There is something magical about the warmth of the kitchen on a chilly winter evening. Cooking and baking have always been passions of mine, but they’ve become even more special now that I have someone to share them with. These evenings spent in the kitchen—preparing dinner, baking dessert, and talking about our days—have become some of my favorite moments. It’s a time to come together, connect, and create something delicious to share.
This week, I’m focusing on some of my favorite cookbooks that inspire cozy meals perfect for this time of year. Whether it’s a homemade pizza night, a comforting dessert, or a hearty dish to warm the soul, these books never fail to deliver.
Half Baked Harvest: Pizza Night Perfection
If you’re looking for inspiration for a cozy and interactive meal, Half Baked Harvest is the way to go. Tieghan Gerard’s cookbooks are a treasure trove of creative, comforting recipes, but her pizza recipes hold a special place in my heart. For Valentine’s Day this year, I’m planning a make-your-own pizza night—a fun and delicious way to celebrate. I’ll be using her deep-dish pizza recipe, adapting it to be gluten-free, and pairing it with Stonewall Kitchen’s pizza sauce for the perfect base.
To make pizza night even more fun, I’ll be using the MudPie Pizza Stone Set. It’s perfect for achieving that perfectly crispy crust, and its charming design adds a touch of whimsy to the table. Pair it with one of Half Baked Harvest’s salads or appetizers, and you’ve got a meal that feels like an event.
Martha Stewart: Timeless Recipes from “Martha, The Cookbook”
When it comes to classic comfort food, Martha Stewart’s “Martha, The Cookbook” is always on my shelf. My mom is a Martha Stewart in her own right—she decorates and celebrates with such care and detail, it feels like an ode to Martha herself. We just brought in Martha’s newest cookbook, and it’s full of inspiring recipes that are perfect for the season.
One recipe that caught my eye is a pot pie that’s ideal for a winter evening. Served in the Tag's casserole bakers, it’s both delicious and beautifully presented. How perfect would it be to follow that with Martha’s chocolate mousse on a cold winter night? These recipes remind me of how much joy my mom brings to every celebration and gathering she hosts.
Ina Garten: Effortless Elegance with “Be Ready When the Luck Happens
Ina Garten’s cookbooks have always had a special place in my heart. Her recipes are all about creating simple, elegant meals that bring people together. Ina’s philosophy resonates with me because I’ve always believed that good food has a way of bringing people closer. When I make her recipes, I feel like I’m creating not just meals but memories—a feeling that’s deeply rooted in my childhood.
My mom has always embodied this idea. She has spent her life using food to connect with her family, making every meal feel special and every gathering unforgettable. Whether it was a simple weeknight dinner or a big holiday feast, she poured her heart into the flavors, the presentation, and the joy of sharing it all with the people she loves. It’s something I’ve carried into my own kitchen and my own relationships.
When I cook or bake now, I often think of her and the way she made our family feel so cared for through food. Ina’s approach to cooking—focusing on flavor, simplicity, and connection—mirrors so much of what my mom has done for our family. Whether it’s her roasted tomato basil soup or one of her delectable desserts, I feel like I’m not just creating meals but continuing a tradition of love and connection that my mom started.
Chili Night: A Cozy Tradition
Chili has always been one of my mom’s specialties. She makes the best chili, and some of my fondest memories are of walking into the house on a chilly day to the rich, savory aroma of her chili simmering on the stove. One of my favorite is her white turkey chili after Thanksgiving—it’s the ultimate way to make the most of holiday leftovers while creating a dish that warms you from the inside out.
This winter, I’ve been inspired to recreate those cozy chili nights with the help of the Stonewall Kitchen Chili Starter. It’s the perfect base for a hearty and flavorful chili, and when paired with the MudPie chili bowls, it creates a presentation that’s as inviting as the dish itself. Another plus for me about the Stonewall Kitchen Chili Starter is that it is Gluten Free! To round out the meal, I’ll be using Stonewall Kitchen’s cornbread mix, baked to perfection in the MudPie cornbread skillet. The combination of warm chili and fresh, buttery cornbread is simply unbeatable on a cold evening.
These moments in the kitchen remind me of my mom’s love for bringing people together through food. Whether it’s her chili, a beautifully set table, or the joy she takes in every little detail, she’s taught me that cooking is about so much more than the food itself—it’s about creating memories, connections, and a sense of home.
A Cozy Night In
There’s so much joy to be found in cooking and baking, especially when it’s shared with someone special. These cookbooks have not only provided inspiration, but also helped me create moments I’ll cherish forever. If you’re looking for a way to bring a little more warmth and connection to your evenings, I can’t recommend them enough.
Whether you’re trying out Half Baked Harvest’s pizza recipes with the MudPie pizza baker, mastering a Martha Stewart classic, or channeling Ina Garten’s effortless elegance, I hope these ideas inspire you to get cozy in the kitchen this winter.
Let me know if you try any of these recipes or have a favorite cookbook to recommend! Here’s to more cozy nights and delicious meals. ❤️
Sammi ~
