A Pot of Beans

The ultimate cold-weather food? A big pot of beans bubbling on the stove. Add a loaf of crusty bread and a bowl of mixed greens and you've got a meal comforting enough to brighten even the dreariest of winter days. 

White Bean and Sausage Stew 

This simple and satisfying stew couldn't be easier to make. For an extra hit of flavor, throw a diced Parmesan rind in with the kale. 

Salumi-Braised Beans 

A crowd-pleasing, hearty dish made with four types of cured meat. 

Black Bean and Squash Soup 

Kabocha squash and jalapeño provide a touch of both sweetness and spice to this vegetarian soup from cookbook author Anna Thomas. 

Stewed Big Bean Cassoulet 

Lobster stock adds depth to this inventive version of the classic French dish.

About the author: Anya Hoffman is a freelance writer and contributing editor at the James Beard Foundation. Find her on Twitter.