A New England ski village and a charming historic inn known for its cooking are the perfect ingredients for a dreamy winter holiday.

Steven Truso, a native son of Stowe, Vermont, traveled the world to study food before eventually returning home to become the executive chef at the historic Green Mountain Inn. His creative comfort food—a mix of local ingredients, old favorites, and new flavors—brings in a steady crowd of both locals and visitors, especially during the holidays.

You can capture the taste of this getaway in your own home with original recipes from Chef Truso. His New England-inspired menu of festive, unfussy soups and appetizers will satisfy your family’s taste buds and your busSy schedule. Best of all, the make-ahead recipes are the perfect solution to the dilemma of what to serve at your next tree-trimming party, holiday open house, or Christmas Eve supper—or the next winter evening you find yourself snowed in at home.

STOWE AWAY FOR A VISIT
Stay: At The Green Mountain Inn, 18 Main Street, Stowe, Vermont; greenmountaininn.com, 800/253-7302. Call or check the Web site for packages (such as The Green Mountain Inn Christmas Tree Package) and reservations.

Dine: The Whip Bar & Grill (lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch) or The Main Street Dining Room (breakfast buffet), both at The Green Mountain Inn. Visit Laughing Moon Chocolates at the inn, too.

Great outdoors: Umiak Outfitters offers snowshoes, sleds, backcountry skis, and guided tours, including a Gourmet Dinner Tour (802/253-2317). For downhill skiing, the inn offers winter packages, or contact Stowe Mountain Resort. Cut down a Christmas tree at Paine’s Christmas Tree Farm (802/888-5632) or go cross-country skiing at the Trapp Family Lodge. Also visit gostowe.com.