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Introduction
It seems that fall has finally made its way to sunny southern California. In honor of the long-awaited shift in temperature, I wanted to share some of my favorite foods and drinks that highlight common fall ingredients and flavors. I would encourage everyone who reads this to find out what fall produce is in season in your region and use those ingredients to create a delicious fall eats. Here in California, we get to enjoy pumpkin, many varieties of apple, cranberries, pears, figs, sweet potato, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, ginger, sage, rosemary, and thyme - all harvested during fall!
Exploring Fall Beverages
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
1 cup plant-based milk
1/4th cup brewed coffee or 1-2 shots of espresso
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1-2 tbsp maple syrup or agave
1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare milk. In a small pot over medium heat, combine the plant-based milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Whisk together and heat until steaming, about 3-5 minutes (don’t let it boil).
Step 2: Blend (optional): For a frothy texture, pour the mixture into a blender and blend for 10-15 seconds, or use a handheld frother.
Step 3: Combine. Pour the brewed coffee or espresso into your mug, then add the pumpkin-spiced milk. Sprinkle a bit of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
Enjoy this warm and cozy fall-themed drink at a cheaper cost than Starbucks!
Fall-Inspired Savory Dishes
Fall Harvest Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1 small sweet potato, cubed
1 cup Brussel sprouts, halved
1 small carrot, sliced
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
A handful of kale
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp dried cranberries
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the roasted veggies: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and carrots with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of cinnamon. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
Step 2: Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the bowl: Place the quinoa or brown rice as the base. Top with roasted veggies, chickpeas, and greens. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.
Step 4: Drizzle with dressing.
This Buddha bowl always hit the spot with its sweet, savory, spiced, warm notes. Curl up on the coach with a good movie and enjoy!
Sweet Indulgences
Apple Pie Turnovers:
Ingredients:
1 sheet pre-made vegan puff pastry
2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4th tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp cornstarch
3-4 tbsp vegan butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Thaw pastry dough if needed. Preheat oven to 400º F (200ºC).
Step 2: Prepare the filling. Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add sliced or diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook apples until soft and tender.
Step 3: Thicken sauce. Make a slurry (cornstarch + water) and add to pot, stirring until sauce has thickened. Remove pot from heat and let cool.
Step 5: Prepare pastry. Roll out dough slightly and cut pastry sheet into squares or lay out precut pastry dough. Lightly wet the perimeter of the pastry dough. Add about 1-2 tbsp of apple pie filling in the center and fold sides to form a triangle. Crimp perimeter of pastry with fork to seal edges. Melt vegan butter & brush top of each pastry. Cut slit into top of pastry to allow for ventilation.
Step 7: Bake. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and bake pastries for 10-15 minutes until browned and puffy.
Note: don't overfill the pastries or they might leak
Enjoy this warm gooey treat with some cold vanilla ice cream to take things up a notch!
Fall Flavors in Everyday Cooking
There are so many ways to incorporate fall flavors into your everyday meals! Adding a mixture of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger to your morning oatmeal, coffee, or baked goods infuses your fall favorites with the warmth and coziness of the autumn season.
Sprinkle rosemary, sage, thyme and garlic over your hearty stews, creamy soups or roasted vegetables for an earthy, full-bodied flavor that tantalizes both the nose and the tongue.
Slice fresh apples or pears into salads for a refreshing, sweet contrast to savory ingredients like nuts, greens, and vegan cheese.
Roast carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme for a delicious, hearty side dish.
Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash can be used in soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, or as a base for Buddha bowls.
Sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds over salads, grain bowls, or roasted veggies for a pop of color and a sweet-tart burst that complements savory dishes.
Combine maple syrup with mustard, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for a fall-inspired marinade or glaze for roasted veggies.
Conclusion
Autumn's beauty lies in its warm, earthy flavors and comforting aromas that fill the senses with coziness and nostalgia. Rich scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend with the natural sweetness of apples, pears, and pumpkins, evoking memories of spiced cider and homemade pies. Savory herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, bring depth to hearty dishes, while roasted root vegetables and squashes add a satisfying warmth. Each flavor and aroma captures the season's essence—a gentle, golden embrace that invites us to slow down, savor, and find comfort in simple, nourishing moments. Embrace the beauty of fall by exploring its rich flavors—from crisp apples to roasted squash. Let each meal be a celebration of the season’s warmth and comfort.
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