I love being cozy. I love fluffy blankets and big sweatshirts and fuzzy socks. I like warm drinks with a good book, or a deep red wine with Netflix and chill and my favorite person (iykyk).
I also really love cozy fall food. Fall flavor is about so much more than pumpkin spice, but I definitely have a pumpkin recipe on this list. In recent years, I have done less recipe-creating and more studying and researching. I’m halfway through a functional medicine training program right now, so most of my focus is on surviving the day-to-day demands of real mom life and balancing that with work and study.
So I thought I’d do something different. I’m re-linking some of my favorite recipes that I’ve posted in the past. And if you think it’s just for your benefit, you’re wrong. I actually went back through the archives of recipe posts just so I could re-find recipes I loved and forgot about. It’s kind of like the shirt I recently found hanging in the back of my closet that I haven’t worn for years. I put it on, and voila, I got three compliments on that old thing!
Without further overexplaining (like all those annoying recipe ladies do), here’s a list of six of my favorite cozy fall recipes.
Dump and Blend Pumpkin Custard – Back when my boys were little and I was in a moms-of-preschoolers group at my church, I would bring this as a breakfast dish for the gluten free/dairy free/grain free crowd. It’s easy to make and I enjoy it both warm and cold. It can be a side dish for a holiday gathering, a dessert, or anytime you have an urge for pumpkin pie.
Ancestor’s Stew – Sometimes I really doubt my choice of recipe titles. In light of the fact that the number one show on Netflix right now is about Dahmer, I am currently doubting my title choice. Regardless, this is your typical hearty stew that I threw my own brain nutrient twist on, using bone broth as a base instead of regular broth.
Favorite Slow Cooker Potato Soup – My daughter literally just asked if it’s time for potato soup yet. She loves this stuff, and I’ve been making it since my teaching days. I would prep the ingredients the night before, then throw it in the slow cooker before I left for work. It’s one that goes by a lot of different names, one being Zuppa Toscana, but this version is dairy free, using coconut milk instead of whipping cream.
Green Lentil Curry – the most uncreative name on the list, this is one I make for myself to have on hand for lunch or dinner throughout the week, because, sigh, I am the only family member in my house who eats curry, or even lentils for that matter. I am not a vegan or a proponent of going without quality animal protein, but this is a surprising vegan dish that is packed with protein, thanks to the lentils, and the fullness factor, thanks to the fiber and fat.
Healthy Holiday Sides – this is my attempt to put a healthy spin on my favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes, sweet potato casserole and carrot souffle. They’re both delicious and filling and are the ultimate comfort side dishes.
Bone Broth for Beginners – It took me years to work up the courage to make bone broth from scratch, but it is SO EASY! The recipe will breakdown why you need it in your life.
I hope this list was helpful. If not for you, then it’s been fun for me to free these oldies but goodies from the archives and back into my grocery list! Reminder: nourishment comes in so many forms, and food is just one. Fall is a great time to connect with the people we care about most. Plan some quality time with a favorite person in your life. It will be nourishing to your soul.
