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Yep, it’s January. And last year I wrote: “Was this not the longest and the shortest year of all time simultaneously? Happy freaking New Year, all.” Honestly – I can’t believe I am saying the same. We are all well aware that we expected to be in a much different place this January. I will not belabor the point.

Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

I also wrote: “So, what are we wanting to eat? I always feel like January is a paradox of wanting to eat more healthily to try and offset the food orgy of the holidays, but also a month in which comfort food is at its most desired/warranted/needed (and uh, yes, this year I feel like the better-eating resolutions can be modified). Cheesy beefy casseroles….and nourishing vegetable soups. They can live side by side in our homes and stomachs, surely.”

And yes, I also still feel this way!

So we will try and compensate for some of our eating sins of December (and I’ve got a lot of atoning to do), and still feed our family, friends and souls with food that makes us feel taken care of.


15 Seasonal Recipes to Make This January

Red Lentil, Fennel and Chicken Slow Cooker Soup / Sarah Crowder / Katie Workman / themom100.com

Slow Cooker Red Lentil, Fennel and Chicken Soup

This thick and satisfying soup has tailgating or sidelines or post-game meal written all over it.

“Just made this soup – it is delicious. I added more cumin and a little paprika. A delicious recipe on a cold Michigan day!”

Linda

Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Parmesan-Garlic Mushroom Chicken

This chicken dish is simple, lush and total comfort food at its best. Even better: dinner in 30 minutes!

“The perfect cozy meal! Forgot to pick up heavy cream so subbed in 1/2c whole milk + 1/4c butter and it worked perfectly. Used my air fryer for the chicken instead of the skillet; to make up for it, I dropped in a bouillon cube to get more of the chicken flavor.”

Victoria H.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes deserve many shining moments, and also to be scalloped.

“The dish was loved by my family and friends and is a definite keeper. Next time I’m going to try a light sprinkle of crumbled bacon in the middle!”

Jens

Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic

Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic

A super tender slow cooked marinated pork shoulder or butt roast recipe that is amazing on its own, and also can be used in so many ways. One of my go-to dishes for casual crowd entertaining.

“I plan to make it again this week for my in-laws and anyone who knows what a gourmet cook my Italian MIL is, knows I only cook something I have 100% confidence in. This is a laminate-and-put-in-the-recipe-binder recipe!”

Lisa

Cheesy Ground Beef and Vegetable Quesadillas

Cheesy Ground Beef and Vegetable Quesadillas

These generously stuffed quesadillas turn a small amount of ground beef and whatever vegetables you have around into a perfect cheesy dinner.

“I made these after they were featured in your weekly newsletter, what a hit!”

Annie

Chicken Piccata on a plate with greens.

Chicken Piccata

In its lemony light sauce, chicken piccata is seriously one of the best chicken breast dinners in the world. Easy, pretty, and weeknight-friendly.

“We loved everything about this Chicken Piccata. I especially loved chopping the capers. It gave it more of a “pop” than leaving them whole, in my opinion. (I love capers!). Thank you for this recipe. It is fabulous!” 

Tess

Instant Pot Mediterranean Lamb Stew

Instant Pot Mediterranean Lamb Stew

This lamb stew recipe is lush and homey and exactly what you want to see bubbling away when you walk in on a cold winter night.

“This is delicious! A perfect rich stew for a chilly fall evening.”

Ann

Spoon with a scoop of Moroccan Carrot and Cauliflower Soup.

Moroccan Carrot and Cauliflower Soup

A root vegetable soup gets a Moroccan-spiced twist.

“Delicious! I served this at a potluck, and it was a huge hit. I added one onion, chopped and sauteed. Also served with a sprinkling of chopped pistachios, which were a great complement to the recipe.”

Colleen

One Skillet Tuscan Tortellini

One Skillet Tuscan Tortellini

This lush, colorful chicken and filled pasta dish will have everyone vying for seconds.

“Katie, Last night I made your recipe for One Skillet Tuscan Tortellini, and my husband and I were so thrilled at how amazing it was. The flavors are just so perfect together. I used fresh refrigerated tortellini rather than the dried type, simply because that is what I had on hand. Your recipe is written so well. I will be making this one many, many times in the future. :-)”

Tess

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake

A moist, simple banana cake is becoming part of our Mother's Day tradition this year.

“I wish I could give you more than 5 stars. This is the best recipe I have made!”

Delores

Baked Ziti in a skillet and on plates.

Baked Ziti

The classic baked pasta dish with lots of cheese, perfect for a cold weather dinner with family and friends.

Woman putting sliced onions onto a Sloppy Joe.

Sloppy Joes

The slightly sweet and tangy sauce, the soft buns, the glorious messiness of it—what’s not to love?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy and prettily flecked with green bits of broccoli, this cheesy soup is pure comfort food.

Herbed Salmon over a Soft Green Herby Salad / Mia / Katie Workman / themom100.com

Herbed Salmon Salad

Mix and match any lettuces and herbs you like as a bed for this soft, savory slow cooked salmon.

White bowl of Stir Fried Crispy Tofu and Vegetables and rice.

Simple Stir-Fried Crispy Tofu and Vegetables

Nuggets of tender but chewy tofu and a slew of vegetables become a perfect vegetarian stir-fry.

What to Eat in January: January is a yin-yang of eating more healthily and craving comfort food. Cheesy beefy casseroles….and nourishing vegetable soups. They can live side by side in our homes and stomachs, surely.

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