Maggie's Fall Recipe Recommendations
Buddha Bowls
These fall themed Bowls are perfect for any chilly November night. Buddha Bowls are simply a combination of any sort of carb(usually rice), vegetables, protein(tofu or beans), and a specialty sauce. Packed with the warm flavors of roasted vegetables, the secret ingredient, Trader Joe’s Spicy Pumpkin Curry Simmer Sauce, adds the perfect hint of spice.
Instructions:
- Cut broccoli into florets and potatoes into wedges. Lightly toss in olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper, I recommend adding additional herbs to potatoes.
- Use pre-cut squash cubes (regular squash is very difficult to cut) and drizzle with real maple syrup before seasoning lightly with salt.
- Drain chickpeas and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic (all to taste)
- Turn the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place all the vegetables onto a baking sheet, letting it cook evenly for 30 minutes. Aim to cut all vegetables into similar size pieces.
- Boil water and add white or brown rice, cook until water absorbs. Make sure to follow packet instructions for specific rice to water ratio and expected cook time.
- Toast pumpkin seeds in the oven for 2-4 minutes.
- On the stove top, heat up Trader Joe’s Simmer Sauce.
- In a bowl, lay down rice, add vegetables, drizzle with sauce and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Homemade Chili:
Every Halloween, I serve this chili in a round pumpkin bowl with a cup of hot apple cider. For those of you who don’t appreciate a warm crockpot meal, this will change everything. Though Halloween has passed, this spicy yet comforting bowl of soup can still be enjoyed throughout November.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats
This dish is classic breakfast oatmeal taken to the next level. The best part about this recipe is the apple, my favorite fall produce of all time. I guarantee it will be the perfect nutritious, yet still delicious, start to your morning. I would recommend accompanying the dish with a warm cup of pumpkin spice coffee if you are really looking to set a fall morning mood.
Instructions:
- In large bowl combine brown sugar, baking powder, oats, cinnamon, and salt
- In another bowl whisk the eggs, butter, and milk. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Cut the apple into small chunks and spread on top of oatmeal.
- Sprinkle it with cinnamon and serve with warm milk of choice.
Happy cooking!
Places to visit
Johansen’s Farms
A quick twenty minute drive from North, Johansen’s Farms is the attraction where you can do it all. Featuring a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and a bakery, this is the perfect one-stop shop for the fall.
710 W Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Honey Hill Orchard
It’s not too late to make a stop at Honey Hill Orchards to pick your own apples - but you’d better hurry before the season comes to a close! The orchard is approximately a forty-five minute drive from North, making it the perfect day trip to spend with your family or friends.
11783 Waterman Rd., Waterman, IL 60556
Grace's Fall Food Review
Snacks
Enjoy some fall-inspired snacks from your local Trader Joe’s with ratings from The North Star staff.
Rating: 4/5
A delicious, bite size treat with pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla flavors and a crunch of pecan.
Fall Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte 𑁋 Starbucks ($4.95, Grande)
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew 𑁋 Dunkin’ Donuts ($3.98, Medium)
Hot or Iced Maple Latte 𑁋 Peete’s Coffee ($4.30, Medium)
Cinnamon Spice Tea 𑁋 Sweetwater's Coffee and Tea ($4.30)
Finally, some fall tunes
A playlist with throwback pop hits to get in the warm and fuzzy mood:
Credits:
Created with images by geralt - "autumn leaves foliage" • Valiphotos - "fall forest colorful"