"What's in Season?" Fall Edition!
Happy fall!
Crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and cooler temperatures are just some of the things to look forward to with this new season. Or if you’re like me and you live in a warmer region, it may be a little delayed. But that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying some delicious recipes made from the produce that’s coming into season! In this edition of my “What’s in Season?” series I include some of my absolute favorite recipes as we settle into our cool cozy months.
What does it mean to eat “seasonally”?
It means you’re buying and consuming fresh food that is essentially in it’s prime. Plus, it's a simple way to save money on produce, buying what's in season when specific fruits and vegetables are most bountiful. Bonus: Fruits and vegetables bought in season taste better, and are harvested closer to the peak of freshness.
Seasonal choices for autumn season
FALL PRODUCE
-Apples
-Bananas
-Beets
-Bell Peppers
-Broccoli
-Brussels Sprouts
-Cabbage
-Carrots
-Cauliflower
-Cranberries
-Kale
-Potatoes
-Pumpkin
-Raspberries
-Sweet potatoes and Yams
...and so many MORE! Keep reading for five of my favorite fall recipes.
Easy Apple Crumble
Serving: 1 dessert/person
What you’ll need: 2 crisp apples, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), brown sugar, cornstarch, granola
Homemade apple crumble dessert!
Instructions:
-Wash and peel apples, then chop into small pieces
-Add 1 tsp. of spices and 1 TBS. of brown sugar to apples, mix
-Add 1 TBS. of corn starch, mix
-Place mixture in oven-friendly dish (ceramic is best)
-Drizzle w/ water for light coating
-Bake on 400 degrees, until apples soften
-Take dish out of oven, top with granola
-Cover apples with granola, place in oven for 2 minutes
-Let cool and enjoy!
Crockpot Cauliflower Curry Soup
Serving: 3-4 people
What you’ll need: broth, cauliflower rice, carrots, kale, milk (dairy or non-dairy), onion, seasonings (curry, cumin, garlic, paprika, salt/pepper, red pepper flakes)
Crockpot Cauliflower Curry Soup
Instructions:
-Season cauliflower w/ curry, cumin, & paprika
-Sautee onion w/ garlic in pot
-Pour in broth (4 cups), and 1 cup of milk
-Add veggies—kale, carrots, and + cauliflower rice
-Top w/ red pepper chili flakes
-Stir & let simmer…for crockpot; low heat, 6 hours.
Pumpkin Sage Pasta
Serving: 3-4 people
Pumpkin Sage Pasta
What you’ll need: 1 box of pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, sage, red pepper flakes, milk (dairy or non-dairy), pumpkin puree, salt/pepper, nutmeg
Instructions:
-Heat 1 TBS. of oil in a pot over medium heat
-Add 1/2 diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. dried sage and cook until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
-Add 1 1/2 cup of milk, 15 oz. pumpkin puree, 1 tsp. salt + pepper, and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg.
-Stir until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. Heat through.
-Add the cooked pasta and stir.
-Serve warm, enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Serving: 3-4 people
What you’ll need: flour, milk (dairy or non-dairy), lemon juice, pumpkin puree, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup or agave, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, spices (pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon)
Instructions:
-Preheat pan/griddle to medium heat
-Combine 1 cup of milk and 1 TBS. lemon juice in a large bowl and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken,
-Add 1 TBS. melted butter, 1 TBS. maple syrup, 1/3 cup pumpkin, 3 TBS. brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
-Add 1 cup of flour, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. baking powder, pinch of salt and 1 tsp. of spices over the wet ingredients. If the batter appears too thin, add a bit more flour. If too thick, add a splash of milk. Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
-Butter or spray your griddle with cooking spray and pour 1/4 cup measurements of the batter onto the griddle.
-Flip when bubbles appear in the middle and the edges turn slightly dry. Cook for 1-3 minutes more on the other side, then plate.
-Top with butter + maple syrup and a dash more pumpkin pie spice, or whatever else you desire
*Bonus: Freeze your leftover pancakes! They can easily be reheated and eaten for a quick and easy pre-made breakfast.
Sweet Potato Crockpot Chili
Serving: 3-4 people
Sweet Potato Crockpot Chili
What you’ll need: broth, ground meat, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, seasonings (chili powder, pepper, oregano)
Instructions: A true ‘dump dinner’ meal, throw the ingredients in a crockpot and let cook and enjoy!
-Cook 2 lb. meat of your choice
-Add meat to crockpot
-Pour in 3 cups broth (any kind is fine; veggie, beef, chicken, etc.)
-Add 1 can petite diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
-Add 1 chopped onion
-Add 1 clove minced garlic
-Dice two large sweet potatoes, add to pot
-Season with 3-4 TBS. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/4 tsp. oregano
-For best results, let simmer overnight on low for 6-8 hours. Enjoy!!