Cinnamon, Spice and Everything Nice: 5 Healthy Fresh Fall Recipes
It may not be officially fall quite yet, but with the school semester started and the chill creeping back in to the air, it is sure starting to feel like it. All those crisp, cool meals perfect for summer seem a little past their date as fall produce is starting to hit the shelves.
These recipes are the perfect balance: warm, comforting, quick, easy, and delicious. Work them into your meal times this week to break out of your summertime foodie rut and start easing your way into autumn.
Butternut squash soup: Something about cooler air practically requires soup. It’s a great snack or meal option, and a great way to get in your serving of veggies. You can buy Butternut Squash soup by the can or carton at your local grocery store – or make an affordable, fresh, delicious version yourself that will last you several servings. This recipe from the Brown Eyed Baker is rich, creamy and indulgent, but packs a serving veggies too. Plus, once you add all your ingredients, all you have to do is let it simmer. Dinner is served!
Pumpkin Hummus: This is the season of pumpkin everything – but have you tried pumpkin hummus? It makes a great, health-packed snack option. Try it with crudités, pretzels, or cubes of hearty bread. The Fitnessista’s blog brings us an amazingly simple recipe: all you have to do is mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree with one can of drained and rinsed chickpeas (reserve a little of the can liquid). Then add 1/4 C liquid form the can, drizzle of olive oil, juice from 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt (to taste) and a hefty pinch of cayenne if you like a little kick of heat.
Apple Crisp: Apple crisp may be the ultimate autumn comfort food. Pick up a bag of farm-fresh apples, on sale at most grocery stores this time of year, and try this recipe from Ina Garten for a cinnamon-y, sweet weeknight treat.
Zucchini Chips: Zucchinis are everywhere right now. Not sure how to cook one? Try this recipe from the Food Network. Turning a veggie into parmesan-cheesy chips? Yes please! Pack these for a quick, healthy snack for a long day on campus or at work.
Popcorn: Popcorn makes a great midday or nighttime snack. If your pop your own popcorn, you save a lot of money and nix a lot of the salt, artificial flavorings, and fat that lurk in the store-bought bags. Plus, you get to play around with toppings. Pop your popcorn on the stove with a little olive oil and microwave a tablespoon or two of peanut butter and honey and drizzle it on top. Try sprinkling your popcorn with parmesan cheese, or for a spicy kick, add salt and cayenne pepper with a little olive oil.