The leaves outside are changing to colors that almost seem too pretty to be able to witness. The greens, oranges, yellows, and reds cascade upon the trees, and you can’t help but stare for a little longer, or take a picture just so everyone else can witness the beauty too.
You step outside and you can feel that the air is beginning to change. It has crispness to it unlike that of summer. No longer can you get away with wearing your favorite shorts and tee. It may be time to pull out those fall vibe clothes. You know the ones I’m talking about; oversized sweaters, leggings, jeans, and boots.
The sun is beginning to go down earlier than before. Darkness is settling in perhaps, not in the way we want. The seasons are changing, and maybe your eating habits are changing as well. The perfect way to grapple with the changing weather is to have all your favorite fall comfort foods on deck ready available for just you, or you and your partner to enjoy.
Here are a couple of my favorite comfort foods:
1. Slow-Cooker Extra Cheesy Mac and Cheese
Oh, mac and cheese…the yummy pasta mixed with cheese and more dairy to make the perfect comfort food. Now you add extra cheese to the mix, and you have a masterpiece. No amount of cheese is too much for this dish. Not only is this recipe decadent, but it’s straightforward to make. Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and then let it do its thing. Your result will yield something pretty close to amazing.
2. Butternut Squash Soup
Right now, butternut squash is in its prime. Now is the perfect time to make it into a tasty soup. Or if you’re pressed for time, buy it already made. Butternut squash soup is the perfect fall food, as the flavors and spices help keep you warm, and not to mention taste great. A suggestion I have if you’re making your own is to add slow-cooked onions and feta cheese to it. This provides sweetness, and change in texture. As feta melts slowly, it tends to fall apart in your mouth. The dichotomy between the soup and the cheese is on point.
3. Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole
A dish usually served at Thanksgiving, this casserole doesn’t have to wait until then. It’s sweet and carb filled nature makes it a great dessert when you’re craving something like that. Sweet potatoes are high for fall because they’re so versatile. You can cut them up into wedges, fries, bake them whole, mash them up, etc. Not only that but they are also an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and phosphorus. So even if you are adding marshmallows, brown sugar and perhaps maple syrup, at the least, the actual base is healthy!
4. Pumpkin Rolls
There’s no more significant time to indulge in your pumpkin obsession as now. Of course, there’s the infamous seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks that’s always an indulgence. But if you’re not in the mood for a latte, you can still get your pumpkin fix through other things. A game changer for you might be trying a pumpkin roll. It’s almost like a cinnamon pumpkin bread swirled with icing in the center. Simply put, it’s incredible. It pairs well with a warm drink, like a fresh chai or coffee to dunk in.
5. Caramel Apples
A big favorite at any carnival, caramel, and candy apples are the perfect fall treat, as apples are in season. But alas, perhaps you (like myself) missed the opportunity to go to a fair or carnival this summer, but that doesn’t have to mean that you won’t be able to indulge your sweet tooth until next year. You can quickly make it at home, just be careful not to hurt your teeth!
You may be sad that summer has ended, but fall brings warm clothing, beautiful colors and comfort foods that are waiting for you.
