Winter with Luka McCabe: Rituals, Recipes & Family Traditions
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Time to read 3 min
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Time to read 3 min
As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter, there’s something inherently comforting about slowing down and returning to the winter rituals that nourish us, body and soul.
This month, we caught up with Luka McCabe, mama of three, midwife, nutrition consultant, and the heart behind Boob to Food. Known for her gentle, intuitive approach to nourishing little ones (and ourselves), Luka shares how her family embraces the winter months, her favourite Easter traditions, and a go-to winter recipe that’s equal parts simple and soul-warming.
I always feel a shift in our pace as we move from summer to winter. We start spending more time at home, cooking slower meals, layering up in cosy knits, and lighting the fire in the evenings.
Easter is one of my favourite times of year. We usually go camping with a group of friends, something we’ve been doing for years now. It’s simple, slow, and special. The kids run wild, we share meals and it’s the perfect way to soak up the last of the warmer weather before the cooler winter months settle in. Of course, there’s always chocolate involved, but we try to keep the focus on connection and fun.
There’s something really grounding about winter cooking. I love that it naturally slows you down, whether it’s a bubbling soup on the stove or a tray of roasted vegetables filling the house with warmth. It feels like comfort in a bowl and always brings everyone to the table.
Our slow-cooked pulled pork (from Toddler to Table) is on repeat in our house. It’s nourishing, full of flavour, and makes enough to stretch over a couple of meals, perfect for those busy family nights. We’ll serve it with tacos, over mash, or on top of pizzas. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Boob to Food was born from my own experience of starting solids with my first baby and realising just how much conflicting information was out there. I wanted to create a space where parents could find evidence-based, practical, and gentle support to nourish their babies with confidence. Over time, the vision has expanded, we now support families through the toddler years and beyond, offering expert-led education, books, recipes, and personalised care through our online clinic.
During winter, I lean into root veggies like sweet potato, pumpkin and parsnip, as they’re naturally sweet, easy to digest, and perfect for babies and toddlers. I also love adding warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric and ginger, not only for flavour, but for their immune-boosting benefits.
I'm also a sucker for slow cooked pieces of meat, those pieces rich in collagen that just melt in your mouth after a day in the oven.
Across winter, batch cooking is a game-changer. I’ll often double a recipe so I can freeze some for another night. Think slow-cooked meats, soups, stews or veggie-loaded sauces. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a warm, nourishing mash, especially when paired with a protein and some greens. Simple is more than enough.
I’m leaning into more creativity, both personally and within the business. I’ve been picking up my camera more and finding joy in capturing those slow, in-between moments of family life. Creatively, it’s really filling my cup.
This winter, I’m leaning into growing Boob to Food in a more intentional way. We’re refining the way we show up, whether that’s through our podcast, clinic, or online resources, to ensure everything we create truly supports and empowers parents. I’m also working on a few exciting new offerings behind the scenes that I can’t wait to share soon. It feels like a season of alignment and thoughtful expansion.
Instagram: @lukamccabe & @boobtofood
Website: boobtofood.com
