When the weather is frightfully cold and you need something quick to warm you up, try this recipe for Tomato-Tortellini soup. With only 4 ingredients, you'll be warm and cozy in no time.

For more comfort food ideas, go to www.culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

 Tomato-Tortellini Soup

• 2              14 ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1              9 ounce package of refrigerated tortellini
• 1              8 ounce tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion
• 1              can tomato soup
• Fresh chives (optional)

1. In a medium sauce pan bring broth to a boil.  Add tortellini then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl whisk 1/3 cup of hot broth into the cream cheese spread.  Whisk until smooth.  Pour contents into sauce pan.
3. Stir in tomato soup and heat through.
4. Serve with fresh chives, if desired.

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) As the chill settles in, comforting, warming, seasonal favorites like stews and soups become top of mind. However, with busy work schedules, there’s often not enough time to prepare them during the week.

When Carrot-Lentil Stew is on the menu, time isn’t an issue. It’s ready in under an hour, plus it’s packed with healthy ingredients and robust flavor. Start with quick-cooking lentils, add nutrient-rich vegetables, vegetable broth and the secret ingredient: a jar of Aunt Nellie’s Glazed Sliced Carrots. The perfectly cooked carrot slices and their flavorful sauce add texture, flavor and vibrant color to the stew, which needs only 10 minutes to cook.

Serve topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for another splash of color and an extra layer of flavor. This vegetarian stew can easily be adjusted to include chicken sausage for even more protein.  

For additional cold-weather cooking ideas, visit AuntNellies.com.

Carrot-Lentil Vegetable Stew

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          cup dry lentils
• 3          cups fat-free, reduced-sodium vegetable broth, divided
• 1          cup water
• 3/4       cup chopped onion
• 3/4       cup sliced celery
• 3/4       cup chopped bell pepper
• 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1          jar (15 1/2 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Glazed Small Sliced Carrots
• 1          large clove garlic, minced
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh parsley
• shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Rinse lentils and drain. Place in Dutch oven or other large saucepan. Add 2 cups broth and water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes (lentils should be slightly undercooked).
2. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, remaining broth, tomatoes with liquid, carrots with liquid and garlic. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, until liquid is reduced as desired and vegetables are just tender. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.

Note: If desired, 1/2 pound chicken sausage links, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces, can be added to stew during last 5 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 14 g protein; 54 g carbohydrate; <1 g fat; 390 mg sodium; 10 g dietary fiber; 5 mg iron; 0.46 mg thiamin; 5499 IU vitamin A; 36 mg vitamin C.

Source: Aunt Nellie’s

(Family Features) Sweaters and scarves aren’t the only ways to brace yourself against blustery weather. There’s no time like winter to putter in the kitchen, where the cozy heat from the stove and the aromas of mouthwatering dishes can warm you from the inside out.

Rich, hearty stews and creamy casseroles are perfect for winter dinners, but when you’re craving something other than traditional comfort food, there are plenty of other options that will chase away the chill, such as a glass of Pinot Noir.

These three dishes feature common proteins – chicken, beef and fish – in preparations that make it easy to reimagine your winter weather menu. Find more recipes and ideas for warming up this winter at culinary.net.

Fruit Juice and Fish Fillets

The temperatures may be falling, but you can still fire up the grill and fill up your plate with a tasty recipe like this Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish, which combines sweet juices for a citrus sauce that coats grilled catfish. Find more main dish recipes including catfish at uscatfish.com.

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish

Recipe courtesy of The Catfish Institute
Servings: 4

Citrus Sauce:

• 1 lime, juice and zest only
• 1 lemon, zest only
• 1 orange, zest only
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Catfish:

• 4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
• 2 lemons
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Heat grill.
2. To make citrus sauce: In small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
3. To make catfish: Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes.
4. Grill catfish fillets, skin-side-up, 3-4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2-3 more minutes.
5. Transfer catfish to serving plates and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets.

A Cold-Weather Solution

While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather. A warm, comforting dish, like Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman

Chicken:

• 1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon

Salsa Verde:

• 1/4 cup capers in salt
• 4 anchovy filets
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped tarragon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. To make chicken: Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.
3. Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.
5. Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.
6. To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.
7. Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.
8. Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.
9. Add all herbs and olive oil.
10. Season with sea salt.

Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Whole and Hearty

A hearty meat-and-potatoes meal is a sure way to warm up on a cold winter night. This heart-healthy, one-dish meal is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables and a spicy herb mixture. Find more healthy main dish ideas at health.gov.

Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of the USDA

• 1 pound top round beef
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
• nonstick spray
• 8 red-skinned potatoes, halved
• 3 cups onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch strips
• 2 bunches (1/2 pound each) mustard, kale or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn

1. Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across grain into strips 1/8-inch thick and 3 inches wide. Trim away visible fat.
2. Combine paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper and dry mustard. Coat strips of meat with spice mixture.
3. Spray large, heavy skillet with nonstick spray. Heat pan over high heat.
4. Add meat; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.
5. Add potatoes, onion, broth and garlic. Cook over medium heat, covered, 20 minutes.
6. Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Serve in large serving bowl with crusty bread for dunking.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (fish photo and beef stew photo)

Source: Culinary.net

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(Family Features) While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather.

Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean it’s time to stop enjoying the lively and nuanced flavors of chilled wine. While once only sipped on warm days of summer, rosé, for example, has become a year-round wine to enjoy any time with its crisp and cool strawberry and rhubarb flavors.

A warm, comforting dish, like this Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. As the chicken roasts in the oven, it warms the kitchen and fills the house with wonderful aromas, tempting any chef or home cook to steal a sip of wine.

One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman

Chicken:

• 1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon

Salsa Verde:

• 1/4 cup capers in salt
• 4 anchovy filets
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped tarragon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. To make chicken: Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.
3. Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.
5. Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.
6. To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.
7. Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.
8. Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.
9. Add all herbs and olive oil.
10. Season with sea salt.

Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Source: Angeline Winery

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(Family Features) With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, the craving for savory comfort foods is almost sure to follow.

Creating a comfort food masterpiece like Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter is a no-brainer when hunger hits along with chilly winter air. The dish’s warm, captivating spices will help you forget about the frosty climate around you.

But to truly keep winter winds at bay, try pairing your tasty meal with a vibrant, fruit-forward wine, such as Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014. The wine works well for nearly any occasion, but it’s the perfect complement to bring out the flavors of the roasted chicken thanks to its aromas of raspberry and red currant combining with spice notes of nutmeg and vanilla, which lead to a smooth, elegant finish.

Pairing hearty plates with a classic drink is a palate-pleasing way to warm up – and fill up. For more wine pairing tips and recipes, visit KenwoodVineyards.com.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter

Recipe courtesy of chef Ari Weiswasser
Serves: 4

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup carrot juice
• 4 tablespoons butter, diced
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice
• 3 1/3 cups chicken stock
• 2 large onions, diced
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons curry spice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons sun-dried tomato, chopped finely
• canola oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1. Brine chicken in 3/4 cup salt, sugar and water. Refrigerate 1 hour; pat dry and store overnight, uncovered, in fridge.
2. Add carrot juice to saucepan and reduce to thick consistency on high heat, 10-15 minutes. Whisk vigorously if juice separates. Whisk in butter. Set aside to cool.
3. In pot, cover wild rice with chicken stock. Bring to simmer and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt.
4. Heat oven to 400° F.
5. In frying pan on medium-high heat, sweat onions in olive oil until soft. Add curry spice and toast until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add vinegar and salt; stir well. Fold through sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Place chicken skin-side up on roasting pan fitted with rack. Brush chicken with canola or olive oil and season with salt. Roast about 25-35 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should be 165° F. Drizzle with roasting juices; add salt and chopped parsley before plating.
7. To plate, add carrot butter to wild rice; scoop 1/2 cup onto each dish. Place chicken skin-side up on top of rice. Dollop with onion, curry and tomato mixture.

Pair each serving with a glass of Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014.

Source: Kenwood Vineyards

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