FALL FAVORITE MEALS
The time of the year when the clocks fall back an hour and it starts getting dark at 4:30, I feel like I should be in bed by 6. For me, shorter days means really cramming in the things that I want to get done, and major prioritizing. One thing that I have found that makes life so much easier is pre-planning dinner. Sometimes, pre-planning can be great in theory, but when you sit down to write your grocery list, your mind goes BLANK (at least mine does). So, with daylight savings in full effect (and the urge to cozy up on the couch more than ever), I wanted to put together a blog post of easy dinner ideas. These are all very simple, with little twists to help make dinner a little less basic and something more to look forward to.
Fall Favorite Meals:
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup with homemade croutons
Although you can’t beat a grilled cheese with American cheese, I love love love mine with Swiss cheese. It is my absolute favoriteeee. It’s a simple twist, but one that I personally don’t see people do often, plus it could be a fun way to mix it up!
The second half; Tomato soup. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a match made in heaven, hard to have one without the other. I have personally never made tomato soup from scratch (And I will attempt it at some point) but for now Cambpells it is. An easy way to make your soup a little extra yummy, I suggest making your own croutons. Such a simple way to elevate your meal (see how to below)
Chili and Corn Bread
I love some good chili, but I LIVE for corn bread. I never use to be a huge fan until a few years ago. It is such an easy side to make (from a box) OR I would highly suggest stopping in at your local market to see if they have any fresh. If you are local to the Pittsburgh/Western PA area Market District/Giant Eagle makes some mean mini corn bread loafs that can get me in trouble.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
No one makes chicken noodle like my mom, and I am thankful that she is able to teach me her ways. Chicken noodle soup is so simple, but yet the most fulfilling soul food out there. Homemade noodles are great, but a ton of work. SO, a secret and easy way to make your soup the bees knees, purchase frozen egg noodles. They. are. chunky. thick. and. life. changing. Linking them here so you know what to look for at a store near you!
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Ladies!!!! Do not forget to use your Instant Pot!! It is your friend!!! But really, sometimes I think when you think of an instant pot, you may think you need to make some fancy new recipe. However, I think it is also important to use it to make your life easier. For instant pot spaghetti, I would just put your favorite sauce combination into the cooker along with your choice of meat (we usually do mini meatballs) in the morning and set it to cook! All you have to do is cook your spaghetti before you eat and your’e done!
Butternut Squash
Take advantage of buttercup squash being in season. I think it is a perfect addition to a simple meal. To make it I cut it in half, spread butter, brown sugar and bake for an hour plus (pending on the size of your squash) at 325 temperature wise
Homemade Croutons
What you’ll need:
Baguette Bread
Butter (around 3 Tablespoons of stick butter)
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Salt
What to do:
Cut your baguette into cubed pieces
Melt butter
Mix melted butter with cubed baguette pieces.
Tip:You may have to add more butter depending on how much bread you are using. You will want a nice covering on all of your pieces, but for them not to be drenched.
After your butter and bread are combined, toss in Italian seasoning, some salt and garlic powder. I just eyed this part out, I didn’t want my croutons to be over powering so I only covered them lightly.
Once you have combined all of these things, you can now place them on a baking sheet and bake them on 325 for 10 minutes.
Once crisp, time to eat! Sealed in an air tight container, they should stay good for a few days. However they are definetly best once they are fresh.
Enjoy!
