Posted by Tastefully Simple on February 28, 2025
When the winter chill sets in, it’s easy to get caught in a rut. But don’t let the gray skies dull your spirit. Escape to a warm, sunny paradise without leaving your kitchen. If you’re craving a little warmth in both temperature and flavor, the solution might be closer than you think – straight from the world’s tropical islands and sun-soaked Mexican beaches!
This winter, let your taste buds travel to places like Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean with simple, nourishing meals that transport you to warmer days. With vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a healthy dose of sunshine in every bite, these foods can provide a much-needed escape from the dreary cold. Ready to ditch the winter blahs? Let’s dive in.
Honey Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs: Fire up the Grill
Fresh pineapple, crisp red onion, flavorful peppers and chicken drizzled with a sweet honey teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. What could be better than that to get you in the island mood?
Try this:
Thread chicken, onions, peppers and pineapple on skewers in the desired pattern. Involve the family by asking them to thread their own skewers. Grill and brush with Honey Teriyaki Sauce the last 1-2 minutes of grilling to create a nice, caramelized finish. Serve with prepared rice or quinoa.
Fiesta Pork Tacos: A Taste of Mexico’s Charm
If you’re dreaming of the warm, salty breeze of the Mexican coastline, you can bring that feeling home with tacos. This combination of slightly spicy, sweet and fresh flavors is the ultimate comfort food that makes you think of sunny beach days and salty air.
Try this:
Get your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll be ready for a flavorful meal at the end of the day. Fresh toppings make this meal. Consider setting up a toppings bar to include guacamole, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion and mango salsa. Serve your tacos with Fiesta Charro Beans, too.
Coconut Curry Chicken: Savor the Flavors of the Islands
One of the joys of warm weather destinations is the rich, bold flavors of their cuisine. Coconut curries, popular in regions like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, are a great way to enjoy the depth of tropical flavors.
Try This:
Store-bought curry paste and Tastefully Simple’s clean-ingredient seasonings, Spinach & Herb Seasoning and Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning, pair beautifully in this warm and comforting meal. Serve with rice and peas or a refreshing cucumber salad for the perfect tropical meal.
Margaritas and Daiquiris: Get-Away in a Glass
Even when the temperature drops, who doesn’t love a refreshing cocktail? Margaritas are the vacation drink of choice. They are even easier to mix up with our pitcher-perfect Classic Margarita Mix.
And let’s not forget about the daiquiri. This one is super simple to mix up in the handy bucket. Just freeze, scoop and sip; sip away. You’ll definitely want to unpack this Strawberry Daiquiri Frozen Drink Mix.
Try This:
Up for an even bigger flavor adventure? Treat your tastebuds to a Spicy Margarita on the Rocks.
Coconut Pineapple Bread: A Sweet Beginning
Start your day with this simple breakfast bread. You’ll add crushed pineapple and coconut flakes to our best-selling Bountiful Beer Bread Mix®. This taste treat will transport you with its island vibes.
Taste of the Tropics Meal Kit
Looking for a bigger Taste of the Tropics? We invite you to explore this new meal kit that provides you with the products and recipes you need to make five island-inspired dinners. You’ll cook up Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowls, Teriyaki Pork Tacos, Hawaiian Bourbon Burgers and more!
Give yourself the gift of sunshine – through your plate. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail, savoring tacos, or enjoying a slice of fresh-baked pineapple bread, these foods will make you feel like you’ve been swept away to a warm, sunny beach. Even if you’re snowed in, you’ll find that a little taste of tropical paradise is all it takes to chase the winter blues away. Warm weather is always within reach – sometimes, all it takes is a fork and a little imagination. 🌴🌺