fall foods

After I wrote last week about loving the October weather... the temperatures fell below average and I broke out my winter coat. I'm so lucky I get to travel to California for work frequently (it will make this winter much more bearable for me!).

It is obligatory to start eating more comfort foods as the temperatures drop. I'm excited that soup is now appropriate for dinner and squash is practically free at the farmer's market. I have so many recipes for these things that have to be put on hold during the spring and summer. Caramel apples have also been abundant in my diet. Thank you, Whole Foods, for the build your own caramel apple bar.

Below are some great fall meals that are relatively healthy and very comforting. The crockpot chili is the easiest thing here, but these are all worth the effort!

Vegan Shepherd's Pie - I love shepherd's pie mainly because of the mashed potato topping. This is a great vegan version. The parsnip/potato topping is great, but we've also made it with sweet potatoes and purple potatoes.

The Best Stuffed Acorn Squash - If you are thinking about making stuffed acorn squash this is definitely the recipe to use. We normally use quinoa instead of wheat berries.

Chili and Cornbread - Aaron is the cornbread lover, I like the chili, this recipe has both!

Sweet potato and peanut stew - There are so many great ways to eat sweet potatoes, this is just one example with peanut butter and kale.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese - I rarely buy cheese at the grocery store anymore (it is expensive and despite what those dairy commercials say it is not exactly a health food), but if you are in the mood for a really creamy, fall themed macaroni and cheese you should try this.

Fall

Aaron is at work (on a Sunday!) and the baby dog is napping in the kitchen, so I finally have a little alone time to drink tea and catch up on food blogs. Which reminded me of my blog! We have been out of sorts the last few weeks- I've been in California for work and Aaron has been really sick (bronchitis, ear infections, and a sinus infection all at once). On top of that we had a trip to Michigan for Aaron's friends wedding. The weather has been beautiful. It makes me wish it was always October! 

Enjoy some pictures of what we have been up to. They mostly involve playing with our puppy!

 

 

Breakfast at the Crow's Nest in Kalamazoo.

 

Pumpkin and apple picking and caramel apples- my favorite.

 

A cortado from Victory Coffee and our favorite pizza: caramelized onions, gorgonzola, and pears.

He had a floppy ear for one week and it was precious.