5 Warming Foods for Cold Winter Days

​During the recent blasts of cold weather in the Northeast, we thought it would be a great idea to share with you some of our favorite winter, warming foods for cold winter days. Be sure to click the links under each one if you’re not sure how to find it or make it! Enjoy and stay extra warm!!!

​1. Turkey Chili (or another meat of your choice)

This is one of my favorite go-to foods during the cold winter months. It is SO EASY to put together in the early morning and prepare in a slow cooker. Let it cook in there for a good 6-8 hours, and you’re good to go…with a little cheese on top. We usually forego the sour cream, but we certainly can’t stop you! When it comes to meat, we never go home without it! Sorry vegans and vegetarians…we have some great teeth for chomping on those delicious muscle fibers, and we would hate to see those 4-leggeds perish without a delicious purpose! Bring on the MEAT!

​Here’s an easy recipe that we absolutely LOVE

​2. Korean Honey-Citron Tea

There are many types of teas out there that provide countless benefits and vary widely in taste. If you’re like most and you are preparing herbal tea, be careful not to steep it for too long as a bitter tea will quickly dry out your mucous membranes leading to dry airways, which is essentially an invitation to cold viruses and other nasty things that could put you out of commission. If you prefer a “moisturizing” tea, you could try Korean Honey-Citron Tea. Essentially, it’s a whole load of honey mixed with other delicious ingredients, including citron, which is packed full of Vitamin C and is perfect for strengthening you immune system. Just scoop a couple spoonfuls into your favorite mug, add hot water, and enjoy! You’ll feel the delicious tea coat your mouth and throat like a warm internal blanket. Yum! This can be found at almost any Asian supermarket, although we prefer the Korean style sold at your local HMart.

Find your nearest HMart here

Learn more about Korean Honey-Citron Tea here

​3. Korean Ddeok Bokk Gi
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This is a sensational Korean dish that is a very common street food which people quickly turn to when outside on a cold winter day (or night, which is happily accompanied by a bottle or two of Korean Soju!). It is very easy to whip up in your home kitchen, and trust me when I say the dish is much tastier than my loose English translation: something along the lines of…spicy rice cake with fish cake and red pepper sauce. (The picture does more justice…) Here’s a quick recipe you can follow. Any local Asian grocery store should have all the ingredients you need.

Find your nearest HMart here

Here’s a great Ddeok Bokk Gi recipe

​4. Korean Style Ox Bone Soup

Here’s another Korean dish that is fabulous this time of year. The broth is usually prepared in a gigantic pot that fills the restaurant with a thin layer of steam (great for keeping your sinuses moist) and a distinct, delicious smell. The soup is then combined with additional ingredients, typically beef and long scrumptious noodles. You can then add seasoning yourself at the table and chives for color and taste. I prefer to enjoy this with a side of radish kim chi. You can even order a spicy version of this soup, which is perfect if you need a little extra warmth. I guarantee you will leave the restaurant with a full, warm belly and a smile on your face!

Here’s one restaurant in NOVA you can try

​5. Hot Chocolate

Need I say more? Well, maybe a few words...there are so many recipes for doing this on your own, in addition to all the mixes available on the shelves. It’s worth it, though, to give it a shot and make a nice homemade cup of hot cocoa.

Here’s one recipe we plan on trying

Please share us your favorite recipe(s) in the comments below (if it’s not a secret)!