January! A new month, a new year, a new decade. As much as I love the holidays, I always feel refreshed and invigorated when they are over and we are “back to normal.” It may be cold outside, but it’s still time for fresh starts. The holiday detritus is packed away until next year and the furniture we’ve moved to accommodate the tree or the dining table is back in place. In January, we spend much of our time in the kitchen, either cooking or eating or just visiting with the kids. Nights are dark and early and so rather than go outside, we hunker down where it’s cheery and cozy. And in most houses that means the kitchen.
This is the time for easy, comforting meals that fill the kitchen with homey aromas. I’m talking about stews, soups, and casseroles, which are made with
chicken or beef broth and
canned soups and served with
oven-warmed breads. Whether the food is in a big pot sitting on the back of the stove or in a handy slow cooker, it’s usually just what every family member needs and wants to keep them going on these cold, blustery days — and to make them feel safe and nourished. I can’t think of any place I would rather be in January than in my warm, snug kitchen. Can you?
