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"Cozy Winter Delights: A Delectable 3-Course Meal to Warm Your Soul"

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for roasting

Instrucions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until it becomes tender and lightly caramelised.
  • In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
  • Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot, along with the vegetable broth and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried thyme. Serve hot and enjoy!

Braised Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1kg beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, if using.
  • Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  • Add the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and the flavours have melded together.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the braised beef stew piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavours of winter!

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

  • 114g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream for garnish

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins or small oven-safe dishes with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  • Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the chocolate and egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the greased ramekins.
  • Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centres are still slightly jiggly.
  • Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, gently tapping to release the cake.
  • Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Serve the molten chocolate lava cakes immediately while they’re still warm and enjoy the decadent winter treat!

Enjoy preparing and savouring this delightful winter 3-course meal with your loved ones.

The combination of a comforting roasted butternut squash soup, a hearty braised beef stew with root vegetables, and a decadent molten chocolate lava cake will surely warm your heart and nourish your soul during the winter season.