A December produce guide and recipes for apples, cauliflower, lemons, butternut squash, cabbage, broccoli, and more.
December is a great time for citrus — oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines – as well as fruits we’re still able to find abundantly in the market, such as pomegranates, apples, and pears. And of course, we couldn’t start winter without staple vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower winter squashes. This list is by no means extensive, but keep scrolling for recipe ideas of what to make with all the wonderful December produce.
What’s in Season in December?
December is the month for vitamin-C packed fruits like oranges, clementines and tangerines. And it’s a time when root vegetables shine: carrots, beets, turnips, and squashes.
It’s a month for brassicas: radish, cabbage, mustard, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli. There’s no better time to “eat the rainbow”. From salads to pasta to desserts, here are a few recipes to inspire you to make the most out of December produce.
Cauliflower
Make this beautiful Roasted Cauliflower with Creme Fraiche as a vegetarian main or a side.
Or turn it into a Cauliflower Steak with Romesco Sauce.
Cabbage
Make this easy and inexpensive Roasted Cabbage with Walnuts.
For an Asia twist, make this flavorful and equally simple Seared Cabbage with Miso Butter.
Leeks
Adapted from NYTimes Cooking, this Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew is so easy and filling. Perfect for a cold December evening.
Winter Squash
These versatile vegetables are a winter staple and I love how they can be transformed into a hearty stew and a silky pie filling.
This Brown Buttered Squash, Dates and Walnuts is a fantastic dish where the squash is the main star.
I make this Chicken and Squash Soup every winter and never get sick of it. A classic.
This Roasted Grape and Acorn Squash Salad with Halloumi makes a great side for a dinner party.
Broccoli
This is Sheet-Pan Chicken with Broccoli, Chickpeas, and Parmesan an easy, practical weeknight dinner and it’s always a hit.
This healthy Pan Seared Salmon with Broccoli Slawmakes a great, quick lunch or dinner.
Apples
This Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Custard is so easy and so delicious. Make sure to make the vanilla custard!
This Celery, Fennel and Apple Salad is a fresh, palette cleanser that goes with any main dish.
Pears
This unconventional Poached Pear and Ricotta Tart is an easy, fun, and elegant dessert.
Citrus
Make this beautiful, quick and easy Citrus Salad with Fennel and Radish for your next dinner party.
This Lemony Spaghetti with Shrimp and Pistachio Breadcrumbs is full of flavors and textures. Another hit!
An easy dish that celebrates the best of the season, this Avocado Grapefruit Salad couldn’t be easier or simpler.
Pomegranate
This gorgeous fruit adorns any dish. This warm winter Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Pistachio Salad is delightful.
For a super filling winter dish, make this comforting Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Burrata.
Avocado
This Avocado Pesto Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto is super filling, creamy and healthy.
And for a lovely breakfast, make this easy Roasted Tomato and Avocado Toast.
I hope you enjoyed this December produce guide! What’s your favorite winter produce? Let me know in the comments!
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