food for a frosty night

In the depths of winter Annabel heads high into the stunning snow-capped Southern Alps to try her hand at dog sledding and cook up a warming Chicken Noodle Soup to share with her skiing companions.

Back at her cabin by the lake in Wanaka, she gives the French classic coq au vin her own clever twist by topping it with a peppered rosemary crumb and serving it with pesto-infused mashed potato. Her Pineapple Upside-Down Puddings and sticky caramel sauce are the perfect finish to a cosy winter dinner by the fire.

On this page you'll find recipes and bonus videos from this episode. All the rest of the recipes from the series are in the accompanying book, Annabel Langbein: The Free Range Cook - Through the Seasons, Sorry – this book is out of print

behind-the-scenes photo gallery

My Ultimate Banana Cake is perfect for a picnic in the snow.

My Ultimate Banana Cake is perfect for a picnic in the snow.
The crew getting set up in the snow – a major logistical challenge!

The crew getting set up in the snow – a major logistical challenge!
Getting to know the sled dogs – so gentle and friendly.

Getting to know the sled dogs – so gentle and friendly.
They're competitive out on the trail, but when the dogs hunker down in the snow the team mentality comes to the fore and they snuggle together for warmth.

They're competitive out on the trail, but when the dogs hunker down in the snow the team mentality comes to the fore and they snuggle together for warmth.
I can't tell you how cold it was working up in the snow. We kept popping into the hut to warm up.

I can't tell you how cold it was working up in the snow. We kept popping into the hut to warm up.
The great outdoors inspires a sense of community and camaraderie – everyone united in a spirit of friendship and care for the majestic environment.

The great outdoors inspires a sense of community and camaraderie – everyone united in a spirit of friendship and care for the majestic environment.
A blazing fire, a heartwarming meal, good company and good conversation... I can't think of a better formula for happiness.

A blazing fire, a heartwarming meal, good company and good conversation... I can't think of a better formula for happiness.
As old as time, fire has the power to warm the soul. And a little tip: the harder the wood, the hotter the flame.

As old as time, fire has the power to warm the soul. And a little tip: the harder the wood, the hotter the flame.
Winter's bareness has its own rewards.

Winter's bareness has its own rewards.

find out more

Want to find out more about this episode? Check out my blog inspired by my experiences while filming the show.
Find out more about Season One of The Free Range Cook
Find out more about Season Two of The Free Range Cook: Simple Pleasures

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