5 easy winter recipes at Nutchel

Winter at Nutchel is the perfect moment to slow down, get comfy and cosy, and enjoy simple pleasures. After a refreshing walk during your stay in a cabin in the Belgian Ardennes or in Alsace, what could feel better than returning to your Cosy Cabin and preparing simple and delicious treats together?

These 5 easy winter recipes are comforting, and require only a few ingredients, most of which can be found in our Honesty Shop or in nearby local grocery stores. No oven is needed, and each recipe can be prepared on your cabin’s wood stove or gas hob, making them ideal for a cosy moment in the heart of nature.

Ready to warm up your cabin with winter flavours?

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🍷 1. Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

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Why this winter recipe?

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This classic winter drink is perfect for slow evenings in your cabin. Its spicy aroma fills the room with instant warmth.

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What you need:

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• 1 bottle of mulled wine mix
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2–3 tbsp sugar or honey
• Optional: star anise, cardamom, a splash of orange juice

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How to prepare it:

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1. Pour the wine into a pot and heat gently. Do not boil!
2. Add the orange slices, spices, and sugar.
3. Let it simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
4. Taste, adjust sweetness, and serve warm.

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🥣 2. Hot chocolate with real chocolate

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Why this winter recipe?

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Rich, velvety, and perfect after a long winter walk or any other outdoor activity, this hot chocolate is a Nutchel classic.

Kids and adults love it, whether they enjoy at breakfast or as an afternoon treat, especially with melting marshmallows on top.

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What you need:

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• 500 ml milk or plant-based milk
• 50–70 greal dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• Mini marshmallows (optional)

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How to prepare it:

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1. Heat the milk gently on your wood stove or gas hob.
2. Add the chopped chocolate and let it melt slowly. Stir well.
3. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows.
4. Sit by the fire and enjoy the cosy moment.

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🍎 3. Hot Spiced Apple Cider

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Why this winter recipe?

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Sweet, fruity, and completely family-friendly. It’s a nice winter recipe and the perfect alternative to mulled wine and ideal for cosy afternoons.

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What you need:

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• 1 litre of apple juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves
• A splash of lemon juice
• Optional: a few cranberries or a small piece of fresh ginger

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How to prepare it :

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1. Pour the apple juice into a pot and warm gently.
2. Add the orange, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon juice.
3. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain and serve.

Tip : Add a cinnamon stick to each mug for a pretty and fragrant finishing touch.

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🥕 4. Easy Veggie Stew

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Why this winter recipe?

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A warm, hearty stew is exactly what you crave after hiking in the forest. This winter recipe is simple, nourishing, and perfect to prepare on your cabin’s woodstove.

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What you need:

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• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 courgette or leek (optional)
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt,pepper, herbs (thyme, rosemary)

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How to prepare it:

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1. Heat the oil in a pot. Fry the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
3. Add enough water to cover the vegetables, and the stock cube.
4. Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes on the wood stove.
5. Add herbs, adjust seasoning, and enjoy with rustic bread.

Tip : For extra comfort, add a handful of lentils or chickpeas.

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🍫 5. Christmas Mendiants

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Why this winter recipe?

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These little Christmas treats are incredibly easy and fun to make, and you only need chocolate and a few toppings.

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What you need:

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• 100 g darkor milk chocolate
• Toppings of your choice:
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Dried cranberries
• Coconut flakes

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How to prepare it:

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1. Melt the chocolate gently in a small pot on low heat.
2. Line a plate or wooden board with baking paper.
3. Spoon small circles of melted chocolate.
4. Decorate each one with nuts, dried fruits or marzipan.
5. Place them in the freezer located in the Wood & Ice shelter for 1 hour until set.
6. Enjoy with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.

Tip : kids love decorating them! It’s the perfect activity to do with kids.

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❄️ Ready to try these easy winter recipes during your stay?

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Winter at Nutchel is all about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying cosy moments with the people you love.

These simple recipes are perfect to prepare in your cabin after a day exploring the forests of the Ardennes or Alsace.

Feeling inspired?

👉 Book your cabin in Alsace (FR) or the Ardennes (BE) and savour warm, wintery moments by the fire!