As autumn settles in and the weather turns cooler, it’s the perfect time to gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy hearty, comforting meals. At Park Cities at Home, our personal chefs are experts in creating delicious, seasonal dishes that not only satisfy the taste buds but also bring families together. This fall, let our skilled chefs take the hassle out of meal planning and preparation with these ten family-friendly recipes that showcase the best of fall flavors.
1. Hearty Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines the warmth of chili with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, and ground cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings, like shredded cheese or sour cream.
2. Apple-Cinnamon Pancakes
These apple-cinnamon pancakes bring a taste of fall to your breakfast table, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, and melted butter. Add the grated apple and ground cinnamon.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes with maple syrup and additional apple slices, if desired.
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese
This creamy butternut squash macaroni and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, adding a nutritious and seasonal touch that kids will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash puree
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the butternut squash puree and garlic powder. Add the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
4. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots
These maple-glazed roasted carrots are a simple and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce, perfect for adding a touch of fall flavor to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Carrots: Toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish.
5. Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping
These pumpkin muffins with a crunchy streusel topping are a perfect fall treat, ideal for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and sprinkle with the streusel topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Spiced Apple Cider
This spiced apple cider is a festive and warming beverage that’s perfect for enjoying on a chilly fall day with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat Cider: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Heat over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in brown sugar if desired.
- Serve: Strain out the spices and orange slices. Serve hot in mugs.
7. Autumn Vegetable Soup
This autumn vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious option that’s great for warming up on a cool fall day, and it’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, sweet potato, and butternut squash. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
If these fall dishes have your taste buds tingling, consider hiring a PCH Personal Chef to bring the flavor to your home dining table.