Warm up your winter: Must try recipes for cosy vibes and good times

Looking to add some flavour to your winter?

Student Life Content Creators, Michelle and Ken as well as King’s Food have cooked up a collection of recipes to jazz up your festive break.

Michelle’s suggestions

Crema al Mascarpone

One of the easiest and most delightful Italian desserts for winter. With just mascarpone, eggs, sugar, and an electric whisk, you’ll have a creamy treat in minutes. I recommend getting mascarpone from Lidl—it’s affordable and consistently top quality. This recipe is special to me, as I’ve been making it since I was 11. It became my Christmas Eve specialty because it’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require sharp tools. We traditionally serve it with panettone or pandoro, but it's also great in tiramisu, in your morning espresso, or straight from the bowl.

Tortellini in Brodo (Tortellini in Broth)

Tortellini in Brodo is a classic Italian dish that never disappoints. Whether you choose traditional meat tortellini or a vegetarian version with spinach and ricotta, the real magic is in the homemade broth. If broth isn’t your thing, you can always enjoy the tortellini with a simple mix of parmesan, butter, and sage.

Cooking this dish is an experience—gather your flatmates or friends to pitch in, chat, and enjoy the process, just like Italian nonnas sharing family stories. For the broth, here’s a secret tip: save vegetable scraps in the freezer and simmer them for a rich, flavourful base.

Focaccia

Focaccia is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with just flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt, it’s quick and affordable. For the best flavour, use high-quality olive oil and add toppings like rosemary, olives, or cherry tomatoes.

Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week—whether as a snack, sandwich base, or side for soup. Perfect for busy student life, it’s easy to pack for lunch or enjoy between classes.

Ken’s suggestion

Swedish Saffron Buns (Laussekatter)

These soft, golden buns are packed with a subtle saffron flavour and are a staple during Sweden’s Saint Lucia Day celebrations. They’re great for snacking, sharing with flatmates, or impressing friends at a holiday get-together. Plus, the saffron gives them a bold, golden glow that’s hard to miss—eye-catching and offering a delicate flavour that stands out from the usual winter treats. Fresh out of the oven, they’re the perfect match for a hot drink on a chilly day.

King’s Food’s suggestions

Cinnamon Buns

These soft, doughy delights are bursting with warm, scrumptious cinnamon flavours that feel like a hug in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a festive snack, or a cosy dessert, these buns are pure winter magic. Treat yourself and make your break a little sweeter.

Coconut Rice Pudding with Caramelised Pineapple

This creamy coconut rice pudding – a comforting treat with a tropical twist is made with rich coconut milk. It’s not just delicious but also healthy and vegan. The warming hints of cinnamon, lemongrass, and star anise make it perfect for the season, while the sweet, caramelised pineapple topping takes it to the next level.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Risotto

Beat the winter blues with a bowl of creamy, comforting butternut squash risotto. This delicious dish is made with just 10 simple ingredients, blending cosy winter flavours into every bite. Packed with Vitamin A from butternut squash and iron from spinach, it’s as nourishing as it is tasty.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats the cosy comfort of a homemade chicken noodle soup. Ideal for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, it’s a heartwarming bowl that far better than the store bought canned one. The secret to its rich flavour? Chicken thighs! They create a deeply flavourful broth that elevates this soup to a whole new level. Best of all, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, with most of the time spent letting it simmer.

Chai

This quick and easy brew will fill your home with the most delightful aromas, and it’s versatile enough to be made with almond or cow's milk - whatever you prefer. Chai is all about the perfect balance of four key spices. But hey, feel free to play around with the flavours and find your own perfect mix. Chai is all about warming your soul and bringing a smile to your face, whether you’re curled up at home or sharing a cup with friends.

Fanesca

Fanesca is a beloved and traditional Ecuadorian soup that’s a true seasonal delight! While it’s typically reserved for Easter and Lent, we think this rich and hearty soup is the perfect winter warmer to enjoy any time of year.

Packed with the comforting flavours of butternut squash, a variety of beans, and grains, Fanesca is a bowl of warmth and richness. It’s topped with hard-boiled eggs, crispy fried plantains, fresh herbs, parsley, and a sprinkle of cheese - each bite bursting with flavours. While the ingredients may vary by region or family, the magic of Fanesca lies in its diverse grains, creating a truly unique and comforting dish.