As winter’s blanket settles across Maine, the state takes on a familiar hush—the lakes freeze, the snow blankets our fields, and we swap our iced coffees for something a little warmer. But let’s be honest: “Cozy” in a Maine winter isn’t just about fuzzy blankets and steaming mugs (though those certainly help). For many of us, it’s about embracing the season’s challenges and finding joy in unlikely places, whether watching fresh greens grow under frost covers or sinking into a fireside seat after a morning on the slopes.
An enjoyable activity that takes advantage of the season can bring comfort. For me, that activity is grabbing first chair on a midweek morning at Sunday River, flying down Ecstasy, then cutting into Sunday Punch (before the lift, of course). After doing that six or so times, hopefully not seeing another person on the trail, the coziest part is ducking into Barker Bar to say hello to bartenders Kristy and Kurt. After a laugh, I take my deliciously spicy Bloody Mary and sit in front of the fireplace to warm up. It’s a moment that feels like pure Maine—a mix of exhilaration, resilience, and, yes, a bit of coziness by the fire.
In this issue, we’re diving into the many ways Mainers seek comfort, warmth, and resilience during the long winter months. Our writers explore stories of farmers who brave the cold to bring us winter greens, entrepreneurs who launch new ventures with grit and optimism, and craftspeople who turn seasonal scarcity into inspiration. These stories remind me that just as winter in Maine brings its share of challenges, it also fosters a sense of community and creativity that’s uniquely ours.
On a personal note, this winter marks my first as both publisher and editor-in-chief of edible MAINE—a role I’ve stepped into with a newfound sense of comfort and confidence. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside wonderful mentors, each offering lessons on what makes edible MAINE the voice of our food community. As I bring my own vision to these pages, I feel ready to embrace the season’s spirit of resilience and creativity, just as our local growers, makers, and dreamers do.
Maine winters are all about resourcefulness. They teach us to preserve summer’s harvest, to cherish what’s in season, and to appreciate the flavor of a first June strawberry after months of waiting. It is a cycle we cannot avoid without repercussion. This cycle shapes not only our food culture but our whole outlook on life up here. In a way, the scarcity of winter sharpens our appreciation for the simple pleasures—like a hot bowl of seafood stew or a cup of tea steeped overnight by the fire. These things are more than sustenance; they’re reminders of the warmth we can create, even when the world outside is frozen solid.
So, as we hunker down for another Maine winter, I invite you to lean into the season with us. Let’s celebrate the comfort found in each season’s unique beauty, the ingenuity of our local food producers, and the taste of a life lived with the rhythms of nature. Cozy up with this issue of edible MAINE, and let’s savor all the ways we can make winter a little brighter, a little warmer, and just a bit more delicious.
Here’s to finding your cozy comforts this winter season,
Christopher Ellis-Jacobs, Editor-in-Chief
