Cozy Winter Movie Night: A Guide to the Perfect Stay-In Experience

Winter Break Movie Night

Is there anything better than a cozy winter night in, cooking an aromatic winter dinner, and following it up with your favorite movie, snacks, and sips? I’ll wait while you try to convince me otherwise! One thing I love about winter is the chance to slow down, cook at home, and fully embrace hibernation mode.

This month, I’m excited to share my favorite simple winter dinner recipes along with my go-to snacks, treats, and sips, inspired by Free Living CO. Let’s make your winter nights even cozier!

Dinner Recipes-fix

When I think of winter dinners, one thing comes to mind: warm, hearty dishes. Here are two options to get you started:

Option 1: Chili with Veggies

A classic, comforting winter favorite that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Option 2: Roasted Garlic Lamb paired with Roasted Carrots & Brussels Sprouts with Tahini Sauce

Roasted Carrots, Brussel Sprouts and Tahini Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 lemons
• 1 pound large carrots, tops removed, scrubbed, and peeled
• 1.5 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• ½ tbsp sea salt
• ½ tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup tahini
• 1–3 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss carrots and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
4. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, and maple syrup/honey to create a creamy sauce.
5. Drizzle tahini sauce over the roasted veggies and serve with your choice of roast chicken or lamb for a complete meal.

Roast Lamb

Ingredients:

• 4 lb. leg of lamb
• 5–7 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 whole cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• Sea salt
• Ground black pepper
• 10 rosemary stems (6 pierced into the lamb, 2 chopped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic, 2 tbsp of chopped rosemary, and olive oil.
3. Rub the garlic-rosemary-oil mixture all over the lamb.
4. Zest the lemon over the lamb, then squeeze the lemon juice on top.
5. Pierce the lamb with a knife in several places and insert the 6 whole peeled garlic cloves and 6 rosemary stems into the slits.
6. Season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper.
7. Roast the lamb at 375°F for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness.
8. Let the lamb rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.Enjoy! 

After a delicious dinner, it’s time for the best part: movie snacks and sips! Here are my favorites:

Movie Time: Snacks & Sips

Sips

• Kin Euphorics Non-Alcoholic Functional Beverage: A refreshing, cool post-dinner drink loaded with adaptogens to calm your nervous system and botanical flavors to delight your taste buds—no hangover included!
• Superfood Hot Chocolate by Just Ingredients: A guilt-free, low-sugar hot chocolate loaded with functional mushrooms like lion’s mane and turmeric for inflammation support and an immune boost. Just mix with your favorite milk!
• Chill Mama Tea: Packed with lemon balm, chamomile, and peppermint to calm your nervous system and soothe your digestion. Perfect for winding down.
• Pro Tip: Prefer loose leaf tea? Check out the best stainless steel tea strainers for an easy brewing experience.

Snacks

• Popcorn with Just Ingredients Popcorn Seasoning: You can’t have a movie night without popcorn! Use a silicone, reusable popcorn popper for an easy, DIY option. Sprinkle with Just Ingredients’ Popcorn Salt for a buttery, cheesy flavor or try their garlic butter option—all without the gunk!
• Aloha Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars: A sweet treat that’s low in sugar and high in protein, packed with nuts, seeds, and chocolate to satisfy your cravings.
• Hu Dark Chocolate Bars: My absolute favorite! These rich, delicious chocolates come with 10 grams or less of added sugar and even have filled options like hazelnut butter. The quality and flavor are unmatched.

Final Touch Bonus: Ambiance

Set the mood with a cozy vibe. Light a non-toxic candle like the “Tis the Season” candle, blending lavender, citrus, and other warm notes. Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, sink into your cozy zone, and let the winter magic unfold.

Enjoy your winter break movie night:

I think you can tell I REALLY love cozy winter movie nights. Once you’re all settled in with your dinner, sips, snacks, and the warm sniffs of winter in the air, it’s time to press play and enjoy the movie. Cheers to a relaxing and delicious winter break!

Author Bio 

Elizabeth Arensberg is a gut health dietitian and owner of E. Arensberg Nutrition LLC. She helps individuals with digestive issues repair their gut so they can feel more energized, maintain healthy bowel movements, and experience less stress around food. Find her over on instagram @gratefulgut_nutirtion.