Serious Eats’ senior culinary editor, Leah, has curated a collection of 14 cozy winter recipes, drawing from nearly a decade of experience at America’s Test Kitchen and a diverse culinary background. The list includes staples like Classic Chicken Soup and French Onion Soup, alongside 13 other dishes designed for cold-weather comfort.

Leah’s Extensive Culinary Background

Leah brings a unique blend of high-end and grassroots cooking experience to the table. She’s worked in 5-star and Michelin-starred restaurants like The Herbfarm and Aubergine, refining her skills in fine dining. However, she also acknowledges the importance of simpler culinary roots, having spent time flipping burgers and baking in a family-owned German bakery.

Recipe Development and Editorial Expertise

Before joining Serious Eats, Leah developed recipes for over 20 cookbooks, covering a wide range of cuisines from bread baking to plant-based eating. She also served as a recipe developer and editor for America’s Test Kitchen, contributing to Cooks Illustrated and Cooks Country magazines, as well as their digital platform.

This combination of experience ensures the Serious Eats winter recipes are both technically sound and accessible to home cooks. The selection focuses on dishes that are not just delicious but also reliable and easy to replicate.

Leah’s diverse background demonstrates a commitment to high-quality cooking, regardless of the setting. Her ability to apply fine-dining precision to everyday comfort food makes these recipes particularly valuable for readers seeking both flavor and consistency.