Life

Easy Fall Recipes For The Long Weekend

by Caitlin Morrison

Controversial opinion: I do not love fall. I think it's just OK. Flannels, changing leaves, and pumpkin lattes are all well and good, but frankly, the fewer hours of daylight make me a little glum. In turn, I've decided that the best defense is to eat my post-summer sorrows away, and take advantage of the cornucopia of seasonal fruits and veggies in the grocery store right now.

One nice thing about getting back to reality after Labor Day is remembering that the next three-day weekend is just a little over a month away. In my hungry (I mean, humble) opinion, there’s no better way to spend that extra time off than by cooking — especially since culinary-related ambitions prove such a challenge to tackle during the busy workweek. Whether watching Sunday football or having friends over for an autumnal potluck (or both at the same time!), you’re going to want some festive meals and snacks to celebrate this transitional season.

In partnership with SKYY Barcraft, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall recipes to try over the long weekend. If maneuvering your way around the kitchen isn't typically your forte, then fear not; all of these are novice-friendly.

1. Grilled Goat Cheese And Fig Chutney Sandwich

Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, which makes it ideal for a long weekend chow-down. This "grown-up" iteration takes things to the next level with goat cheese, fig chutney, and arugula. If you want to make your own chutney with fresh figs instead of using the jarred version (you aspiring young chef, you!), then go for it.

Recipe here.

2. Carbonara Pasta With Charred Brussels Sprouts

Pasta is perfect year-round, but since Brussels sprouts and mushrooms are both in season, this is an especially great pasta dish for autumn. Crispy pancetta and tangy Parmesan add richness, making this a perfect match for a chilly evening.

Recipe here.

3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin flavor is everywhere this time of year, of course, from coffee to cereal to protein bars. Not only does pumpkin taste delicious, but it also makes for aaaaamazingly moist baked goods. That's why these cookies are basically the best. I recommend using semisweet chocolate chips with this recipe. (Dark chocolate and pumpkin is the most underrated and scrumptious flavor combo out there, IMHO.)

Recipe here.

4. Slow-Cooked Vegetarian Chili with Farro

Fall makes me think of football tailgates — which in my mind, makes it the unofficial season of the slow-cooker. The hardest part of this recipe is chopping up vegetables. Otherwise, just throw everything together, and the slow cooker does all the work. (And if you don’t own a slow cooker, then what are you waiting for?) This dish is so hearty that it’s hard to believe there isn’t any meat.

Recipe here.

5. Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch

If you don’t imbibe cider at some point in October, then you’re doing it wrong. This recipe is a great place to start. In case the temperature itself doesn’t warm you up, this one has rum in it, which ought to do the trick. Whip some up when you have guests over, since the smell of orange and ginger will make your place smell like heaven. (Or like a Pier 1.)

Recipe here.

6. Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Lazy weekend mornings were made for warm, slow-cooked breakfasts, and here’s the perfect one. Quinoa — in all its versatility and protein-filled glory — makes an awesome substitute for oatmeal, while apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg add all the right fall flavors without being too sweet.

Recipe here.

7. Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

In case you’re already feeling nostalgic for summer barbecues, here’s a recipe for a warm pasta salad. It's a unique way to serve up butternut squash, which is a must-eat right now. You could probably sub any pasta shape in, but orecchiette is the best.

Recipe here.

8. Chocolate Caramel Apple Puppy Chow

Puppy. Chow. YUM! If you're attending a football gathering this weekend, make some of this seasonal puppy chow to bring and you’ll be the real MVP. Admittedly, this recipe doesn't technically call for any of the aforementioned seasonal fruits and veggies. But with Milky Way bars, brownie mix, and apple cinnamon cereal, I'm not even mad about it.

Recipe here.

9. Ginger-Peach Sangria

This super-easy cocktail allows you to hold on to summer while adding an autumnal ginger kick. Just mix one part SKYY Barcraft in White Sangria with two parts ginger beer over ice, stir three times, and garnish with whatever fruit you have on hand.

10. Butternut Squash And Kale Naan Pizza With Pancetta And Goat Cheese

Sometimes, I think making homemade pizza is a good idea. Then, as I try to manipulate the dough into anything resembling a flat circle, I start to regret my choices. Well, here’s a fancy pizza that’s actually super-easy to make. Delicious naan takes the place of regular dough, so a lot of the work is already done. Kale and butternut squash are both in season, and what better way to serve them than on a pizza?

Recipe here.

This article is sponsored by SKYY Barcraft . Get cash back on your purchase with this Groupon deal!

Images: emzee/Flickr; Foodiecrush; Brown Eyed Baker; Two Peas and Their Pod; Budget Bytes; Your Cup of Cake; Vikalinka; Cookie Monster Cooking (2); Rye On The Road; Cooking For Keeps.