Cozy Kitchen Recipes for Winter!

written by

Jared Frye

posted on

January 13, 2025

I don't know about you, but during winter I just want to eat cozy comfort foods that are warm and make me feel all warm inside!! 


We put together a short list of a few cozy recipes we thought you might enjoy that highlight some of our favorite cuts that we offer and will keep you cozy this winter! 


Herb-Roasted Whole Chicken with Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole C&F Farms chicken (4-5 lbs)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
  2. In a small bowl, mix butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the chicken’s skin and spread the herb butter underneath, then rub the remainder over the skin.
  3. Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion quarters. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  4. Toss the carrots and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange around the chicken in the roasting pan.
  5. Roast for 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables.


Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs C&F Farms beef stew meat
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onion and garlic to the pot; sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste.
  3. Deglaze the pot with wine (if using), scraping up browned bits. Return beef to the pot, add carrots, celery, potatoes, broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
  5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.


Crispy Chicken Skillet with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients:

  • 1 C&F Farms whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Place chicken skin-side down in the skillet; cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Return chicken to the skillet, add lemon slices, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice or crusty bread.


Breaded Pork Chops with Gravy

Ingredients:

  • 4 C&F Farms bone-in pork chops
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups milk

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge pork chops in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat again in flour mixture.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chops 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat and melt butter in the skillet. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Serve pork chops with gravy over mashed potatoes.


Italian Sausage and Bacon White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb C&F Farms Italian sausage links, sliced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Add sausage to the pot and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in the drippings until softened. Add beans, broth, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Return sausage and bacon to the pot, stir in kale, and cook until wilted. Add cream (if using) for richness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Serve with grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

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Pastured pork comes from pigs raised on open fields instead of confined barns. Unlike industrial pigs that spend their lives in tight quarters with little room to move, pastured pigs have access to fresh air, sunshine, and a natural diet that includes forage, roots, insects, and supplemental grains. This diverse diet and active lifestyle result in pork that is more flavorful, nutrient-dense, and healthier overall. It’s a system that mimics nature—allowing pigs to do what they do best: root, dig, and graze. This stands in contrast to factory-farmed pork, where pigs are typically raised in large, overcrowded barns. They never see the light of day, are fed a uniform diet of GMO grains and soy, and often require antibiotics to stay healthy in such unnatural conditions. When you compare the two, it’s easy to see why pastured pork is the better choice. Is Pork Actually Healthy? Let’s Bust Some Myths. One of the biggest misconceptions about pork is that it’s an unhealthy meat choice. People often lump it into the same category as highly processed meats like hot dogs or bacon loaded with additives. But real pork—especially pastured pork—is packed with nutrients and can be a great part of a healthy diet. 1. More Omega-3s and Healthy Fats The fat profile of pastured pork is completely different from conventional pork. • Pastured pork contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.• It also has less inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed pork, making it a much healthier option. Studies show that pigs raised on pasture have up to three times the amount of omega-3s as their factory-farmed counterparts. (Source) 2. Higher in Vitamins and Minerals Pastured pork is an excellent source of key nutrients that your body needs: • Vitamin D: Since pastured pigs spend time outdoors, their meat is naturally higher in vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health and immunity.• Vitamin E: Found in much higher concentrations in pastured pork, this powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from damage.• B Vitamins: Pork is one of the richest sources of B vitamins, which support energy production and brain function. 3. A High-Quality Protein Source Pork is a fantastic source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs to function. Protein is vital for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. If you’re looking for a protein source that is both nutritious and delicious, pastured pork is hard to beat. Who Owns Your Pork? The China Connection A topic that’s been gaining a lot of attention recently is who actually owns America’s pork industry—and for good reason. 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