By Molly Morris, staff writer
There is nothing more delightful than a change of season, in my opinion. Fall is finally here and while some people bring out the sweaters and tights they’ve packed away, I bring out my recipe box.
I know we’re all college students living from box-to-box of Easy Mac, but I’m here to help bring out the inner culinarian in you. Whether you host a dinner night for your friends, or just simply cook something to appease your inner foodie as you curl up on the couch to watch “Harry Potter” marathons (because nothing feels more fall-ish than “Harry Potter,” am I right?), I’ve carefully curated a list of my top ten favorite fall recipes for you to whip up on the weekends.
This dish is a little deceptive; it sounds fancy and tastes amazing, but it is incredibly easy to make. The rosemary crust and shallots introduce a savory note and Gruyere cheese hints at smoky, sweet undertones. Not feeling the fancy vibe? Take out the rosemary and substitute regular white onions, spinach and white cheddar for a more traditional quiche experience.
I am all for grabbing something on-the-go in the mornings, and you can trade out your granola bars for these delightful and healthy breakfast cookies. Pair them with a rich chai latte or some apple cider (skip the Pumpkin Spice Latte!) and start the day with a smile on your face. I often ditch the dried cranberries and use dried cherries instead as they have a little more chew and flavor.
Sometimes you just need that blast of sugar in the morning (or noon, or evening) to treat yourself, and what’s more “fall” than donut holes and apple cider? Now you can combine the two flavors into one phenomenal treat. These are super easy and fun to make, and a healthier option as far as donuts are concerned, since they are baked rather than fried.
I feel like more than any other fall recipe, butternut squash soup is the most appropriate food for these changing, chilly months. Butternut squash is a great source of fiber and is loaded with potassium, which gives the body relief from stress and anxiety (good to eat before a presentation!). You can also do so much with this soup to customize it and make it your own — goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, bacon and ricotta.
This list wouldn’t be complete without a little “south in your mouth,” and what’s the most beloved Southern dish? If you said anything other than “mac and cheese,” you’re not a true Southerner (and I can say this because I’m from Michigan and my first answer was not mac and cheese). Amp up this classic dish with some mouthwatering BBQ chicken, and make it even better by using your own favorite BBQ sauce — Cherry Republic Spicy BBQ Sauce is mine!
Nothing is easier to make after a long day than homemade pizza, and I’m about to make it even easier for you: rustic bread. That’s right — buy a loaf at your favorite local bakery, slice it in half and top it with your favorite toppings. Be creative! Just because you’re an artist with brushes and pencils doesn’t mean you can’t be an artist with pesto and arugula. Just sayin’.
As the days get shorter and grey skies dominate the weather, it’s important to get a little Vitamin C action into your meals. This fruity, sweet salad is quick to make and can easily store in the fridge for a week’s worth of meals. Quinoa is a super grain too, so you’re bound to get a good dose of brain power if you lunch on this before midterms.
I had to put this recipe on the list because it’s my absolute favorite recipe that I’ve ever made. I will admit, it’s the most time-consuming and arduous of all the recipes listed here, but if prepared just as the directions say, your taste buds will applaud you. Martha Stewart sure knew what she was doing when she created this perfect fall dinner.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “Brussel sprouts? Aw, hell no!” But trust me when I say that this will change your childhood fear of the small, alien cabbage. This recipe also includes bacon, and who doesn’t love bacon? That’s right – nobody. The bacon fat softens the brussel sprouts as they cook and the dijon vinaigrette is so mouthwatering that I guarantee this will become a staple in your side dish inventory.
I made these one evening thinking that they’d be way too pretentious, and they were, but I’ll make them again and again and again because the flavors were just too good to be true. They’re fun to make and your kitchen will smell divine in the process. Plus your friends will be insta-impressed by your culinary prowess.
Alright, my little sous chefs — pull out your whisks and aprons and begin your culinary adventures! Share any favorite fall recipes that you love in the comments below.
