In the Curious Kitchen

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Cold Weather Soups and Stews


Winter is here, and all I want to do is eat warm bowls of soups and stews and curl up under a blanket with a great glass of wine while watching Bravo TV (my guilty pleasure) or a cooking show. I could eat soup any time of year if I’m being honest. Want to know a secret? Soup really does taste better the day after it is made. The flavors meld together and intensify each and every time it is reheated.

Over the years I have reworked some recipes from my favorite chefs (Julia Childs and Ina Garten) and adapted them to how I cook and my tastes. I make a recipe once following the author's directions and then the next go around, I make it my own. For me, cooking is about adapting to the ingredients that I have in my refrigerator or what is available at my local market.  

Below are a handful of my favorite soups that you’re definitely going to want to whip up this winter, no matter where you live. 

Guinness Beer Beef Stew

This recipe is a love letter to the talented team at Waterford Crystal, who I worked with for over 12 years. That said, you do not have to be Irish to love a great beef stew!

Beef Bourguignon

This is a classic dish, and my recipe is adapted from Ina Garten, who has made waves over the past few months thanks to the recent release of her memoir (if you haven’t picked it up yet, be sure to do so, it makes for the perfect cozy winter read!). 

Chicken Chili 

Chili is such a crowd pleaser! This recipe is from my sister, who is not a cook, but it’s a family favorite that my mom loved, too. 

Vegetarian Veggie Soup

This is inspired by my mom’s vegetable soup but I adapted it to my daughter's plant based eating. If you’re a vegetarian or are hosting some veg-loving guests, this is a great option. 

Italian Wedding Soup

This soup is filled with delicious meatballs, pasta, and greens, making it a hearty and healthy choice. Believe it or not, my first memory of eating this kind of soup is at a restaurant in Lexington, KY! 

Crab Chowder

The chef and owner of Corner Kitchen in Asheville, NC, gave me this delicious recipe many years ago. 

Making this soup has me reminiscing about the years I spent in the beautiful Western NC mountains. 

Classic Chili

This recipe is one I adapted from two women who inspire me: Martha Stewart and my mom’s recipe! When my mom hosted, chili was always on the menu, and while I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, it’s inspired by her original. 

Stay warm and eat delicious food,

MK

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