This time of year calls for all things cosy! With the weather turning to ‘officially chilly’, we thought it was the perfect juncture to collaborate with the best winter warmers you can comfortably create at home. Show the cold who’s boss with some of our favourite recipes and snug activities to get you through even the frostiest of days.
Nothing brings a more healing feeling than a homemade soup full of healthy, natural ingredients to boost your immune system and give you a delicious lunch to share with the whole family. Sweet potato is easy to get your hands on, and a little goes a long way! Add chopped onion, garlic and the potato chunks onto a large roasting tray, season with olive oil, salt and pepper and put into the oven at 180 for 40 to 45 minutes. Take them out once the potato is nicely golden brown and toasted. Transfer the roasted veg into a large pot, mix with vegetable stock and bring to a boil; remove from the heat, then mix with a hand blender till smooth, keep on a low heat till serving. Butternut squash also makes for a great substitute - enjoy with grilled ciabatta, grate over butter and garlic for added melted flavour, divide the soup into large bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top, add a drizzle of sour cream for the final touch! Freeze your soup in portions to have at a later date or to take for warm winter lunches at work.
Another classic winter dish is the beloved rice pudding - a humble but tasty dessert and a fantastic way to use up any extra rice or dairy in the house! Heat the oven to 160 whilst buttering a baking dish; mix pudding rice, sugar, vanilla, milk and cream into a large bowl and stir till thoroughly combined. Pour this into the prepared baking dish and grate over a generous layer of nutmeg for that sweet topping. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until a brown skin has formed on the top and the rice is cooked and tender. Serve with a dollop of fruitjam, a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Curling up on a cooler evening in front of the fire or heater is best when shared with friends and family. Investing in a thick, insulated blanket to cuddle up together will take this season to the next level. Woollen blankets are a fabulous choice as the natural fibres that make up the wool yarn have heating properties that are unrivalled by other materials but are also highly breathable, giving you the perfect temperature.
Make the most of all this rugging up and pair it with a delicious tea or hot chocolate mug. Our Blends of Byron Gift Box is full of premium handmade teas, including chai, English breakfast, herbal and scrumptious organic coffee. Sipping on the chillax brew is a relaxing way to unwind after a long day with ingredients like rose, lavender and ashwagandha; this delicious blend will help you get a good quality, restful sleep. Why not indulge in some chocolates to accompany your hot drink? Our Chocolate Gift Hamper is brimming with delicious treats; from dark chocolate macadamias to milk chocolate chunk cookies, there is something for everyone to try. Or, for a romantic evening, the Love Bites Pamper Hamper is a special combination of Byron Bay local, triple chocolate fudge cookies (yum) and a beautiful lotus flower candle for a sweet aroma and intimate setting. Whatever way you like, get cosy this winter and savour some good quality time with your nearest and dearest.
