This Month's Fare

Winter Favorites Across the U.S.

Whether we’re dodging wind gusts in Chicago or walking on the beach in San Diego, January inspires home cooks to snuggle in and fill the kitchen with comforting aromas. This time of year we crave our favorite regional dishes as well as what’s in season. In San Francisco, it’s Dungeness crab. As the city gears up to celebrate Chinese New Year, cooks are clamoring for this favored crustacean—in black bean sauce, tossed with pasta, or in a festive salad.

In Atlanta and all over the south, it’s pecan time. Roasted and seasoned as a snack or sprinkled over sweet potatoes, ‘tis the season for these versatile nuts. Brussel sprouts and bok choy also make bright seasonal additions to winter fare in the south. Fortunately, these nutritious vegetables make their way across the country. Winter is also the height of citrus season in southern climates. Think ruby red grapefruit, blood orange, Meyer lemons, and limes. And of course, from coast to coast, root vegetables rule.

Whatever your regional favorite, we’ve got a Kikkoman product or recipe that puts a new flavor spin on the New Year. Whether you choose from a slow braise or winter grilling, it’s a good time to gather friends and family around the table for some simple, satisfying fare.

Our recipe for Takumi Pulled Pork makes a succulent sandwich on a soft roll. It gets its kick from Kikkoman Teryiyaki Takumi Collection Triple Ginger Sauce and a dash of Kikkoman Ponzu Sauce or Rice Vinegar. Just marinate, cook on the grill, then shred the pork. Topped with a simple Asian slaw, these sandwiches are universally appealing.

Food magazines tell us that high-end restaurants in New York are serving braised short ribs in January, but you can stay home by the fire and make your own addictive Two-Alarm Beef Short Ribs with the help of Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste & Glaze Sauce.

Dieting or not, if you appreciate the flavor counterpoints of citrus with seafood in a savory dressing, you’ll find this light Grapefruit-Shrimp Salad offers a spot of light, bright flavor in the midst of winter. Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce makes the delightful dressing with canola oil and cilantro.

Nibblers in Georgia, Texas and beyond will adore Kikkoman’s Spicy Beijing Pecans – an easy mix and bake concoction with Kikkoman Soy Sauce and a few seasonings. Serve these tempting morsels with drinks, toss in salads or sprinkle over roasted or steamed vegetables—especially sweet potatoes, green beans, and Brussels sprouts—all widely available in January.

Of course the hot dog reigns supreme in Chicago, in any season. You can find a great one on just about any block, but how about trying something completely new at home? Tempura Dogs, deep fried with Kikkoman Tempura Batter Mix make a great party treat. Add some hot mustard for dipping and discover a new winter favorite.

From coast to coast, north to south, winter fare can be some of the year’s most satisfying, especially when shared with family and friends. Invite Kikkoman into the kitchen and enjoy the warmth.