Rooted in Comfort: Inspired Seasonal Recipes

Photos by Michael Piazza / Styled by Catrine Kelty

Colder nights and cooler days have settled in. Smoke drifts from chimneys, blankets rest on couches, books pile on tables and coziness is the order of the season. The kitchen calls us back to something warm simmering on the stove. Comfort food is different for everyone, but no matter the dish, it’s always a bit nostalgic or sentimental and feels like a warm embrace to the soul, just as much as the stomach. Childhood favorites—like mac and cheese, casseroles and pot pies—often come to mind, but comfort can be found in unexpected places, too.

Flavors from around the world found their way to my childhood table: With a grandmother from Texas; a parent bringing home recipes from Thailand, the Philippines and China; another who adored Indian curries and vegan cooking; Armenian relatives offering string cheese and lahmajun; all of these influences mingled with a New Englander’s love for seasonal produce.

The recipes that follow are born from this cultural mix. Nourishing and cozy, they carry just enough flair to make fall and winter meals memorable.

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