The best pumpkin and apple recipes to make you feel like fall
The chill in the air descends and while it’s certainly not easy to let go of summer, I recently read that autumn is a great reminder that sometimes letting go can be a good thing- ie trees dropping their leaves to usher in the next season. Thankfully every season does bring specific things to look forward to- whether it be a local town fair in the fall (we’re talking about Dillsburg’s Farmer’s Fair), cozy recipes, or rekindling nostalgic memories of childhood. On the east coast, our years are marked by the seasons, especially in Pennsylvania where our gluten free granola is made in our bakery cafe. Each batch is handmade and baked just for you! Baking is an undoubtedly fall activity and this time of year we especially love whipping up apple and pumpkin recipes. While your mind may automatically jump to sweet, these fall staples can also become excellent accompaniments to savory meals. Read on for meal-worthy inspiration for this time of year (and we may have to include a dessert or two).
Mains:
Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Yep, cheese isn’t the only orange component in this hearty and nourishing fall meal! This recipe is super easily modified- choose your pasta preference (I love Jovial’s Gluten Free Brown Rice), add whichever green veggies are hanging in your fridge (broccolli would be great!), and omit the bacon to make it vegetarian. This recipe tastes like it shouldn’t be good for you and yet it’s made with nourishing whole foods ingredients- packing a double veggie punch thanks to the pumpkin! Yum!
Find the recipe here: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/pumpkin-mac-and-cheese/
Apple Cider Pork Chops with Apples and Onion
Follow this recipe to a tee, or cut down on active cooking time by placing all the ingredients into a slow cooker for the day! I have also replaced the pork chops with a pork roast or tenderloin in the crock-pot. The apples and onion cook down to create lovely autumnal aromatics for the meat. My favorite is letting a larger cut of meat cook all day, shred it with a fork and have enough to stretch across multiple meals for the week, shredding the pork amongst the apple slices. I’d recommend picking up some apples from a local orchard and opting to use the cider for the marinade.
Find the recipe here: https://www.marthastewart.com/342231/pork-chops-with-apples-and-onions
Something sweet:
Pumpkin Pudding
Sweetened only with honey and maple syrup and paleo, dairy free, and egg-free this dessert can pass as your meal’s serving of veggies- but it is oh so satisfying! It’s creamy, filling, and perfectly spiced- and could be eaten as a bedtime snack or breakfast! With gut-healing ingredients like gelatin (I use Vital Proteins Unflavored) and healthy fat from coconut milk, this pudding is a powerhouse without any processed additives like you’d find in puddings from the store. Simple ingredients you may have in your pantry right now- this is a treat you can truly feel good about eating!
Find the recipe here: https://againstallgrain.com/2014/11/20/pumpkin-pudding-egg-free-dairy-free/
Apple Pie Smoothie
I am of the opinion that no matter the temperature, a smoothie is always a welcomed addition to my day. I love smoothies because they can be easy to take as a breakfast on the go or filling enough to satisfy hunger cravings throughout the day, or as a meal replacement if you’re in a bind. They’re also an excellent medium to add any supplements or extra nutrient dense ingredients to (think collagen, chia seeds, olive oil, maca powder, etc). Smoothies are so easily modifiable to fit whatever parameters you need for your dietary style. This smoothie is quintessential september- complete with fresh apples, oats (adds a hearty element), and a bit of refined-sugar free molasses (can sub dates). If you’re like me you may try this and find yourself making it daily, a delicious and nutritious routine.
Find the recipe here: https://www.natalieshealth.com/apple-pie-smoothie/