Hibernating.

It’s hibernation season.

Wise bears are tucked into a ball in their little dens, warm and snoozing away, dreaming of springtime and fat fish in the river and berries on the vine.

Hmmmmm. Deep, extended sleep. Cozy den. Dreams of spring. Sounds like me in January.

During winter, especially with a loose schedule like mine, it’s easy to hole up where it’s warm. I’ve been lazier about trying new recipes, mostly because I don’t want to slip-slide my way to the grocery store for the ingredients. I surprised myself this week with some awesome meals, using what I already had in the house! Check it out!

BLT Quesadilla

Doesn’t that just sound delish? IT WAS.

Ingredients: whiskey bacon jam, sharp cheddar cheese, flour tortillas, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and various spices. Warm, smoky, sweet, cheesy…YUM.

Caramelized Onion, Sausage, and Pepper Pizza

I had whole wheat pizza dough in the freezer and some marinara in the pantry. I cooked up a hot Italian sausage link, caramelized half of an onion, sliced up a few peppers and basil, and VOILA!

Homemade pizza and a fresh green salad. YUM.

Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies

I had a cookie mix in the pantry- all I needed to add was vanilla, butter, and an egg! I also chopped up some of my BFF’s homemade Almond Roca and stirred the toffee into the dough. Brilliant.

My cookie jar is now full. YUM.

Garlic Asiago Ravioli with Grilled Chicken in a Shallot White Wine Sauce

I surprised myself with this one! We had some tasty ravioli in the freezer, so I scoured the veggie drawer and just started cooking. I sautéed some shallots and orange bell pepper, then added garlic, some halved cherry tomatoes, a chopped Serano chile, and chopped chicken breast John grilled up for me. After awhile, I poured in some white wine and let the goodness reduce on the stove before tossing in the cooked ravioli and a handful of fresh parmesan cheese.

I topped it with lots of basil. SO GOOD!

Our freezers are PACKED right now. Meats, stews, soups, casseroles, even some desserts that I’ve made over the last few months are ready to be heated up and enjoyed when we just don’t want to go outside. But sometimes, putting together fresh ingredients makes dinner feel more special than just thawing something. I proved to myself this week that being creative in the kitchen can make for some pretty good eats.  That said, I’ve got a brand new recipe to try tonight.

But not before a nice, cozy nap. I’ve got springtime dreaming to do.

**What are your go-to dishes during hibernation season? How do you stay entertained indoors when the weather outside is frightful?**