Header photo of apple pie from Justin Segelstrom
Today at 1:19 p.m., the fall equinox officially arrived. Fall signals a spiritual and cultural reminder of the cycles of life.
And one of those things that often takes on a whole new meaning is comfort food. What is it about the changing seasons that makes us want to hunker down and make a pot of stew, or bake cookies?
During this time of year, leaves change, harvests come in, and fields grow quiet. Everything takes on a new meaning. It triggers childhood memories of pumpkin patches, Sunday dinners with the family and more. Cooking or baking using those family recipes helps reconnect us.
With that in mind, we’re sharing some of the featured recipes at On Your Table that capture that shift.
Fall Recipes to Warm the Soul
Knoephla Soup
Rich, creamy, and stuffed with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dumplings (and also one of our most frequently searched recipes) knoephla soup is the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Especially on chilly autumn evening. Get the recipe
Chicken Dumpling Soup
This is classic snow-day comfort food. Cubed chicken, carrots, broccoli, onions, simmered long and slow, and topped with pillowy dumplings. Perfect for when you want something soothing and familiar. Get the recipe
Sweet Potato Chili
Sam Vangsness shared this recipe in her post, The transition from summer to fall. It’s an unexpected take on chili, and blends ground beef (or pumpkin), sweet potatoes, beans, and plenty of spice. It’s hearty, colorful, loaded with autumn’s flavors. Topped with sour cream or avocado, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Read the post and get the recipe
Butternut Squash & Hazelnut Lasagna / Pumpkin Pancakes / Apple Pie
These outstanding recipes from My Complete Cooking’s Justin Segelstrom are festive, celebratory comfort recipes. The lasagna brings in the richness of squash and nuts; the pancakes are cozy for slow weekend mornings; and apple pie is fall in its purest form. Read the post and get the recipes
Ways to incorporate these recipes
Pick one comfort recipe this week and schedule it into your dinner plans, not because you have to, but because you want to start making new family memories.
Use what’s in season: apples, sweet potatoes, squash. Let those colors and tastes guide your meals.
Bake something that fills the kitchen with those glorious smells (we have a couple of pumpkin recipes in the dessert section that fit the bill). Let the baking process itself become part of the comfort.
This fall, let your kitchen be a place of warmth and nourishment. Let us use comfort food not just because we crave it, but because it reminds us we are part of the cycles of growing, harvesting, and ultimately, the seasons of life.
Happy fall, ya'll! May your table be full, your heart warm, and your home cozy.