Seasonal Eating: December: 31 Days, 31 Dishes

I left the house rather late this morning but I believe I did see some frost on the ground! It's getting colder and darker every day—the perfect excuse to stay in and try out some new recipes this month. As we head into the depth of winter, the variety of fresh and local produce really begins to dwindle, but eating a variety of nutrients is essential as ever. For this monthly menu, I've collected thirty dishes that are just as hearty and comforting as they are nourishing.

The trusty Seasonal Food Guide tells us that at least in the Pacific Northwest, there are no plant foods that begin their harvest season in December. However, there are quite a few that go out of season in the next few weeks, namely:

Veggies:

- Arugula

- Broccoli

- Carrots

- Cauliflower

- Parsnips

- Shallots

- Spinach

- Watercress

Herbs:

- Cilantro

- Horseradish

- Mint

- Oregano

- Parsley

- Rosemary

- Sage

So, here are thirty ways to use these foods while they're still available from a local source!

1. Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad by Pinch of Yum

2. Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup by Aline Made

3. Cauliflower Lentil Curry with Spinach by The Cook Report

4. Roasted Winter Squash with Cilantro Chimichurri by Simply Recipes

5. Horseradish Mashed Potatoes by Thyme and Joy

6. Crock Pot Chicken Pozole by Delish

7. Creamy Pumpkin Sage Soup by A Clean Bake

8. Winter Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables by Walder Wellness

9. Broccoli Kale Superfood Salad by Kristine's Kitchen

10. Healthy Potato Carrot Tomato Soup by The Vegan 8

11. Garlic and Lemon Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower by It's a Veg World After All

12. Peruvian Aquadito (Herbed Chicken Soup) by Supergolden Bakes

13. Roasted Beet Salad with Horseradish Crème Fraîche and Pistachos by Serious Eats

14. Pomegranate Chicken by Our Salty Kitchen

15. Winter Parsnip Soup by Discover Delicious

16. Warm Brussels Sprouts and Arugula Winter Salad by The Well Essentials

17. Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites by Alida's Kitchen

18. Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries by Lazy Cat Kitchen

19. Roasted Golden Turmeric Cauliflower Soup by Watch What U Eat

20. Lemon Rosemary Vegetable Stack with Lentils & Horseradish Vinaigrette by The First Mess

21. Roasted Kabocha Squash Hummus with Lamb & Lemon Parsley Sauce by Cinnamon & Coriander

22. Winter Pasta with Mushrooms, Sausage Meatballs, Walnuts, & Crispy Sage by The Woks of Life

23. Healthy Glow Broccoli & Lemon Winter Salad by Salted Mint

24. Winter Carrot & Beetroot Salad by Cup of Kale

25. Chocolate Mint Quinoa Breakfast Bowl by Bucket List Tummy

26. Butternut Squash Fritters with Cilantro Yogurt by Real Simple

27. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Shallots by Girl Gone Gourmet

28. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna by Julia's Album

29. Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower by Bon Appétit

30. Vietnamese Meatball and Watercress Soup by A Family Feast

31. Rosemary Garlic Sourdough Bread by Homemade Food Junkie