Fun Fall Food

 Howdy all!  Here we are into another week already.  I surely hope you are all safe and well. 

It is another cool morning - so refreshing out.  The moon was bright and full again this morning when I got up.  Fed the critters and the cats already.  Licorice ate outside and then he went exploring the yard, and then to the greenhouse for a snug bed nappy!  Bitsy is still going from door to door and window to window!  These sweeties sure keep me amused.

                    Some wildflowers picked with mallow, and a backdrop of tomatoes galore!

Today let's talk about fall foods!  It is that time when we think about all things fall.  Candles, leaves, comfy beds, throws, sweatshirts, football, yummy foods and snacks.  I think about comfort food!  I love comfort food!  Don't get me wrong, I do love all the summer goodies - but by the time fall gets here, I really am craving comfort food.  I am one of those seasonal eaters!

You can use your pantry and freezers and make all kinds of fun eats for little or nothing.  Just take a moment or two to creative.

I mentioned that I made hot pockets last week.  They were so easy.

This was what I had for dinner - and I made 2 others (bigger) for the freezer for another time.  Makes for a quick meal in the future.  I did mine with pizza fixings, but you can use anything.  Pizza, chili, stew, shredded leftover meat, veggies, mac n cheese (even fruit) - stuff them with whatever you have!!!  I made pizza dough, rolled it out thin.  I cut in pieces and put filling on half and then crimped edges, add a few vent holes.  The other 2 are more square and a little bigger (I will use one of them w/salad).  I used the air fryer for 10-15 minutes (turned over once) at 350*. 

Now you could make them much smaller - as in 'bites' for a quick snack after school or after work.

How fun and my goodness - tasty!

My little stuffed patty pan squash!  The squash itself is about the size of a fist - so a half piece is not big.  Great as a side for dinner, or again, as a snack when coming home (eat just 1).  I cut in half, de-seeded, steamed for about 3 minutes in microwave, and then added cream cheese, cheddar shredded, chopped onion, garlic powder and baked in air fryer.  350* for about 10 minutes.  They taste so good. 

Again use what you have.  Top with chili and cheese, taco meat and cheese, stuffing like stuffed peppers, whatever cheese you have, use leftover mac n cheese - the toppings are endless.

You could do this with about any type of squash.

MINI S'MORES

Use vanilla wafers or pieces of graham crackers - top with mini chips and mini marshmallows (3 or 4 of each) whatever fit and add another cookie or wafer on top.  Microwave until marshmallows puff - about 5-10 seconds.  Let them set for a minute - they are hot - then devore a yummy snack!

** I have a gas stove and have been known to stick a large marshmallow on the end of a fork and roast over the burner!  Hey, when there is a will there is a way!  LOL

EASY APPLE CRISP

6 nice apples, cored, peeled and sliced

1/3 C butter, melted

3/4 C brown sugar, packed

3/4 C quick oats (uncooked)

1/2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place sliced apples in a buttered 11 x7 pan.  Combine other ingredients and then sprinkle over the apples.  Bake 350* until apples are soft (about 35 minute).

Super easy and tasty.  Great and sort of healthy snack or a super dessert.

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

8 oz. pack of cream cheese (softened)

3/4 C brown sugar (packed)

1/2 C butter (melted)

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all the ingredients together and mix thoroughly.  Refrigerate for about 2 hours.  Makes about 2 cups.

Serve with sliced apples or any type of fruit you have.  I am thinking pears, strawberries, apples, peaches, bananas, oh my!!!!!!  Also yummy with graham crackers or sugar cookies.

Treats don't have to be complicated or fussy.  Homemade cookies, brownies, sweet breads, biscuits with butter and jelly.  Shoot, even makes up a bunch of small pancakes - when ready to eat them - warm and add a little jelly or chocolate or fruit.

I remember getting a snack once in a while as a kiddo of cinnamon/sugar toast!  I still do that once in a while now!  Mom would also mix peanut and syrup together and I would have on saltines.  NUMMY

I still love PB and sliced apples!  I do that fairly often.

Popcorn is also a great, cheap snack.  You can make it plain or add any type of flavorings you want to change it up.

I am so ready for homemade soups, chili, and stew!  Those are my huge comfort foods!  Cooler days really get my mind going.  I am a foody - nothing fancy - but I do love food.

I am on my continuing endeavor to use up things I have had around for a while.  I really doubt that I will need the grocery this month, except maybe wet cat food and litter.

I have plenty of milk, eggs, and cheese.  I am still eating fresh produce from the garden and that should continue for quite a bit.  I have a freezer full and a big pantry and I am set.

It is amazing how well you can eat if you just look around and use up what you have.

Get outside yourself and your normal ways of eating and get creative.  Make it your mission to not shop for a good couple week (or longer) and use some of the things you have in a new and creative way.

Have fun with making fun fall foods.

There are tons of things to do - I will give more ideas as the temps change more.

What are your favorite fall bites????

Have a superb day and enjoy it for all its wonderful glory!!!!!