Cosy Comfort Food for the Coldest Days


Cosy Comfort Food for the Coldest Days

Hello Reader

These months always seem a bit too cold and grey for me, which always leaves me craving the kind of meals that warm you from the inside out. The ones that make the house smell amazing and have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “When’s dinner?”

This week I’m leaning into full-on comfort food: slow simmers and oven-baked favourites that make cold evenings feel a little more magical.

Slow Simmered

👉 Braised Beef Short Ribs - These beef short ribs, braised in red wine low and slow, deliver bold and robust flavours and meat that will melt in your mouth.

👉 Beef Stew with Dumplings - This steamy cauldron of simmering stew is a one-pot win that’s as laidback and cosy as a tartan blanket.

👉 Classic Coq au Vin (Chicken in Red Wine) - A French classic! Tender chicken, flavourful sauce, and absolutely divine!

Oven-Baked Comfort

👉 Baked Ziti - An Italian American classic that always wins! Ziti pasta swimming in meaty tomato sauce flavoured with garlic and basil, topped with fresh mozzarella and baked to golden perfection.

👉 Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie) - A favourite of mine! So tasty, always satisfying and only takes an hour and ten minutes from start to finish.

👉 Spicy Sausage Casserole - An upgrade to classic sausage casserole with vibrant Mediterranean flavours.

Wishing you a flavourful week ahead!

Love,
Julia x

Why I’m Running the London Marathon This Year

This spring on 26 April, I (Brad) will be running the London Marathon to raise money for Christian Aid — a charity I used to work for and still care deeply about. Christian Aid supports communities around the world facing poverty and injustice, and every donation, big or small, helps make a real difference. Anything you can contribute - even £5/$5 - would be greatly appreciated!

bowl of mashed potatoes with short rib on top pot with stew with dumplings on top
view of a stew with pieces of chicken, carrots and mushrooms rectangular baking dish with baked pasta, with ribbon of tomatoes diagonally across it
round pan with casserole, with a spoon taking a portion close up of a red casserole with sausages and beans visible

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Vikalinka

I am Julia Frey, a London based recipe developer and photographer, and Vikalinka is my space to share my food with the world. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get tried-and-true recipes delivered to your inbox!

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