Winter-spiced Apple Sauce (slow cooker)

This homemade applesauce is made multiple times in my kitchen in the fall and winter. The aromas from whole spices are other worldly delicious.. If you aren't sure that apple sauce can be indulgent, give this slow cooker spiced version a try. And if you have a vanilla bean hanging out in your pantry or have a special occasion, slice it open and drop it in for truly swoonworthy applesauce experience.

By Shelly Rose

Congee

Congee is a soothing and savory rice porridge commonly served in Asian countries. You can certainly eat it just because any time of the year, but I especially like to make it on cold and slow wintery days, if a loved one is under the weather with very little appetite, or in a healing state (it's so gentle on the gut).

You can also serve this with a soft or hard boiled egg, shrimp, or fish. Some people even like to crack an egg into the congee and allow the egg to cook in that way. It really is a blank canvas so add whatever lights you up... like spices, roasted sweet potato, a splash of ume plum vinegar, gomasio seasoning, or seaweed.

If you want to make your own homemade Nourishing Bone Broth, try this recipe.

By Shelly Rose

Braised Fennel Bulbs

While sliced and shaved fennel is fantastic in salads and stirfries, this is a fun way to fully appreciate the funky, beautiful whole shape of a fennel bulb. This slow-cooked braising method yields an incredibly tender and flavorful fennel bulb. If you have a bigger pan, make a bigger batch.

By Shelly Rose