We've said it once, and we'll say it again - there's not hibernating through winter in Livingston County. Along with fuzzy blankets and thick socks, nothing keeps us warm from the inside out like a hearty, home-cooked meal. And winter is the perfect time for comfort foods, like steaming soups, thick casseroles, and indulgent desserts.
Thankfully, our region is full of destinations for comfort food lovers. To help you take 'hygge' to the next level, we’ve rounded up winter dinner ideas for cold days. From traditional European flavors to classic dishes, check out some of our favorite recommendations for the season.
Hearty Soups
Is there anything better than a piping-hot bowl of soup on a freezing winter’s day? Not around here.
When the wind picks up and chills you to the bone, visions of a hot bowl of soup will power you through until the door is shut, the gloves are peeled off, and the stove is on. EuroCafe in downtown Geneseo offers a delicious selection of homemade soups made freshly each day to warm even the coldest of toes.
- The flavor of Borscht is bright and complex, beautifully sweet and sour. The natural sweetness from beets and carrots balances a splash of vinegar. Beef makes it hearty and filling, and potatoes with a hint of tomato paste add depth and thicken the broth. Fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream are the perfect finishing touches.
- Żurek is packed with sought-after umami flavor. It hits the back of your throat and leaves you craving more. Historically, Żurek is a prime example of ‘cuisine of the poor’, served in peasant homes. The soup was meat-free and therefore very fitting for days of religious fasting.
- Sour cucumber soup isn’t as unusual as it sounds, and one spoonful will have you convinced that it is pure genius. This classic Polish recipe has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a light and savory vegetable soup, with a delightful combination of carrots, celery, onion, and cucumbers.
In addition to EuroCafe, several other restaurants in LivCo offer tasty soups you'll have to try. Be sure to check out the American Hotel where they rotate over 200 different kinds of soup on their menu!
