Recipes for this Fall As summer winds down pretty quick, I took wind down the exercising, healthy eating, and all that good stuff! But to be fair, it’s quite a good balance, half a year of healthy eating and habits and as fall and winter comes along, I quickly start to ease into stretchy pants oversized coat look happily! Now that it is clear and official that the calorie counter has been put away, let me introduce to you some of my favorite fall recipes! Keep in mind, I have included some that may require some ‘culinary skills’ and others none at all, so I’m sure you’ll find one or two that are perfect for you! Also, considering you won’t be at your “prime” body, at least you can show that all the fall/winter/holiday weight (whatever you call it) was worth it from these delicious dishes!

1.) Cinnamon Sugar Apples – sweet and simple!

Preparation:

• Place cut apple pieces (with peel), ground cinnamon, sugar (separately, or even just cinnamon sugar) in a resalable plastic bag, and toss to combine. Then let set at room temperature for 30 mins or refrigerate up to 6 hours.

• PS: the longer it sits the better it tastes

2.) Baked Ziti – a perfect family meal!

Preparation:

• Heat butter in a medium saucepan until foamy. Sprinkle flour over and Cook, stir whisking constantly, for about 1 Minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer, stirring/whisking often, until thickened to about the consistency of heavy cream 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat then add 2 cups Parmesan Cheese, whisking until melted and sauce is smooth. Set aside.

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta, until golden brown, for about 2 minutes. Add: onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper (to taste). Cook, until onion is golden and soft, for about 8–10 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

• Add whole peeled tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go, and season with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook, until slightly reduced and flavors have melded, approximately 20–25 minutes. Let cool slightly, pour the sauce into a blender; blend until smooth close to a puree. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper.

• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water and a olive oil, until very al dente, and drain.

• Transfer reserved béchamel to a large bowl; add pasta and mozzarella and toss to combine. Add all but 1 cup tomato sauce and gently fold mixture a few times, leaving streaks of béchamel.

• Transfer pasta mixture to a 13x9" baking dish, dollop with remaining tomato sauce, and scatter remaining Parmesan over pasta. Bake until mozzarella is melted and sauce is bubbling around the edges, approximately 15–20 minutes.

• Heat broiler. Broil until pasta and cheese are dark brown in spots, about 4 minutes. Let pasta sit 5 minutes before serving.

3.) Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash – Fall Staple!

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 400F Degress.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and/or spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

• Spread the butternut squash cut cube pieces on the baking sheet evenly. Drizzle evenly on all olive oil and then generously sprinkle ground cinnamon, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Toss all the ingredients together using your hands or tongs, make sure each piece is coated with all.

• Place in the oven for approximately 35-40minutes, until the squash is tender. Remove from the oven and serve immediately or when cool, up to you!

4.) Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup – Keep yourself cozy!

Preparation:

• In a large pot over medium – high heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook chicken until golden, approximately 4 minutes per side, then place on a cutting board and chop into smaller pieces.

• Reduce heat and add a little oil if necessary (remaining oil), along with chopped onions, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir occasionally until tender and golden for approximately 8-10 minutes.

• Add chicken stock, increase heat to high and bring to simmer.

• Slowly stir in heavy cream, continue to stir and cook until thickened (approximately 15 minutes)

• Garnish with thyme and its ready to serve!

We hope you enjoy these delicious recipes that are sure to keep you cozy and warm this fall! Let us know how it goes, or if you have any recommendations!

PS: We know from experience that cooking with a glass of wine in your hand always makes it takes better!

Cheers!

Purnama