The Winter Wonder Reset

Time to turn fresh eyes on old favorites

Hopefully some of you are in on the joke now.

If not, you can click that link.

Unlike my fall reset — which includes moderate consumerism — winter involves looking at what I already have in my stores and turning it to new purposes. It’s one of my favorite times of year because, much like Cher Horowitz, I enjoy a good makeover and a fresh take on an old favorite.

This winter, I hope you will also be inspired to turn fresh eyes on old favorites, bringing a sense of wonder to what’s become commonplace. Like the black sesame buttercream frosting, below — who’d have thought to add tahini to buttercream?!

In the months ahead, I’m excited to work on my forthcoming Winter Syllabus, design new flashcards for my Winter Menu, and set out on the journey toward my 2026 goals.

Goodbye to fall colors and hello to glistening blues and earthy browns.

The wardrobe changeover is simple; the lightweight cardigans replaced by chunky sweaters and statement scarves.

I tuck pumpkin spice candles away for next year and move to their cousins; baked cookies, warm cardamom, and turmeric.

I look out the window frequently, checking for the first flake of snow. The weather is unpredictable, but my annual trackers never lie; January and February mean snow will be here soon.

Sometimes I spot a cardinal, bright red against the slumbering branches. I always say “Hello, Cardinal,” as if that is the given name of every one.

I prepare my freezer and my pantry, in case the roads ice over.

I look at the new year — different than the last, but also the same.

Wonder awaits.

a cardinal I spotted out my window

Everyone’s Substack is full of 2026 predictions.

But I don’t like to mess with fate. So, instead of predictions, here are some things I’m personally liking for this winter — everyday things with some small twists.

1. Hip Stability

   This should be on the “evergreen” list! But cold weather is a great time for focusing on simple indoor exercises that service hip stability, like marching in place; the perfect 5-minute, prop-less workout while I wait for my water to boil.¹

2. Warm Olives

   Spanish tapas is another thing that should be on the evergreen list! I love adding olive oil and some fresh or dried herbs to my jarred olives. Then they go into the toaster or oven for a quick glow up.

3. Hidden Vegetables

   There’s something about the cold weather that completely puts me off salads. Soups and stews are definitely on the menu, but hidden veggies — like the ones that vanish into tasty sauces — are making a big play for me this season.

4. Contrast Collars

   Barn Jackets are in, but they look like shapeless bags on me. So I’m leaning into their corduroy contrast collars on structured blazers that serve as outerwear.

Hourglass Basketweave Blazer from Avec Les Filles vs. Barn Jacket from GAP

5. Orange & Rosemary

   I’m working on a zero-sugar mocktail to highlight these refreshing flavors. This is also another great flavor combination for warm olives!

6. Winter Landscapes

   Those scenes I mentioned in my editors note will be all over the art I collect for inspiration! Here are a few that I’ve already filed away.

   

   Glistening Winter Landscapes

   These are from Christopher Robin | Shannon Chiba | The Midnight Doodler

7. Soft Art

   I doubt I’ll make any myself, but I’m absolutely loving this idea, so I may invest in having one made….

   

   Woven Eriskay Pony and crocheted version of my friend Stacey Rosen’s painting

These are from Imogen | Cierra Van Nes

Do you ever read a recipe and just know you are going to love it?

I had it happen with a recipe for black sesame frosting. I saw the recipe just before Thanksgiving and I knew I was going to love it. I obsessed over it for weeks, tasting it in my mind while I waited for Amazon to deliver my organic black tahini.²

At long last, my tahini arrived, and this frosting did not disappoint! My spice cake isn’t quite ready to make its match, so I’ll be back to my test kitchen before I share that recipe, but below it my zero-sugar version of the linked frosting recipe.

Black sesame frosting on spice cupcakes

Black Sesame Buttercream Frosting (Zero-Sugar Version)

• 1/2 cup of Kerrygold butter, softened

• 1/8 cup of organic black sesame paste

• 1tsp vanilla extract

• 2tbsp unsweetened almond milk

• 1/2 cup of confectioners Swerve³

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric whisk attachment until light and fluffy. If piping, consider chilling lightly before applying to cake.

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1. I refuse to microwave water. I swear it tastes better boiled in a kettle.

2. This, like my chickpea miso over the summer, took a while. Specialty items that meet the bizarre Venn-diagram of my family’s diet require some patience.

3. You need much less sweetener for natural sugar replacements.