d love to hear from you—try out these recipes and let us know which ones become your new seasonal favorites!
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Our first recipe comes from FamilyCook Productions, an organization dedicated to “bringing people of all ages together around delicious, affordable, fresh food to positively impact health and well-being.” They offer an impressive assortment of curriculums for individuals of all ages - from Nibble with Willow for youngsters to Teen Battle Chef for adolescents and even classes for the entire family!
Their Creamy Pumpkin Spaghetti recipe effortlessly combines hearty pumpkin and tomato with rich coconut milk to create a satisfying, veggie-packed pasta dish!
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Next, we have a recipe from the Coalition for Healthy School Food, which “promotes plant-based foods and nutrition education in schools to teach the whole school community about the effect of our food choices on health, the environment, equity, and other social justice issues.” The Coalition supports schools through various initiatives, including training for school cooks, family cooking classes, a healthy school food hotline, educational curriculum development, and family dinner nights featuring speakers and children’s activities.
Their Apple Pie Oatmeal is a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie while packing your meal with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. (You’ll find the recipe on the first page of their booklet.)
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Next up, we have an incredible holiday treat: Latkes from Common Threads! Common Threads empowers “communities with the knowledge to make nutritious food choices where they work, live, and play.” Their programs cover a wide range of topics, including nutrition-focused initiatives like Small Bites and workshops for caregivers, hands-on culinary classes featuring global cuisines, and culinary medicine programs for patients, providers, and high schoolers.
This recipe, adapted from Gail Simmons’ Mom’s Potato Pancakes (Hanukkah Latkes), creates outstanding potato fritters and is a wonderful way to explore the deep connection between culture and food!
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Next, we have a fantastic Veggie Lasagna from BrighterBites! BrighterBites “delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, teaches them how to use them, and tracks behavior change.” Through produce distribution, nutrition education, and engaging food experiences, BrighterBites helps young people develop lifelong healthy eating habits and positive relationships with food.
Their Veggie Lasagna is packed with winter gourds and greens—a delightful way to introduce young eaters to the colorful world of seasonal veggies!
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Our final recipe is from The Sylvia Center, an organization that “educates young people and families through culinary programming to promote health and well-being.” The Center offers various food-based educational programs for youth of all ages and operates a Learning Garden at Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY, where students gain hands-on experience.
Their Black Bean Brownie recipe showcases the amazing versatility of beans! In this fudgy, satisfying dessert, black beans add a boost of fiber and protein while creating a rich texture.