After our week in balmy Baja (more on that soon), I expected to return home to full-on winter. To my delight, those warm, golden hues still fill the neighborhood, the temperature is chilly but tolerable, and autumn is still here! The change in seasons brings a shift in the way we eat, doesn’t it? Even if the weather is still warm in some parts of the country, we crave comfort food and cozy soups, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin and apple and squash. If you’re ready to dive into the flavors of fall, I’ve got you covered. Here are 14 fabulous recipes that celebrate the season…before it’s gone!
Baked Granola, Four Ways
It’s SO easy to make your own granola. You can customize each batch based on what you’re in the mood for, and your kitchen will smell like a heavenly oatmeal cookie. Try one of these versions: Cinnamon Pecan, Nutty Coconut, Maple Pumpkin, or Seeds and Nuts.
How many ways can one use pumpkin this time of year? There are endless possibilities! These muffins pair the classic pumpkin flavor with another seasonal favorite: MAPLE. I sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking for a sweet crunch. (Psst: There are toffee bits inside, too!)
This recipe uses the trusty crockpot to make homemade applesauce, but store-bought is fine, too! You can make this bread as a loaf, or cute muffins like I did. It’s not overly sweet, which is a welcome change during the candy season. I like to drizzle the top with an applesauce glaze and crunchy walnuts.
Butternut Squash and Apple Frittata with Bacon and Cheddar
Frittatas are a go-to for entertaining a hungry crowd for brunch, and we also love them as a hearty dinner in our household! This version includes chunks of apple and butternut squash with plenty of thyme and cheddar cheese. Oh, and BACON.
Crostini with Caramelized Onion, Cheddar, and Prosciuto-wrapped Apples
If you’re hosting an autumn get-together, these crostini are a must! They’ll be a crowd favorite. Whiskey caramelized onions, cheddar, prosciutto, apple…need I say more?
Harvest Couscous Salad with Spicy Maple Vinaigrette
Buttery, warm couscous matched with sweet potato chunks, slices of fennel, fresh kale, crunchy walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola cheese. Simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for a holiday table! This side dish is full of texture and flavor, and don’t forget the spicy vinaigrette.
Autumn Cobb Salad with Honey Cayenne Dressing
Even during comfort food season, I crave fresh and light meals often. This twist on a Cobb salad includes fabulous fall flavors: crunchy apple, sweet dried cranberries, and roasted sweet potato.
Cayenne Parmesan Baked Zucchini Fries
Zucchinis are abundant this time of year! These slightly spicy, crispy, baked “fries” are a healthy alternative to French fries and make a tasty side dish, or you could serve them as a snack on Sundays for the game!
I’ve made this incredible soup using our homegrown harvest and also store-bought tomatoes- it can’t be beat, either way. I love the subtle flavor the fennel brings. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping…or better yet, a grilled cheese sandwich. Perfection.
Hearty Beef Stew with Butternut Squash
Comfort food at its finest! Hearty beef stew with butternut squash chunks instead of the traditional potato. Ideal for those first frosty nights in slippers!
The dish that sparked my love for cooking! This is an updated version of the very first recipe I tackled on my own over 20 years ago. It’s a healthy twist on a comforting casserole, chock-full of veggies and crunch!
Chorizo, Cranberry, and Kale Pasta
This is a copy-cat from a wonderful anniversary meal we had in Seattle. The chorizo brings an unexpected spice that’s delightfully countered by tart cranberries and wilted kale. Delish!
Carrot Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake is always so wonderfully spiced with tons of texture. These cupcakes are topped with a dollop of cinnamon frosting and would be perfect for a Halloween party!
Exactly what they sound like: all of the flavors of a tasty Caramel Apple in a soft oatmeal cookie. I love seeing the melted caramel and big apple chunks! YUM.
I’ve mentioned before that part of the reason I think I love autumn so much is because it feels so fleeting. Some years, we seem to go straight from summer to winter! Within weeks, the snow will begin to fall here in Park City. The joyous holiday season will be upon us, bringing its own batch of seasonal flavors- eggnog, peppermint, cranberry, ginger. But we’re not there yet. Let’s savor the last weeks of fall and all of the good eats that go along with it!
Hungry for more? Check out the collection of recipes on the FOOD BLISS page.
One year ago: Homemade Rosemary Bread.
the usual bliss 