Cozy Cold Weather Meals and Snacks Using Prunes

That low-key bag of California Prunes in the pantry is often underestimated as an addition to cold weather meals and snacks. Late fall and winter are perfect times to start bringing them out and showing them off — because prunes’ sweet, deep flavor and luxurious texture complement many of the season’s cozy flavors and cooking techniques.

Need another reason to grab a few prunes from the pantry more often? This premium dried fruit is highly nutritious, and nutrition scientists are always learning more about the benefit prunes can provide for healthy digestion; how they can help maintain healthy, strong bones as we get older; how their polyphenols and other nutrients can play an important role in heart health; and more.

Whether whole, sliced, diced or pureed, California Prunes offer a rich, sweet flavor, depth and luxurious texture to many of the comforting winter foods we love to enjoy.

The Ultimate Cheese Board with California Prunes|Ultimate Cheeseboard Pinterest

Light and bright

Try pairing prunes on a snack board, winter fruit salad or green salad with:

  • Tangy fruits, such as apples, pears, pomegranate seeds and citrus
  • Toasted nuts, especially pecans, walnuts, almonds and pine nuts
Roasted Fall Veggie Sheet Pan

Rooted in vegetables

Prunes add natural sweetness and notes of caramel that enhance or pleasantly contrast with the natural flavors of:

  • Roasted green vegetables like broccoli, green beans and sautéed greens
  • Sweet root vegetables like caramelized onions, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and other winter squash
Cutting board with a bowl of runes and wedges of blue cheese

Bold and cheesy

 Prunes’ sweetness is a natural match for:

  • Flavorful cheeses – especially goat cheese, aged Gouda, Manchego and blue cheese
  • Creamy, sour dairy like Greek yogurt and crème fraiche

Dinnertime staples

Adding prunes is an easy way to elevate standard mains and sides. Pair them with:

  • Meat and poultry – including beef, lamb, pork, bacon, chicken and duck
  • Hearty grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice and basmati rice

Divine desserts

Especially in French and Italian cuisine, prunes are classic friends with:

  • Chocolate, caramel, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, coffee, tea, brandy and cognac
  • Chocolate, caramel, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, coffee, tea, brandy and cognac

Have more idea for using prunes in cold weather meals? Share photos and recipes on social with the hashtag #californiaprunes and tag @caprunes.