When winter rolls in, it’s normal to find yourself yearning for cozy comfort food, particularly if your home is a freezing cottage like mine first thing in the morning.

There are plenty of raw recipe ideas that can give you a good start to the day.

While it might sound counterintuitive to eat raw in winter, raw recipes serve as great breakfast options giving you vitamins and minerals to keep you super charged. Starting your day with a nutrient-packed breakfast gives you the much-needed energy punch to help face the winter chills.

Here are a few simple raw recipes to make your wintry starts not just comforting but also incredibly healthy to keep you on the raw track.  These meals will not just warm your hearts on the frosty winter mornings but will also keep you feeling full and fuelled for the day– a win-win situation in the nippy winters!

For recipe ideas 1-3, I suggest you warm your bowl first by pouring hot water into the bowl and letting it sit for a moment to warm before discarding the water (you can pour it back into the kettle or use it to wash up).  Or you can put your micro-wave safe crockery into the microwave for a few seconds to warm). Holding onto a warm bowl is so much more pleasant and gives the impression of a warm breakfast.

1. Raw oatmeal with apple and berries

For a quick and hearty breakfast, raw oatmeal is a solid choice. Soak porridge oats in almond milk or another non-dairy milk overnight. The soaking will help to soften them. In the morning, pour your soaked oats into a saucepan with a splash more plant milk, add some grated apple and a handful of berries for natural sweetness. Warm through until it’s not hot but warm to the touch. Pour into a warmed bowl. Lastly, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts nuts on top for an extra crunch and nutrient boost.

2. Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a meal-prep champion. For this dish, add chia seeds (around 3 tablespoons) to a cup (250ml) of almond milk and let them soak overnight. The chia seeds will expand, becoming gel-like and thick, essentially forming a pudding. In the morning, sweeten your pudding with a touch of raw honey or maple syrup and top it with fresh berries or sliced almond for texture. Pour it into a warmed bowl.

3. Winter Fruit Salad with Vanilla Cashew Cream

Soak dried fruits such as prunes, figs and cranberries in orange juice or apple juice overnight. Add just enough juice to cover since the fruits will absorb the juice. Sprinkle in some cinnamon and add a dash of cinnamon. Serve with a dollop of coconut yoghurt or vanilla cashew cream. Delicious.

4. Grab and Go Chocolate Hazelnut Bites

Grab and go bites are a cinch to prepare and perfect for those mornings when you're in a hurry. They are a blend of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Try a combination of 100g pitted dates, 200g almonds, and a tablespoon or two of raw cacao powder -- just pulse everything together in a food processor, roll into balls, and let set in the refrigerator overnight.

5. Raw Almond Butter with Apple Slices

An apple with raw almond butter promises a crispy, creamy contrast that’s delicious and satisfying. Almond butter is a rich source of protein that keeps you full, while apples provide a sweet, tangy crunch that's refreshing in the mornings. You can also sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on top for added warmth.