It's early January. This is usually the point where we've downloaded our fitness apps, committed to two days of a miserable diet and are staring wistfully out the window at the rain thinking about the Christmas chocolate we've still got stashed in the cupboard.
Well, I say enough is enough. Screw it.
I'm not going to spend January, notably the saddest month of a year (according to a BBC study back in 2005, the 24th January is peak terribleness, niche), depriving myself of things. Instead, I'm going to use it to explore new foods from around the world that'll keep me warm and well-fed for the rest of this wretched, winter season.
In case you fancied joining me, here are a bunch of winter recipes from all across the globe to tickle your taste buds.
Spain - Sopa de Ajo
Garlic soup. Yep. This is a hot and hearty winter soup is made up of garlic and bread (which are notoriously two of my favourite things). The traditional recipe puts the bread in the soup, but this adaptation uses croutons. You do you.
China - Jiaozi
They're hot, steaming dumplings! First of all, they are delicious. Secondly jiaozi are an extremely important food in China and have earned a place as a traditional dish at many significant festivals, including the celebration of the Winter Solstice.
South Africa - Malva Pudding
This dish from Cape Malay reminds me of a school dinner jam roly-poly but in the best way. It's essentially an apricot jam sponge (often served with custard), and its rich, sweet flavour and dense texture has cemented its position as a celebrated winter pud.
Israel - Latkes
The humble potato is really the most versatile ingredient. Latkes are crispy fried potato and onion patties that vaguely resemble hash browns (but look so much better). These were traditionally served to celebrate Hanukkah, and I could eat approximately 72 of them.
Greece - Melomakarona
What more do you need to know, other than that these bad boys are spiced honey and orange cookies? That's winter in a bite. I can feel my cold heart thawing just thinking about these fabulous Greek biscuits.
Brazil – Pamonha
I lowkey love corn. It's wildly underrated. Pamonha is a corn cake cooked and served in corn husks and was initially served to signify the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. They can be sweet or savoury, usually imbued with either coconut or cheese.
Denmark - Flæskesteg
You didn't think you were going to get away without a cheeky The Snow Queen reference, did you? Essentially, this is buttery roast pork with extremely crispy crackling. The dish is popular in wintertime, with many Danish individuals opting for it as their Christmas dinner. The secret? Deep grooves in the rind and lots of salt.