Shutterstock
August is finally over, and although early September is still pretty steamy in many parts of the US, I for one am turning my thoughts to autumn. Here’s how to get into the spirit of fall with tasty–yet not too filling–food and drink.
Is it even fall without a PSL? Some coffee shops have already started breaking out the best flavor of the year, but you can also whip one of these beauties up at home.
Try an iced version with cold brew coffee, cream or non-dairy creamer, a splash of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup, and half a teaspoon of pumpkin spices. If you don’t use a sweetened vanilla syrup, then make sure to add sugar to taste.
Shake it up, or put the mixture in a blender with ice for a frappe.
The name might sound fancy, but there’s no easier version of apple pie than the humble galette. All you need is a couple of nice, crisp apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Chop your apples and toss them with the other ingredients, then dump everything onto a pre-made pie crust. Fold the edges up to contain the filling and bake until golden brown. If you want to get fancy, add a handful of pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Controversial opinion: French toast is superior to pancakes and waffles.
Get some rich, sturdy bread like challah and cut into thick slices. Dunk the bread in a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and the secret ingredient of ground cardamom. This warming Indian spice will take your French toast to the next level! It adds an aroma reminiscent of chai, and in fact, a chai latte would be perfect with this dish.
Fry your slices of toast in butter on a griddle or non-stick pan and then serve with fruit and whipped cream or maple syrup.
If you want a nourishing dish that’s perfect for meal prep, consider making a big batch of pumpkin soup! It’s easy to make both vegetarian and dairy-free–or you can use chicken stock and cream.
If you’re feeling adventurous, roast your own pumpkin. Otherwise, pick up a can of puree (not pumpkin pie mix) and combine with half-and-half or coconut milk, a dash of maple syrup, garlic, salt and pepper, pumpkin pie spices, and either chicken stock or vegetable stock.
Simmer it all together, then put in the blender for a smooth, creamy, delicious meal! Serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad.
