Who’s excited for Autumn and just about everything that comes with it? I know we’re getting ahead of ourselves because its still 85 degrees out, but we just can’t contain our happiness. In preparation for our favorite time of year (sorry Summer fans) we have compiled a little something of our fall faves. Here are all the must tastes and sniffs to warm the home and your bellies this amazing season.
Pumpkin Everything. The best part of the season is PUMPKIN. Sorry, not sorry to the pumpkin haters. To fully appreciate this Fall feature is to become as basic as possible and get a Pumpkin Spice Latte (#PSL). That is your first mission. Once accomplished you must make or eat pumpkin bread. Then to complete your experience you will partake in the consumption of pumpkin pie, while simultaneously, one of your middle-aged relatives burns a pumpkin scented candle or Scentsy. Side note: check out pumpkin flavored cream cheese. Bagels will cry with gratitude. You have not lived until these are done. That is all.
Apple Cider. There is nothing more satisfying than having a hot cup of Apple Cider when it’s chilly out and you are sitting on your favorite porch chair. The great thing about it is that it is so easy to make and most of the time the ingredients are in your kitchen already. Take a crock pot, plug it in and put it on low, then put in apple juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon if you have no sticks), nutmeg, and allspice. Add sliced oranges and apples for a fancy flair. This will make the home smell like a heavenly haven. If you’re feeling feisty you can slip a little bourbon in, but you didn’t hear it from me. Slow wink.
Maple Pecan. Maybe pumpkin isn’t your jam, but who can resist Maple Pecan? That scent in the morning means one thing and one thing only. Pancakes. Not only does maple pair perfectly with pancakes but it’s also this season’s go-to for donuts, oatmeal, bacon, candy and dressings. It’s like a little black dress, it is appropriate for every occasion. Here is a little dish that I’ve been dreaming about since starting this post:
MAPLE PECAN BAKED BRIE
INGREDIENTS
- 1 round (8 ounce) brie
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place brie in a small baking dish or pie plate and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Meanwhile add sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture just begins to boil.
- Immediately remove from heat and stir in pecans.
- Pour mixture over brie and serve warm.
Savory Soups and Stews. Not going to lie: soups, stews and chili are my absolute weakness. Don’t tell anyone. I could be lured away easily with a promise of this savory concoction. They are not only scrumptious; they are the easiest dinner to make. Take any vegetables and ground or squared meat in the pantry, add spices then bang, you have an amazing dinner for the entire family. Then it becomes lunch and breakfast too after making such a large batch. A healthier version of traditional chili, but just as good:
Turkey Chili
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow (or orange) bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 (28-oz.) can chopped tomatoes
- 2 cans (15-oz. each) kidney beans, rinsed, drained
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- Crushed red peppers (to taste; optional)
- 12 Italian parsley sprigs, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is soft.
3. Add turkey; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until turkey is browned
4. Add tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, and red peppers; cook, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Divide chili into 6 serving bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
Have we whetted your appetite for Autumn yet? Go indulge those senses.
