Fall and winter used to be a time in my house when my mom would break out the crock pot and cook all the comfort food that summer wouldn’t allow us to have. Hot chocolate and chili would heat the whole house with its smell.
Fall is a time to be extra. Some find it grey, some huddle in their sweaters as they wait for the cold rain to stop and the snow to begin, but I find it crisp and a time to huddle in, be comfortable and do all the inside stuff I felt guilty for doing in the summer.For example, cooking great food that can go with any movie. However, I don’t like putting too much effort into my creativity of cooking and my time can’t be spent meal prepping for hours on end, so don’t worry if you’re meek about cooking for here are some easy and simple fall meals for those cold nights.
Pizza Buns
These have been a staple every fall and winter at my house. Shredded cheese, pasta sauce and whatever pizza topping that you want are all you need to mix together. Usually I have pepperoni or just plain cheese in my mix. Spoon this simple pizza mix on a hamburger bun and toast it in either an oven or toaster oven until the cheese is completely melted. It’s a cheap and easy meal. It could sound like you might as well just have a pizza, but there’s something about the bun that adds a whole new element to this cold night treat.
Pumpkin/cinnamon pancakes
Pancakes don’t have to be boring. Any simple pancake mix can be spiced up with a couple of extra ingredients. Cinnamon can be a fun fall change up in a plain, everyday meal. A spoon full of pumpkin pie filling can also add that pumpkin spices and taste. Any sort of nuts can add a touch of crunch into your mix as well.
Apple Cider Floats
An apple cider float being enjoyed in the largest glass that could be found; Photo by Madelaine Formica
You might have heard about root beer floats, but here’s a fall take on a summer classic. This treat can either be enjoyed hot or cold. Just fill up a glass with apple cider, then drop in a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The spices in the Apple Cider will be offset by the ice cream, allowing for a sweet drink.
Crock pot Hot Chocolate
Even if you don’t have a crock pot, this drink can be made also on the stove in the pot. Mix chocolate chips and milk to satisfy the sweet tooth. Mint, peppermint or even orange extract can make an old favorite into an original fight against the cold.
Stuffed Apple Ice cream
Replace the fun of carving out a pumpkin with the ease of hollowing out an apple to create a bowl. Place vanilla ice cream inside of the edible bowl and top with caramel, chocolate or both. The tartness of green apples will pair nicely with a mild ice cream.
Food can make a cold night into a fun night in. It can be simple to tweak an old and true recipe. Anything can be made into your own even if it is a small change.