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HELLO

Welcome to Northern Soul. I’m Laurel. I document adventures that delight me in the Great Lakes region. I hope they delight you too. Happy exploring.

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7 Heartwarming Winter Veggie Recipes

7 Heartwarming Winter Veggie Recipes

My cooking skills are not one of my more dazzling qualities. If I am hosting a “dinner party” it is more likely to be a spread of veggies, olives, nuts, and cheese than a square meal. (If you don’t count cheese plates as square meals, because I totally do). I’m not being humble here people. I legitimately burnt a casserole to a black crisp during a recent attempt at a dinner party. But I haven’t given up all hope. I have committed to mastering the art of seasoning, roasting, simmering, and searing over time. I have also resigned myself  to the fact that it is going to be a lifelong practice. In an effort to push myself to cook, I purchased a winter CSA share from Second Spring Farm this season. I want to share a few of the recipes—all inspired by winter CSA vegetables—that I made and loved this month. I highly recommend all seven. If I can make them, you can make them!

Image via Spoon Fork Bacon

Aromatic Roasted Root Vegetables: This recipe is an impeccable blend of winter flavors and is so worth all the time spent chopping and peeling. This easy sheet-pan dish is excellent for prepping on the weekend and enjoying all week.

Image via Cookie + Kate

Image via Cookie + Kate

Sweet Potato Enchiladas: These were a highlight! The richness of the sweet potato and corn tortilla is balanced by the bite of the red onion and cilantro garnishes. A great dish to feed a group or to enjoy for several meals.

Image via The Full Helping

Roasted Garlic Basil Pesto Potatoes: Pesto. Garlic. Potatoes. All excellent on their own and even more excellent combined in a bowl.

Image via The Vegan 8

Image via The Vegan 8

Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Spinach Coconut Curry: The heat of the curry combined with the protein power of the chickpea and the comfort of the rice and sweet potato made this a winning weeknight dish to fight the blizzard blues.

Image via FoodandWine.com

Image via FoodandWine.com

Butternut Squash and Leek Soup: I made a large batch of this hearty soup and ate it all week with a slice of Bay Bread’s cheddar and onion bread, a handful of chopped scallions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Simply delicious.

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Parsnip Carbonara with Brussel Sprouts : Ali from @inspiralized is one of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram. She shares unique, spiralized recipes like this one that always knock it out of the park on the nutrition and flavor factor. This dish had so much flavor and substance, I didn’t miss the pasta.

Image via The Harvest Kitchen

Image via The Harvest Kitchen

Crunchy Detox Salad : In winter, I crave a fresh and crunchy dish to break up the monotony of softer, warmer meals. This is a perfect solution for that craving. Healthy, flavorful, and fresh.  

How to Spend a Cold and Rainy Day Visiting Traverse City

How to Spend a Cold and Rainy Day Visiting Traverse City

Dog-Friendly Hiking Spots Near Traverse City

Dog-Friendly Hiking Spots Near Traverse City