Pumpkin, Apple, and Cinnamon; Oh My!

By Katy Duncan, Contributing Blogger

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says, “Fall?” If you thought of pumpkins or apples, we’re on the same page and you’re in the right place for some tasty fall-inspired recipes. 

I’ve put together a recipe page of snacks and main dishes so you can prepare an entire day of fun fall food. These recipes are great for a potluck, Friendsgiving get-together, or if you’re just craving some fall foods. 

Snacks 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 

This classic treat is a great way to use the entirety of the pumpkin when you get one to carve into a jack-o-lantern and can be done in a variety of ways to get different flavor profiles. I’ve included some pumpkin seed roasting tips as well as flavor choices with this snack recipe. 

Ingredients: 

• Roasting Tip: Amounts of ingredients can vary. Use the pumpkin seeds you have and sprinkle spices on them to your liking! 
• Pumpkin Seeds 
• Salt 
• Flavor Blend Option #1: Olive oil, chili powder, and curry powder. 
• Flavor Blend Option #2: Butter, sugar, and cinnamon 
• Flavor Blend Option #3: Butter or olive oil, garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper. 

Directions: 

• Separate your seeds from the pumpkin pulp as best you can. Once separated, rinse seeds till clean. 
• Tip: Boil pumpkin seeds for 2-3 minutes in saltwater to add an extra salty flavor. ● Spread pumpkin seeds onto a baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels. ● Coat pumpkin seeds in the flavor blend of your choice. 
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake pumpkin seeds for 10-20 minutes or till seeds are golden brown. Turning every 5 minutes to get an even roast. 
• Let cool slightly and enjoy! Store seeds in an airtight container for up to two weeks for an easy snack. 

Baked Apples 

This fall food trend has been making the rounds on social media and I had to try it out. Spoiler alert: It’s like a deconstructed apple pie, super tasty, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Most of the ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard too!

Ingredients: 

• 2 Apples 
• ¼ Cup Brown Sugar 
• ¼ Cup Oats 
• 1 Tablespoon Butter (soft) 
• A Drizzle of Maple Syrup and/or Caramel 
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Cranberries 
• 2 Tablespoons Crushed Walnuts 

Directions: 

• Wash apples and cut off the top. Hollow out the center of the apple with a spoon or melon scooper. 
• Prepare filling by adding all ingredients in a bowl. Once mixed together, add the mixture to the center of the apple. 
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 7-10 minutes or till the skin of the apple begins to shrivel. 
• Let cool and enjoy! 

Main Dishes 

Butternut Squash Soup 

Mmmm. Good soup. Fall represents the weather cooling down and comfort foods making a comeback, like soup. Butternut squash soup is particularly a fall food and can be great as a main dish or side dish. It also smells amazing while you’re cooking it so you don’t need to light that pumpkin spice candle you just got. 

Ingredients: 

• Butternut Squash 
• 2-3 Carrots 
• 1 Yellow Onion 
• 1 Apple 
• Two Medium-Sized Potatoes 
• 1 Cup Coconut Milk 
• 3-4 Cups Vegetable Stock 
• Spice Blend: Salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg 

Directions: 

• Wash, peel, and chop vegetables and fruit into small chunks. Add all ingredients into a crockpot or large pot besides the coconut milk. 
• You can cook this on high for 3-4 hours or slow cook it on low for 6-8 hours (I recommend slow cooking it, personally.) 
• After the desired cooking time has passed and ingredients are a nice, soft texture, remove from heat and add the coconut milk.
• Pour soup mixture into a blender and blend till desired consistency. 
• Pour into serving bowls and enjoy! 

Homemade Bread 

Is it the beginning of the fall season or the start of quarantine? Folks are baking just as much bread in either scenario but I’ll clue you in on the answer. It’s the fall season and the ideal time to hone in on those bread-making skills. You’ll need them for the rest of the chilly, wintery months. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 Cups Warm Water 
• ½ Cup White Sugar 
• 1 ½ Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast 
• 1 Tablespoon Salt 
• ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil 
• 4-5 Cups Flour 

Directions: 

• Mix together in a bowl the water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll see the mixture start to puff up as the yeast begins to activate. 
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well for approximately 2-3 minutes. ● Cover and let rise for at least one hour. Allowing your dough to rise near a heat source or sunny window is a great idea. 
• After the dough has risen, you can knead it, punch it, and take your frustrations out on it before placing it in a bread pan. 
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake bread for about 30 minutes or till internal temperature is about 200 degrees. 
  
  

I look forward to familiar fall flavors all year. Pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon; oh my! The best part is, all of these recipes can be modified to fit dietary restrictions and will still taste just as great. They’re sure to be a hit!