Winter cooking makes me immediately think of steaming bowls of soup and heart warming comfort food. I have many recipes I make year-round, but there are some ingredients that are in season in the winter that I find myself using more of this time of year. Here are four ingredients to stock up on this winter along with a few recipes for each!

Brussels Sprouts

For a minimal calorie count, brussels sprouts meet your vitamin C and K needs for the day, and are atually high in protein for a green vegetable. They aren’t what you call an entry-level veggie, but if you haven’t tried these as an adult, roast them up and you’ll be surprised at their versatility and almost sweet nuttiness. Just be careful not to over cook them as it reduces the nutrients.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Golden Raisins

Check out Realsimple.com for this recipe and more!

Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad

Pinchofyum.com features this and more!

Sausage, Brussels Sprouts, & Parmesan Pasta

Check out Iowagirleats.com for this and more

Potatoes

Potatoes are practically synonymous with “comfort food”, and because of that many people steer clear for fear of gaining weight. In reality, it’s the high calorie and high fat ingredients we associate with potatoes; mashed potatoes. potato au gratin, twice baked potatoes rich in butter, cheese, and sour cream, that do us in. Prepared properly, potatoes can definitely be part of a healthy and nutritious meal! Packed with phytonutritents and an excellent source of vitamin C as an antioxident, these studs belong on your winter veggie hot list! (and don’t forget sweet potatoes!)

Turkey Taco Twice-Baked Potatoes

Check out Cookincanuck.com for more recipes like this!

Quick Potato and Cauliflower Curry

Visit TheKitchn.com for this recipe and more

Baked Potato Soup

Go to Skinnytaste.com for this recipe and others

Kale

It shouldn’t take much convincing that kale is good for you. But do you know why? Here are a few reasons kale belongs in your diet. It is high in antioxident, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates (WHFoods.com) for starters, also offering cholesterol lowering abilities. Need another reason? Kale’s glucosinolates create isothiocyanates which support your body’s detoxifying processes.

Kale and Potato Soup with Turkey Sausage

Head to SkinnyTaste.com for this recipe and more

Pork Tenderloin with Kale and Kimchi

Bonappetit.com has this an other delicious recipes

Braised Kale Frittata

Check out Health.com for this recipe and more

Pomegranate

This berry isn’t just for fancy cocktails! With anti-inflammatory properties that protect against cancers like breast and prostate, and other chronic diseases, you’ll want to put these on your shopping list (you can buy the seeds at most gorcery stores and Trader Joe’s). Studies also show pomegranate to help guard memory and brain function, as well as having phytochemicals that help lower blood pressure.

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate

Head to FoodFaithFitness.com for this recipe and more

Slow Cooker Pomegranate and Orange Marinated Pork Chops

Check out savoringthethyme.com for this and other recipes

Pomegranate Chicken Salad

Go to plaidandpaleo.com for this and other healthy recipes

What are your favorite items to cook with in the winter?